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Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]

ON Tuesday, 35 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) graduates from Matabeleland region were capped by US Embassy Public Diplomacy Officer, Rebecca Archer-Knepper at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) in Bulawayo.

AWE provides women entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and networks needed to start and scale successful businesses. Through online courses and in person trainings, mentorship, and site visits, participants make their businesses investor ready.

In her congratulatory remarks, Archer-Knepper encouraged the graduates to be impactful in their immediate communities.

“I would like to thank our implementing partner, Purse on Point, the Academy facilitation teams, support networks, the press, and most importantly, our Bulawayo graduates for joining us.

“As you move forward, remember that Zimbabwe’s business community needs your creativity, your leadership, and your vision. You will not only improve the economic outlook for your families and communities, but you will also inspire others to pursue their dreams,” she said.

AWE graduate, Sibhekinkosi Sigola with her seed funding cheque

To cap off proceedings, a quartet of the graduates were presented with seed funding of US$1 000 each with Archer-Knepper and Purse on Point Director, Thubelihle Ndlovu, presiding over.

The quartet were Martinagema Moyo, Elizabeth Chimuti, Faith Mutete, and Sibhekinkosi Sigola.

In Zimbabwe, AWE capped a cumulative number of 105 graduates in Harare, Mutare, and Bulawayo.

One of the graduates, Sebeletso Ngwenya of Sely’s Cosmetics said the learning period was an eye-opener with job formalisation being the crown jewel.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me as I learnt that without one formalising their business ventures, they are not yet into business. Formalising our businesses is key and that was the most-important take-away for me. Being tax-complaint, fully-registered and having good record-keeping skills makes it a formal business,” she said.

In Zimbabwe, AWE has been helping female entrepreneurs thrive since 2019 and is already preparing for the 2025 cohort.

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