In a bid to curb the high rates of unemployment and to improve rural livelihoods, Hand in hand Zimbabwe (HiHZim) is this year targeting to create 2506 enterprises in its seven (7) national districts of operation.

The organisation will achieve this through entrepreneurship trainings, technical skills trainings, market linkages, seed grants, coaching and mentoring.

In an interview with the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Felix Tete, he indicated that the organization will intensify its poverty alleviation interventions going forward.

“In 2021, we facilitated the creation of 3213 enterprises in the 7 districts we operate in. Our work however did not stop there. In 2022, we commit to the continual support of rural entrepreneurs.

“This year our target is 2506 enterprises,” he said.

HiHZim is using its key projects, implemented in Bulilima, Nkayi, Gwanda, Chikomba, Shurugwi, Churumanzu and Lupane, to bring about economic transformation to various individuals living in these areas.

Since its inception in 2015 to date, the organisation has contributed to the creation of 14,460 enterprises, translating to 17 042 jobs.

Hand in Hand Zimbabwe Director of Programs (DoP) Emmanuel Makiwa said the organisation is open for partnerships as this will help empower more rural entrepreneurs.

“Hand in Hand Zimbabwe interventions have resulted in increased employment and business opportunities for rural communities,” he said.

Makiwa added that the lack of entrepreneurial skills, technical skills, financial support, and market linkages has negatively affected the creation of rural enterprises.

Hand in Hand Zimbabwe is a non-profit organization whose vision is “to build socio-economically resilient communities.”  Its mission is “to alleviate poverty amongst vulnerable communities especially women and youth through capacity development, entrepreneurship and partnerships for sustainable development.”

Hand in Hand Zimbabwe incorporates training on cross cutting issues including gender, environment, health and motivation.

The organisation was registered as development Trust in July 2015 and as a Private Voluntary Organisation (PVO) in May 2020.