Old Mutual, DHL Empower SMEs to Go Global

Zim Now Writer

Old Mutual, DHL Empower SMEs to Go Global Through Trade and Innovation Programme

Rewritten Article:
Old Mutual Zimbabwe, through its Eight2Five Innovation Hub, has joined forces with the DHL GoTrade Programme to deliver a capacity-building workshop in Bulawayo, focused on empowering small and medium enterprises with crucial knowledge on exporting and cross-border trade.

This marks the second edition of the training in Bulawayo, following a successful session in Harare earlier this year where 29 entrepreneurs graduated. Among them, 23 completed an intensive course—18 of whom were women-led enterprises—highlighting the initiative’s inclusive approach to economic development.

The programme, branded Trade and Grow Beyond Borders, is tailored to strengthen Zimbabwe’s SME ecosystem through practical training in areas such as international trade, logistics, regulatory compliance, and market entry strategies. Its overarching goal is to support 300 SMEs and startups nationwide, delivered through a hybrid of physical workshops and virtual sessions throughout the year.

Speaking during the GoTrade Summit, DHL Group chief executive Tobais Meyer emphasized the company’s commitment to stakeholder-driven development, noting that the GoTrade initiative is part of DHL’s broader trade facilitation strategy designed to create shared value across business and society.

Old Mutual Zimbabwe has played a pivotal role in driving the programme forward, using its Eight2Five Innovation Hub to champion entrepreneurship, promote sustainability, and push for greater financial inclusion. The initiative dovetails with the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance objectives and aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Commenting on the impact of the initiative, Old Mutual group chief executive Samuel Matsekete said it reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing a globally competitive SME sector in Zimbabwe.

“By empowering entrepreneurs with the skills to engage in international trade, we’re not only promoting economic growth but also contributing to long-term development and shared prosperity,” said Matsekete.

A cornerstone of this empowerment is financial inclusion. Old Mutual is working to ensure that entrepreneurs from underserved communities have access to the financial services and products they need to thrive.

Through Old Mutual Finance, businesses can obtain customised financial support, while the OMARI platform offers a digital wallet and merchant solution that allows SMEs to transact efficiently in the growing cashless economy.

In addition, Old Mutual’s banking arm, CABS, supports small businesses with accessible banking solutions, including tailored loans and savings products designed to enhance resilience and facilitate expansion.

The well-known On The Money financial literacy programme also plays a critical role, equipping entrepreneurs with essential financial skills to make smarter decisions and grow sustainable ventures.

The GoTrade initiative complements other flagship Old Mutual projects like the Value Creation Challenge, which fosters innovation and entrepreneurship through mentorship, incubation, and seed funding.