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Vendor empowerment initiative transforms lives

Batsirai Chikowe has faced numerous challenges on his path to success in entrepreneurship. Born in Chinzeti Village, Mudzi, and growing up in a family of six under difficult circumstances, he is fortunate to have completed his primary and secondary education. 

In 2015, after moving to Marondera, Batsirai began his entrepreneurial journey by selling chocolates.

“I managed to raise small capital from selling chocolates from someone who laid the groundwork for my small venture. By September 2017, I had opened a tuckshop that has since grown significantly,” Batsirai says, reflecting on his journey.

The unemployment rate in Zimbabwe has decreased to 8.76%, having peaked at 10.79% in 2022. It is largely because many individuals in the country rely on vending and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to make a living.

In the face of Zimbabwe’s economic challenges, the Adam Molai Foundation’s ‘Vendor Plus Program stands out as a transformative initiative aimed at uplifting the livelihoods of informal vendors. Batsi’s participation in the Vendor Plus Program has been pivotal to his success.

The Vendor Plus Program not only provides essential business education and resources but fosters a sense of community and resilience among its participants, exemplified by the inspiring testimony of Batsirai Chikowe.

Under the guidance of executive director Nomagugu Nyaundi and her team, Batsirai and over 19 beneficiaries have received training in business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

“The program is designed to capacitate and educate vendors on financial literacy and pair them with partners who can assist them to grow,” Mrs Nyaundi explained.

Impact on Livelihoods

The Vendor Plus Program is structured around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as reducing poverty, providing access to decent work, stimulating economic growth, and promoting the growth of industry and innovation.

The program empowers vendors like Batsirai through business education and financial inclusion. This knowledge has translated into tangible results.

“I was taught how to raise capital and save.  In my first month of sales after joining the program, I sold 110 bricks of cigarettes and the foundation, in recognition of my hard work, gifted me with a bicycle!” boasts an excited Batsirai about his achievement.

Batsirai’s story exemplifies the programme’s impact: he has successfully expanded his tuck shop from a modest size to a larger facility equipped with deep freezers and display refrigerators.

“The progress I have made includes paying my university fees in full, clearing credits, and extending my tuck-shop,” he says proudly. His success also allows him to support his extended family.

Community Engagement and Government Collaboration

The Vendor Plus Program operates within a broader context of community engagement and collaboration with government initiatives aimed at economic recovery. The program aligns with several government objectives focused on enhancing the livelihoods of informal vendors and MSMEs through the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises.

The executive director of the Adam Molai Foundation, Mrs Noma Nyaundi, emphasised the importance of this alignment.

“Our goal is to grow and connect vendors. We are linking them with suppliers of various goods across Mashonaland East, and then expanding to the remaining provinces next year.  The program helps create sustainable supply chains that benefit local economies. This way, we support the government’s efforts at effectively addressing the challenges that have left many young people vulnerable,” Mrs Nyaundi says. 

The Vendor Plus Program seeks to fill this gap by providing resources and support to the often overlooked informal vendors. 

A Broader Impact

Beyond the Vendor Plus Program, the Adam Molai Foundation has various community impact initiatives that aim to uplift marginalised populations across Zimbabwe. These programs focus on education, health, and social enterprise development, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable development practices.

As Batsirai Chikowe’s testimony illustrates, the Vendor Plus Program is more than just an initiative; it is a transformative experience that empowers individuals to break free from poverty and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Through continued support and engagement with local vendors, the Adam Molai Foundation is paving the way for a more resilient Zimbabwean economy—one vendor at a time.

“When we empower vendors with knowledge and resources, we are investing in Zimbabwe’s future whose goal is to become a middle-income economy by 2030,” says Mrs Nyaundi.

The Adam Molai Foundation, in Partnership with Old Mutual Zimbabwe, has onboarded the vendors on how to apply for loans that will grow their businesses. The criteria for eligibility are consistency, business performance records, and the potential for growth if financially supported.

The foundation’s efforts will not only change individual lives but should contribute significantly to national economic growth by promoting formalisation within the informal sector.

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