Driving economic transformation: COMFWB advances the COYWA Project in Zimbabwe
The COMFWB Secretariat recently concluded a high-impact mission to Zimbabwe, marking a significant milestone in our regional drive to empower women and youth through sustainable economic development. This visit was not merely a formal introduction but a strategic deep dive into one of Zimbabwe's most promising value chains: the leather sector.
Strengthening the Local Ecosystem: COMFWB Zimbabwe Chapter
Central to this mission was the active involvement of the COMFWB Zimbabwe Chapter. As our local heartbeat, the Chapter plays an indispensable role in ensuring that the COYWA Project (Supporting Youth and Women in Agribusiness) is not just a high-level concept, but a grassroots reality. By bridging the gap between the regional Secretariat and local entrepreneurs, the Zimbabwe Chapter ensures that training, mentorship, and resources are channeled directly to those who need them most, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term sustainability.
The Strategic Importance of the Leather Sector
Zimbabwe boasts a rich heritage and a competitive edge in leather production. This sector is a cornerstone of the national industrialization strategy for several reasons:
-Value Addition: Moving beyond the export of raw hides to the production of high-quality finished goods like footwear and accessories.
-Job Creation: The labor-intensive nature of leather craftsmanship provides immediate employment opportunities for youth.
-Global Competitiveness: Zimbabwean leather is renowned for its durability and quality, offering immense potential for women-led businesses to tap into international export markets.
High-Level Synergy and the Leather Incubation Centre
The delegation’s visit to the Leather Incubation Centre served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when skills training meets infrastructure. This hub is where technical "know-how" is forged into viable business models.
The COMFWB Secretariat recently concluded a high-impact mission to Zimbabwe, marking a significant milestone in our regional drive to empower women and youth through sustainable economic development. This visit was not merely a formal introduction but a strategic deep dive into one of Zimbabwe's most promising value chains: the leather sector.
Strengthening the Local Ecosystem: COMFWB Zimbabwe Chapter
Central to this mission was the active involvement of the COMFWB Zimbabwe Chapter. As our local heartbeat, the Chapter plays an indispensable role in ensuring that the COYWA Project (Supporting Youth and Women in Agribusiness) is not just a high-level concept, but a grassroots reality. By bridging the gap between the regional Secretariat and local entrepreneurs, the Zimbabwe Chapter ensures that training, mentorship, and resources are channeled directly to those who need them most, fostering a sense of local ownership and long-term sustainability.
The Strategic Importance of the Leather Sector
Zimbabwe boasts a rich heritage and a competitive edge in leather production. This sector is a cornerstone of the national industrialization strategy for several reasons:
-Value Addition: Moving beyond the export of raw hides to the production of high-quality finished goods like footwear and accessories.
-Job Creation: The labor-intensive nature of leather craftsmanship provides immediate employment opportunities for youth.
-Global Competitiveness: Zimbabwean leather is renowned for its durability and quality, offering immense potential for women-led businesses to tap into international export markets.
High-Level Synergy and the Leather Incubation Centre
The delegation’s visit to the Leather Incubation Centre served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when skills training meets infrastructure. This hub is where technical "know-how" is forged into viable business models.
