Dutch Embassy extends food processing training opportunity to 20 Zim women
Staff Writer
THE Dutch Embassy has partnered with a local organisations to provide a training opportunity to 20 Zimbabwean women who have an interest in food export.
To date, Dutch Embassy Harare has roped in the Zimbabwe Agricultural Development Trust (ZADT), Hivos, ZimTrade and PUM to invite applications from female entrepreneurs for the Food for Export Masterclass (FEM) in 2020.
“This exciting new program will build the capacity of 20 female entrepreneurs in various aspects of horticulture, dairy production, food processing, and food export business with a view to turning 20 women-owned agri-food enterprises into successful exporters using the latest production methods and business practices,” said the embassy in a statement.
This tailor-made program will run for approximately 10 months and includes expert mentorship and coaching, site visits, and on-location consulting with Dutch senior experts at the participants’ places of business.
For eligibility, one has to be a female Zimbabwean business owner working in the horticulture, dairy, agri-value chain, or food trade sectors; have existing links to export markets or be working on products with export potential.
Candidates are also expected to have access to a computer and have aptitude with Microsoft Word/Excel and email and be willing to travel within Zimbabwe for training during the masterclass.
Applicants must complete the Food for Export Masterclass application form and submit to har-fem2020@minbuza.nl or hand deliver it to ZADT: 44 The Chase, Mount Pleasant, Harare – clearly marked ‘Food for Export Masterclass’.
Funded by Hivos and the Netherlands Embassy, the programme aims to equip participants with networking skills and personal development to ensure that the selected participants have capacity to lead, take risks and innovate.
As a technical partner, PUM will provide seasoned Dutch experts in a variety of fields depending on the needs of the 20 participants, but always bringing a deep knowledge of the European market. ZimTrade will also support this objective with training in market research and market entry strategies.
