In a groundbreaking initiative, Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Zimbabwe in partnership with Southampton University is a hosting a series of one day in person climate awareness workshops designed to empower women owned small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with the practical knowledge and tools needed to thrive in a changing environment and rapidly evolving global business.
The workshops will be held on January 20, 22, 24 and 31 at Cresta Lodge Hotel in Msasa, Harare.
They are being hosted by local food processing company OWIT-Zimbabwe president and Competitive Brand Shapers (CBS) CEO Buhlebenkosi Oslea Nyathi (pictured) following her company’s recent Global Inventors Award, which led to its groundbreaking environmental management Net Zero certification in November 2025 through the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI) are open to all progressive female Zimbabwean entrepreneurs. Net Zero is a target of completely negating the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activity by reducing emissions and implementing methods of absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and there is a global call for businesses to attain that certification.
Speaking to Standard Style, Ven Tauringana, a professor of Accounting and Sustainability at the University of Southampton, UK, said the workshops are an important tool in educating female entrepreneurs especially those who are part of the OWIT-Zimbabwe on the dangers of global warming and what role they can play in reducing greenhouse effects with a view to unlock better value and opportunities for their business ventures.
“Global warming is leading to all sorts of disasters and it’s affecting farmers and businesses. Related to that reality, there is a global movement to reduce greenhouse effects to Net-Zero so that we protect the environment even as we do business,” Professor Ven said.
“In line with that, I came to Zimbabwe in May 2025 and we worked with Competitive Brand Shapers in calculating green-houses gases. Working with Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI), a world body, which assess, then calculates and validates company’s greenhouse effects, CBS then attained Net Zero certification and the results were published on SBTI website.
“CBS is the only country in Zimbabwe which has achieved that certification and it one of the 113 countries certified in Africa and the total 2300 in the world which are certified to date.”
Following this remarkable milestone by CBS, the in person one day workshops on climate awareness event, in collaboration with the esteemed University of Southampton and the University of Zimbabwe, aims to unpack the pressing issues of climate change while empowering women entrepreneurs to be active players in the global discourse on sustainability.
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Nyathi said the workshop was an apt undertaking in view of the adverse effects of climate change across the globe as she strives to empower her fellow women entrepreneurs following her company’s Net Zero certification milestone.
“I am a firm believer in the empowerment of women and even after getting the Net-Zero certification courtesy of the University of Southampton, I lobbied for similar empowerment for my fellow women entrepneurs hence the curation of these workshops,” she said.
“The urgent need for climate awareness has never been more critical as the adverse effects of climate change become increasingly evident. Erratic weather patterns are jeopardising agricultural productivity, while rising sea levels are displacing communities.
“Current predictions suggest that climate change could plunge millions into poverty. This crisis affects not only the environment but also engenders significant economic and social challenges, disproportionately impacting the most vulnerable, including women and marginalized groups.”
Nyathi also emphasised the urgency and relevance of the workshop highlighting that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but one that can scuttle the progress of women in enterprise today especially in view of global regulations to international trade.
“Climate change is not a distant threat; it is here and now,” she said.
“Women, who often bear the brunt of its effects, have a unique perspective and role in addressing these challenges.
“This workshop is not just about awareness; it’s about mobilizing women in enterprise to turn knowledge into action.
“Our hope is that after the workshop, all participants will be empowered with enough information to manage their greenhouse gas emissions and guide their engagement with the world of business not only from a local perspective but even a global one.
“With the Freed Trade Zones in place, buyers are now putting more emphasis on climate change adaptation and should one be seen wanting in that respect they won’t get business.”
Professor Tauringana said the series of one day in-person workshops were a must attend and to understand the risks related to climate change and how they can mitigate against them.
“Participants will learn how climate change creates real business risks such as operating costs, supply chain disruptions, damage to assets and how simple yet effective adaptation and mitigation strategies can protect their business,” he said.
“This training will also introduce science based targets and net-zero commitments demonstrating how forward looking SMEs are utilising these approaches to reduce costs, attract new customers, secure international market opportunities and gain competitive advantage by understanding that implementing climate adaptation, mitigation and net-zero principles, women entrepreneurs can enhance their resilience , reduce expenses, gain access to climate finance and position their business for long term financial success.”
He also emphasised that the example of CBS, a women led organisation that has attained Net Zero certification must inspire women entrepreneurs to embrace the new and future proof themselves from unforeseen risks.
“This workshop is not just about climate action but future proofing of SME businesses and opening doors to new income opportunities. By committing to Net-Zero, the SMEs are going to attract or open doors to exporting their products to foreign markets.
The first business in Zimbabwe to commit to net zero through the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI) was Competitive Brand Shapers and it was certified in November 2025. It became the only company in Zimbabwe to be certified by SBTI. It has shown strong leadership especially being owned by a woman,” he said.
