Ecobank Zimbabwe’s Women’s Marketplace Day lived up to expectations last weekend, drawing strong public support and delivering real business opportunities for women entrepreneurs in what organisers have described as a resounding success.
Held at the Ecobank headquarters in Borrowdale, Harare, the event brought together over 200 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of products and services — from fashion and beauty to food processing, crafts, and professional services.
Hundreds of buyers thronged the venue throughout the day, creating a vibrant marketplace atmosphere defined by trade, networking, and collaboration.
The initiative, organised under Ecobank’s Ellevate Programme in partnership with the Organisation of Women in International Trade (OWIT) Zimbabwe, received widespread praise from exhibitors and attendees alike, many of whom reported brisk business and valuable connections.
Ecobank Zimbabwe managing director Moses Kurenjekwa expressed satisfaction with the turnout and impact of the event, reaffirming the bank’s long-standing commitment to women empowerment through its Ellevate Programme.
“We are encouraged by the strong participation and the tangible business activity we have witnessed here today,” he said.
“Through our Ellevate Programme, we remain deeply committed to supporting, capacitating, and elevating women entrepreneurs by providing platforms such as this that unlock real market opportunities.”
Kurenjekwa also acknowledged the critical role played by partners and participants in the success of the event.
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“We would like to sincerely appreciate our valued partners, OWIT Zimbabwe, for their continued collaboration, as well as commend the over 200 exhibitors who came through to showcase their products and services,” he said.
“Their participation is what brings this marketplace to life and makes the impact meaningful.”
Exhibitors themselves echoed the positive sentiment, citing both sales and exposure as key benefits of the platform.
Victoria Tafirei of Tivic International hailed the event as a valuable business enabler.
“This event has been a very good marketing and networking opportunity for us,” she said
“We have managed to engage with new customers and also connect with other businesses, which is important for growth.”
Zivanai Masere, general manager at The Best Car Rental, also commended the initiative and its organisers.
“We applaud Ecobank and OWIT for putting together such a well-organised and impactful event,” she said.
“Platforms like these are critical for businesses to grow, build networks, and reach new markets.”
Several other exhibitors confirmed making significant sales while also securing new clients and partnerships that extend beyond the event.
For many small business owners, the marketplace offered rare access to a concentrated customer base and an opportunity to test and expand their market reach.
“I sold out most of my products before the end of the day and gained new customers who want to place bulk orders,” said one entrepreneur.
“This kind of platform is exactly what we need to grow.”
Beyond sales, the event also doubled as a learning and networking hub, with women entrepreneurs exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and drawing inspiration from each other’s journeys.
The collaborative spirit reinforced the broader goal of building a strong, supportive ecosystem for women in business.
OWIT Zimbabwe president Buhlebenkosi Ostlea Nyathi applauded the continued partnership with Ecobank, highlighting the marketplace as a practical tool for empowering women and enhancing their participation in trade.
“This initiative is making a tangible difference,” she said.
“Women are not only showcasing their products — they are accessing markets, building confidence, and positioning themselves for bigger opportunities.”
Attendees also commended the event’s organisation and inclusivity, noting that the free exhibition and entry created an accessible platform for both entrepreneurs and the general public.
The success of this year’s edition builds on momentum from previous marketplace events held previously, further cementing the initiative as a key fixture in the country’s women entrepreneurship calendar.
Ecobank and OWIT Zimbabwe have reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining and expanding the programme, with expectations already high for future editions.
