Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. OLD Mutual Zimbabwe, through the Eight2Five Innovation Hub, has partnered DHL GoTrade Programme to host a workshop aimed at equipping export-ready and exporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with essential trade knowledge in Bulawayo.
This was the second such workshop held in Bulawayo, following the first that was held in Harare in March, which saw 29 participants graduate while 23 entrepreneurs completed the intensive course, including 18 women-led enterprises, marking a significant milestone in inclusive economic empowerment.
The programme, titled Trade and Grow Beyond Borders, is a coveted initiative designed to strengthen Zimbabwe’s SME sector by providing practical training in international trade, logistics, compliance and market access.
It is part of a broader effort to support 300 SMEs and startups across Zimbabwe through a blend of in-person and online sessions throughout the year.
Group chief executive Tobais Meyer, speaking at the GoTrade Summit, said the DHL Group was a stakeholder-driven organisation which had obligations towards its employees, customers and shareholders and society as a whole.
“The learning journey and its many action points feed into our DHL trade facilitation activities that we deploy through our ‘DHL GoTrade’ initiative,” Meyer said.
Old Mutual Zimbabwe’s support has been instrumental in the programme’s success and through its Eight2Five Innovation Hub, it continues to champion entrepreneurship, sustainability, and financial inclusion.
The initiative aligns with the company’s broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals and its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Old Mutual group chief executive Samuel Matsekete said the programme was a testament to the group’s commitment to building a resilient and globally competitive SME sector in Zimbabwe.
“By equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to trade beyond borders, we are not only fostering economic growth but also contributing to sustainable development and inclusive prosperity,” he said.
A key pillar of this support is Old Mutual’s deep commitment to financial inclusion. By ensuring that entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities, have access to the financial tools and services they need, Old Mutual is helping to level the playing field for SMEs across the country.
Through Old Mutual Finance, entrepreneurs can access tailored financial solutions to support business growth.
The OMARI platform, a mobile wallet and merchant solution, enables small businesses to manage digital transactions efficiently and securely, expanding their reach in an increasingly cashless economy.
Old Mutual’s banking subsidiary, CABS, plays a vital role by offering accessible banking services and SME-focused financial products, including loans and savings solutions designed to foster resilience and scalability.
Complementing these services is the widely recognised On The Money financial literacy programme, which equips entrepreneurs with essential money management skills, empowering them to make informed financial decisions and build sustainable enterprises.
The partnership also complements other Old Mutual interventions such as the Value Creation Challenge, which nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship by providing mentorship, incubation and funding opportunities to high-potential startups.
As the programme continues to roll out across Zimbabwe, it promises to be a transformative force for local enterprises seeking to scale globally. With both online and in-person sessions planned, the initiative ensures accessibility and flexibility for a diverse range of participants.
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