A new chapter in women’s economic empowerment was ushered in on Thursday noon following the official signing of a landmark partnership between Empowered Women, a progressive organisation championing women’s emancipation, and Wanamari Financial Services.
The agreement will see members of Empowered Women gaining access to flexible and affordable loans aimed at supporting business growth and livelihood projects.
The initiative comes at a significant time during Women’s Month, reinforcing the critical role women play in building strong families and resilient communities.
Access to tailored financial services is widely viewed as a key driver in accelerating women’s economic independence and leadership.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Empowered Women Director Sibonokuhle Buhlungu described the partnership as a transformative step towards unlocking the full potential of women entrepreneurs.
“This partnership is a powerful milestone for us. For years, we have focused on equipping women with skills, confidence, and opportunities, but access to finance has remained a major barrier. Through this collaboration with Wanamari, we are now able to bridge that gap and empower women to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses,” said Buhlungu.
She added that the initiative aligns with the organisation’s broader vision of creating inclusive economic opportunities for women across different sectors.
On the other hand, Wanamari Financial Services reaffirmed its commitment to supporting grassroots entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
Wanamari Financial Services CEO Hillary Mushamuviri said the institution was proud to partner with an organisation that shares its vision of inclusive growth.
“As a fully registered financial services provider compliant with national regulations and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, we are committed to offering responsible and accessible financing solutions. This partnership allows us to directly support women entrepreneurs who are key drivers of economic activity in their communities,” the representative said.
Wanamari has built a reputation for supporting local start-ups through loan facilities designed to promote long-term sustainability and growth.
Through this collaboration, the two entities aim to expand opportunities for women-led enterprises, enabling them to scale operations, create employment, and reinvest in their communities.
The partnership is being celebrated under the #GiveToGain mantra, a philosophy centered on investing in women’s potential as a pathway to inclusive economic transformation.
As Zimbabwe continues to push for broader financial inclusion, initiatives such as this are expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that women are not only participants, but leaders in the country’s economic development.