Story by Tamuka Charakupa
VILLAGE Business Units (VBUs) are increasingly playing a transformative role in rural Zimbabwe, fostering collective entrepreneurship, creating sustainable livelihoods, and driving community development.
Government initiatives to empower rural communities through VBUs are beginning to yield tangible results. Finland Village in Makonde Ward 5 has emerged as a notable success, as residents leverage the initiative to boost local economic activity.
Established in 2023, the Green Finland VBU has evolved from a small community project into a registered private company, unlocking access to formal markets, financing, and growth opportunities.
“When we started in 2023, our vision was simple, to work together as a community and turn our ideas into sustainable businesses. Registering as a private company has changed everything. We can now approach markets with confidence, apply for loans and plan for expansion. This is no longer a survival project, it is a business that belongs to the people of Finland,” Green Finland VBU chairperson, Mr Simon Shoko said.
A major boost to the community has been a solar-powered borehole, which is providing clean and reliable water, ending years of dependence on the Angwa River, especially during dry seasons.
“Life has changed for us. We used to walk long distances to the river, and the water was not always safe. Now we have clean water right here, and that gives us time to focus on our projects and our families,” farmer, Mrs Nyaradzo Mucheche said.
“While we are not yet there as per our wishes, this business unit or nutritional garden has created income for us. We can pay school fees and reinvest in farming inputs. We now see farming as something that can transform the face of our community,” farmer, Mrs Macron Muchero said.
“As village head, I want to thank the Second Republic for rolling out an inclusive development policy. My community has transformed, and through this VBU, we have learnt to work as a team and to think like business people. The benefits are not only financial, but even our confidence as a community has grown,” Katuka Village Head, Mr Enerst Katuka said.
Government, through extension workers, is also providing technical support to established village business units to ensure increased productivity.
“As Agritex, we are providing extension services to farmers by offering continuous training, technical advice and on-the-ground support, in line with government food security targets. Our focus is to help farmers improve productivity, adopt modern farming methods and ultimately turn farming into a viable and sustainable business,” Agritex Officer, Ward 5, Mr Mushambi Tigere said.
With thousands of Village Business Units now established across the country, the model is fast becoming a key pillar in anchoring rural development, creating jobs, boosting food security and empowering communities.
