THE United States embassy has launched the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), which is aimed at reducing uncertainty in businesses led by women.
Speaking during the launch this week, US ambassador to Zimbabwe, Pamela Tremont said the programme was meant to promote enterprenuership among women in business.
“The AWE aims to reduce some of the uncertainties in new businesses, as starting a business can be scary and full of uncertainty and challenges,” she said.
“AWE is continually expanding its reach to support a broader community of women entrepreneurs and provide seed funding to graduates through a range of public-private partnerships with US leaders in business, the public sector and academia.
“Your efforts to transform informal hustles into legitimate, employment-creating ventures will inspire others to see the potential here in Zimbabwe for business partnerships,” she said.
The AWE programme aligns with the US strategy on global women’s economic security, which envisions a world where women and girls, in all their diversity, can fully, meaningfully and equally contribute to and benefit from economic growth and global prosperity.
CABS general manager Benjamin Sithole expressed excitement about being part of the programme, stating that they are raising funding to facilitate international payments for women.
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe representative Rachel Mushushu said: “As the central bank, we are excited to be part of this programme. We identify with women because they are the majority. The programme is going to help us to increase financial inclusion for women.”
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