Story by Grace Sibanda
A recent high-profile businesswomen’s conference held in Bulawayo highlighted the importance of digital tools and social media for maximising productivity and growth in today’s world.
Bulawayo’s women entrepreneurs are taking a proactive approach to the digital revolution, leveraging technology to maximise productivity and growth.
The event organised by Sipho Mazibuko, the founder of Esteemed Businesswomen, brought together businesswomen from all corners of Matabeleland along with South Africa-based actress and businesswoman Sophie Ndaba.
“It is important for women, especially here in Bulawayo to come together and not bring each other down so that we all succeed as a collective, we should do away with being selfish and work together to bring each other up,” said Mazibako.
Ndaba said, “I am excited to be in Bulawayo where I grew up and I am here to encourage other women in business and those who want to start. The market is huge and needs women who are ready to step up to the plate. It is very important that we have social media, we can reach a greater audience with it than to rely on traditional markets only.”
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women in business.
“SMEs play a pivotal role in the economic development of our country hence, I cannot emphasise enough the government’s capacitation drive of our SMEs. The world of business has changed and digitalisation is the way to go so, I encourage our women to go digital and to also formalise their operations.”
The conference stressed the importance of adopting digital tools in expanding markets, innovating products and reaching a wider customer base.
