Mercy Corps Zimbabwe

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe stands united for the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. Violence against women and girls is not just a violation of human rights; it is a barrier to progress and resilience. We believe that empowering women and girls is the most effective way to prevent GBV and build stronger communities.

✅ Economic independence through business training
✅ Safe environments where women’s voices matter

Join us in creating a future free from fear.
👉 Speak out.
👉 Support survivors.
👉 Share this message to raise awareness.

Together, we can break the cycle of violence and unlock the potential of every woman and girl.

The Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program implemented by Mercy Corps Zimbabwe introduced a technical assistance (TA) initiative for microfinance institutions (MFIs). To deliver this support, CEDIS partnered with Third Way Partners to conduct an institutional capacity assessment of three MFIs: VIRL Financial Services, Moneymart Finance Pvt (MMF), and Generational Impact Finance Pvt (GIF).

Held in Harare from 21–23 October 2025, the assessment gathered insights on current business models, products, and systems to inform tailor-made support. The MFIS shared positive feedback:

📌Generational Impact Finance Pvt found the sessions thought-provoking, prompting critical reflection on institutional processes and practical ways to leverage digital technology for marketing, outreach, credit operations, and overall efficiency.

📌VIRL Financial Services appreciated the emphasis on integrating field-level data into dashboards for real-time decision-making by Branch Managers, Loan Officers, and Head Office aligning well with ongoing efforts to improve loan monitoring, client profiling, and easier loan onboarding experience.

📌Moneymart Finance Pvt Ltd valued the detailed breakdown of staff feedback, which provided insights on practical challenges in credit management, digital systems, and client targeting informing responsive training modules.

From November 2025 to March 2026, the TA will blend institution-specific support with cross-partner learning, focusing on fundraising and capital mobilization, marketing and outreach (including client segmentation), credit assessment, product and service enhancement, and risk management.

Funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare, CEDIS uses a Market Systems Development (MSD) approach to unlock opportunities and help financial service providers design tailor made products that meet the needs of women and women-led MSMEs.

National Youth Empowerment Symposium Recap

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe participated in the National Youth Empowerment Symposium held on October 21 and 22, 2025, at the Harare Agricultural Showgrounds.

The event organised by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training aimed to launch the youth empowerment strategy that will guide efforts from 2026 to 2030 under the theme "Empowering the Youth, Securing the Future." Funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare through the Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program, Mercy Corps brought together 11 youth led MSMEs from Mutare, Bulawayo and Harare working across various sectors. These sectors include small-scale manufacturing, waste management, agro-processing, financial services, and renewable energy.

This symposium provided an opportunity to showcase innovative ideas, promote products and services, amplify youth voices, and enhance their involvement in national development efforts.

Youth participation in the symposium was vital for fostering collaboration and discussing strategies for building an inclusive and resilient future!

Symposium update!

The Market Actors Symposium held in Bulawayo served as a platform for networking and strengthening market linkages, aligning with Mercy Corps’ goal under the Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal sector (CEDIS) program to reach 30,000 women and young females. Over two impactful days, participants engaged in discussions centred around public-private partnerships that empower women in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector.

Key highlights included:

📌Partners actively shared their successes, showcasing the positive impact of the CEDIS program on their business and livelihoods of program participants.

📌Engaging dialogues fostered new ideas to strengthen economic systems and explore future collaboration opportunities among various sectors.

📌Presentations from government and private sector partners provided clarity, leading to constructive question and answer sessions where participants could address concerns directly.

📌Exhibitors showcased diverse products and services focusing on agro-processing, small-scale manufacturing, waste management, financial services, and renewable energy creating essential market linkages across regions.

Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Harare, the CEDIS program highlighted achievements and reinforced commitment to driving collective impact and sustainable growth in partnership with ZimTrade and Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev.

Bulawayo Market Actors Symposium!

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe, through the Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program, in partnership with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises and ZimTrade, is conducting the Market Actors Symposium at ZITF Hall 2 in Bulawayo.

The symposium is running under the theme: “Strengthening resilient market systems for women and women-led MSMEs through strategic public-private partnerships,” bringing together experts, private sector leaders, government representatives, academia and representatives from women and youth groups.

It features insightful presentations, engaging panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions designed to promote multi-sector dialogue across key sectors such as agro-processing, waste management, productive use of renewable energy, small-scale manufacturing and financial services.

Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Harare, the CEDIS program continues to strengthen market linkages, foster networking, and promote inclusive growth for women and women-led MSMEs.

“Before, I had no say in household decisions. Now I feel respected and valued.” Sibongile Mkwananzi.

For Sibongile Mkwananzi, a mother of five from Nyamadzawo village, life used to be a daily struggle. But through the CEDIS programme, implemented by Mercy Corps Zimbabwe, funded by Embassy of Sweden in Harare, everything changed.

With training in leadership, financial literacy and marketing, Sibongile became a financial agent with Financial Services.

Today, Sibongile earns around US$600/month, supports her children’s and nephew’s education, and has installed over 80 solar lights — improving safety and giving children the chance to study at night.

Her story shows how inclusive financial services and renewable energy can empower women, strengthen families, and build resilient rural communities.

🇸🇪 Sweden is proud to support initiatives that promote equality, sustainability, and dignity for all.





Photo credit: Corps Zimbabwe

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program in partnership with Tshukela Investments, Phakama Recyclers and the local government, installed 10 new swinging bins in Gwanda district. This is a vital step toward improving waste management in the district by reducing litter, improving public health, and promoting environmental sustainability.

Gwanda has long faced challenges with litter due to a shortage of waste disposal bins. Streets were littered with food waste and plastics putting residents at risk of disease through contaminated surfaces. The new bins now provide residents with easier access to responsible waste disposal, helping to clean up the town and safeguard community health.

Casper Moyo, a local resident from Spitzkop Township, highlighted that the installation of the swinging bins is a community development initiative, expressing gratitude to Tshukela Investments for their commitment to the community. Fungai Mutowo said, the call for residents to use bins responsibly, emphasizing the importance of keeping Gwanda clean to prevent diseases and protect those who manage waste daily.

Angelina Ndlovu, Director of Phakama Recyclers, highlighted how these bins will also support waste pickers and health clubs by helping them efficiently sort recyclables and reduce waste sent to dumpsites. This initiative promotes sustainability and offers economic opportunities for local families.

Gwanda Town Clerk, Priscilla Nkala, underscored that the installation of the bins symbolizes a collective effort toward a cleaner, greener future. The partnership enables better waste separation and composting programs, strengthening the town’s overall waste management system. Priscilla Nkala appealed to the public to prevent vandalism of bins, which harms the community.

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s CEDIS program funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare continues to drive impactful change by supporting waste management initiatives, helping Gwanda build a healthier and more sustainable environment for all residents.

Access the full article on the Community Podium website: https://communitypodiumnews.org.zw/bin-donation-to-strengthen-gwandas-waste-management-

Bin donation to strengthen Gwanda’s waste management efforts - Community Podium News By Jonah B Moyo A recent bin donation from Tshukela Investments to the Municipality of Gwanda has be

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program, organised a waste management collaboration and networking workshop at the Cresta Churchill Hotel in Bulawayo on the 23rd of September 2025. The workshop brought together diverse stakeholders from the private sector, government, and civil society organisations. The main objective was to validate the findings of a market assessment that explored opportunities and constraints within Zimbabwe's waste value chains, with a specific focus on women waste pickers, aggregators, and recyclers.

During the event, participants provided feedback on the assessment's findings and discussed proposed business models. These models included invoice financing to address cash flow challenges, facilitating market access, and exploring private sector partnerships for equipment and transportation.

The workshop successfully led to the confirmation of the market assessment's findings and fostered private sector engagement. It also helped to identify potential partnerships between aggregators, recyclers, financial service providers and transporters, strengthening linkages within the waste management sector.

Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Harare, this event under the CEDIS program, contributed to achieving the goal of improving the income and working conditions of 30,000 women in the informal and micro-enterprise sectors in Zimbabwe.

We extend our appreciation to all the stakeholders who participated, making this an impactful and collaborative event. Our stakeholders' input is invaluable in shaping a more resilient and inclusive waste management sector in Zimbabwe.

On the 18th of September 2025 Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s Catalyzing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program hosted delegates from the Embassy of Sweden for an annual review meeting and field visit in Bulawayo. The delegation included Embassy of Sweden’s Deputy head of Development Cooperation Emili Kinloch-Pérez and, Finance Controller Frank Kundeya, and Mercy Corps’ Country Director Mildred Makore.

The review began with field visits to Skies Recyclers, a partner in the waste management sector; VIRL Financial Services, a partner in the financial inclusion sector; and the BULAWAYO CITY COUNCIL, a key government stakeholder. These engagements gave the delegation first-hand insight into how CEDIS partnerships are driving private-sector growth while improving women’s livelihoods. Discussions with partner management teams highlighted business expansion plans and ongoing efforts to engage more women as service providers and clients.

The visit culminated in the annual review meeting, where the Embassy delegates acknowledged the significant progress made by the program. Speaking during the meeting, Emili Kinloch-Pérez commended the program’s achievements, noting that year three marked a phase of accelerated implementation with increased partner engagement and expanded outreach. She emphasized that year four will focus on sustaining interventions, ensuring long-term impact through private sector partnerships. This aligns with Mercy Corps' commitment to inclusive, sustainable business practices and creating employment opportunities for women.

Funded by Embassy of Sweden in Harare, Mercy Corps Zimbabwe is implementing the CEDIS Market Systems Development (MSD) program, which focuses on increasing women's incomes and improving their working conditions and resilience to shocks and stresses across Bulawayo, Harare, and Mutare.

Happening Now!

Mercy Corps Zimbabwe’s Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) program, funded by the Embassy of Sweden in Harare is partnering with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises and ZimTrade for the Market Actors Symposium in Mutare.

The event focuses on “Strengthening resilient market systems for women and women-led MSMEs through strategic public-private partnerships,” bringing together experts, private sector leaders, government officials, investors, and representatives from women and youth groups.

Women-led businesses in agro-processing, waste management, renewable energy, small scale manufacturing, and financial services are invited to join this multi-sector dialogue to boost market linkages, promote products, and expand business opportunities.

Don’t miss your chance to connect and grow!