Vendor Empowerment Initiative Transforms Lives

Zim Now Correspondent

Batsirai Chikowe’s journey to entrepreneurial success is one of resilience and determination.

Born in Chinzeti Village, Mudzi, and raised in a family of six under challenging circumstances, Batsirai was fortunate to complete his primary and secondary education.

His first foray into business began in 2015 when he moved to Marondera and started selling chocolates to make a living.

“I raised small capital from selling chocolates, thanks to someone who helped me get started. By September 2017, I had opened a tuckshop, which has grown significantly since then,” Batsirai recalls.

In a country where unemployment has only recently dropped with opening up of new mines and factories, many Zimbabweans, like Batsirai, rely on vending and micro, small, and medium enterprises to survive.

This is where the Adam Molai Foundation's Vendor Plus Program has proven transformative, empowering vendors like Batsirai to grow their businesses and improve their livelihoods.

The Vendor Plus Program not only offers essential business education and resources but also builds a sense of community and resilience. With support from the program, Batsirai has been able to expand his tuckshop and transform his life.

Under the leadership of Executive Director Nomagugu Nyaundi, Batsirai and 19 other beneficiaries received training in business management, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship.

“The program is designed to equip vendors with financial literacy and pair them with partners who can help them grow,” explains Mrs. Nyaundi.

Impact on Livelihoods

The Vendor Plus Program is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on reducing poverty, providing access to decent work, and stimulating economic growth. Through business education and financial inclusion, the program empowers vendors like Batsirai to succeed.

“I was taught how to raise capital and save,” Batsirai shares. “In my first month after joining the program, I sold 110 bricks of cigarettes, and the foundation rewarded me with a bicycle for my hard work.”

Batsirai’s success is evident—he has expanded his tuckshop, invested in display refrigerators and deep freezers, and even managed to pay his university fees. His accomplishments also enable him to support his extended family.

Community Engagement and Government Collaboration

The Vendor Plus Program operates within a broader context of community engagement and aligns with government initiatives focused on economic recovery and supporting informal vendors. Through collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small, and Medium Enterprises, the program is helping vendors thrive.

“Our goal is to grow and connect vendors with suppliers across Mashonaland East, and we plan to expand to other provinces next year. This program helps create sustainable supply chains that benefit local economies and support the government's efforts to uplift vulnerable youth,” says Mrs. Nyaundi.

Broader Impact

In addition to the Vendor Plus Program, the Adam Molai Foundation runs various community impact initiatives across Zimbabwe, focusing on education, health, and social enterprise development. These initiatives demonstrate the foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and improving lives.

Batsirai’s story is just one example of the program’s transformative power. The Vendor Plus Program is empowering individuals to break free from poverty and build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. By continuing to support local vendors, the Adam Molai Foundation is helping to pave the way for a more resilient Zimbabwean economy—one vendor at a time.

“When we empower vendors with knowledge and resources, we are investing in Zimbabwe’s future, working toward the goal of becoming a middle-income economy by 2030,” says Mrs. Nyaundi.

In partnership with Old Mutual Zimbabwe, the foundation is also helping vendors access loans to grow their businesses. Eligible vendors must demonstrate consistency, maintain business performance records, and show growth potential with financial support.

The Adam Molai Foundation's efforts not only transform individual lives but also contribute to national economic growth by promoting the formalization of the informal sector.