UAE creates opportunities for women, youth

Ivan Zakata Herald Correspondent

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has created opportunities for Zimbabwean women and youth to collaborate to explore business prospects in the UAE.

An office has been set up for Zimbabwean women and youth wishing to do business in the UAE, and the country is working with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, SME Development on an empowerment campaign.

Addressing attendees at the Women and Youth Empowerment Conference today, UAE Ambassador to Zimbabwe Dr Jasim Mohamed Al Qasimi said their country plays a key role in spreading and consolidating tolerance locally, regionally and internationally .

“We are already collaborating on activities on Zimbabwean women and Emirati women. We are also looking at projects and businesses that can be developed together. We want to create opportunities on how to develop the public sector and different sectors such as agriculture and women’s business.

“We want to report on what’s new in the economy. We have to negotiate now what projects to do in Zimbabwe for our women. We want Zimbabwean women and young people to come to the UAE to explore opportunities,” he said.

Ambassador Qasimi also stated that they believe in the ability of young people to develop the world.

As a beneficiary of the UAE Youth Empowerment Programme, Mr Royal Mabika said the country has elevated young talents and developed them in extraordinary ways.

“The UAE is a land of opportunity for thousands of Zimbabweans and others from all over the world. I have personally seen the impact on my sporting career. I have the opportunity to be the best among UAE athletes and I There are also opportunities to work in most areas of sport in the UAE and help others,” he said.

Ms Florence Japajapa said the collaborative efforts between the UAE embassy and Zimbabwean women have created limitless opportunities for them.

“The UAE offers women the opportunity to travel to Dubai to explore business opportunities and we are working with the UAE embassy to facilitate women’s travel to Dubai. This will motivate women to engage in all kinds of businesses they will find in the UAE,” she said.

Ms Abigail Mapfumo, from agricultural company Totalfolio, said: “I’m here to seek the opportunities the UAE has to offer and we hope we can take advantage of the export programme.”

Ms. Chido Chitsiro said she was looking forward to benefiting from the network and expanding her women’s empowerment organization.

“I have seen the UAE in terms of supporting projects, especially sustainable projects. They support many income-generating projects for women in marginalized areas,” Ms Chitsiro said.

Diplomats, business people, business women and youth attended the event.