By Ndumiso Tshuma
An initiative by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to empower local entrepreneurs to leverage social media and e-commerce has ignited enthusiasm among small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Participants, including fashion designers and printers, remarked on how the training transformed their business strategies and expanded their reach.
Fashion designer Primsoe Ndewe expressed excitement about the recent training, stating she has learned how to market herself through social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook, and that so far, her fashion design business has improved significantly.
“We learned how to market our businesses through social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook handles, and also how to market ourselves. So far, my fashion design business has improved. My network has expanded, and I am receiving more requests for my designs on clothes, curtains, carpets, and several other items,” said Ndewe.
Simile Ncube, a printing expert, shared her journey in the field and stated that many people did not know where to access free training and information on how to use social media.
She added that the recent training she received from the UNDP has allowed her to extend her skills to more schools that may need her services.
“I primarily print educational materials for schools, including examination tests and identification cards for Early Childhood Development (ECD). E-commerce has been a challenge for many of us. Many of us didn’t know where to access training and information, but this recent session has allowed me to extend my skills to schools that may need my services not only here in Bulawayo but also in schools outside of Bulawayo,” said Ncube.
Gabriel Hlogwane, who initially felt intimidated by social media, also addressed his newfound confidence.
“As old as I am, I didn’t know that I could work from home with a computer and promote my business globally just by sitting at home. I was intimidated by social media, thinking platforms like Facebook were only for young people and not for business. Now, I can publicize my services and connect with people worldwide with the information I have learned,” said Hlogwane.
Since embracing online sales platforms, Lisa Sikhosana has witnessed remarkable growth and engagement in her boutique, leading to increased sales and a wider customer base.
“Transitioning from a brick-and-mortar store to an e-commerce model has completely changed my business for the better. Before, I was limited to customers who could physically come to my shop. Now, I can reach customers not only locally but also across the country and even internationally. I have witnessed remarkable growth and engagement in my boutique just this past week, which has led to increased sales and a wider customer base. My customers can now locate my shop more easily and view my products online and make orders,” said Sikhosana.
Ruvimbo Violet Katiyo, Head of Exploration at UNDP and key organiser of the training highlighted the need for SMEs to engage in this digital shift and announced that the training offered will be free.
“We have pushed out the link for Small and Medium Enterprises to register in all parts of Zimbabwe, where we provide free training services. We are advising all youths interested in starting businesses to register, including all SMEs. This is an opportunity to learn and scale your business. E-commerce is essential, and we are teaching SMEs how to utilize existing platforms to grow their enterprises,” said Katiyo.
