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Nomvelo Siziba in Victoria Falls

THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) has initiated a programme to empower disadvantaged women, youths and people living with disabilities through capacitating them with business ideas with a bias towards environmental management.

The Simuka-Phakama Green enterPrize Innovation Challenge is a partnership with Government, Employers’ Confederation of Zimbabwe (Emcoz) and the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU).

Fine Touch Consulting, a local firm contracted to conduct training of the targeted members, is going around the country identifying potential participants.

The programme involves presentation of a project proposal whose thrust is on green business which does not harm the environment, especially in gardening, livestock rearing, sewing, honey production, recycling and waste management. Once selected, an entrepreneur will compete with others in the same category.

Prize-giving will be in February next year for the Southern Region, where winners in each category will walk away US$5 000 richer.

Harare will host the Northern Region prize- giving ceremony. The trainers recently visited Victoria Falls and Hwange to identify and assist potential small businesses.

Ms Tafadzwa Mhandu from Fine Touch bemoaned low uptake by people living with disabilities.