Zambian Women urged to Invest in themselves, lift others, and break barriers.

In a powerful celebration of purpose, partnership, and progress, the Graca Machel Trust (GMT) and the Zambia Federation of Associations of Women in Business (ZFAWIB) brought together trailblazing women from across Zambia to mark a milestone: the graduation of 83 entrepreneurs under the Women Creating Wealth programme.

From calls to embrace partnerships and scale for the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to an urgent reminder to “walk carefully when dealing with human souls”, the event was packed with wisdom, numbers, and inspiration.

ZFAWIB Chairperson Maureen Sumbwe has noted the need for women to invest in themselves, formalize their businesses, and build networks that last beyond training programs.

With over $11.8 million in capital raised by Zambian women and more than 4,000 jobs created, this was not just a celebration it was a call to action.

Ms. Sumbwe has underscored the transformative power of partnerships, association, and continuous learning in advancing women-led enterprises.

Speaking when 83 Women in business graduated during a ‘Women Creating Wealth’ Country Forum in Lusaka yesterday, , Ms. Sumbwe said strong collaboration with institutions like the Bank of Zambia, the Ministries of Finance, Commerce, Labour, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development, as well as PACRA and commercial banks, has enabled ZFAWIB to amplify impact in the women’s economic empowerment space.

“Our partnership with the Bank of Zambia continues to grow so much so that we’ve been asked to renew our MOU for another three years,” she revealed. “We are stronger when we work together, and this applies not just vertically with institutions, but horizontally among ourselves as entrepreneurs.”

She has called on women in business to form strategic partnerships in order to seize emerging opportunities, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that such platforms require scalable production capacity which individual entrepreneurs may not achieve alone.

“If someone needs a container of jam every three months, but you are only making two bottles, you need to partner. That’s the only way we will tap into these continental markets,” she said.

Ms. Sumbwe has further emphasized the importance of belonging to associations such as ZFAWIB, describing them as “networks of continuity” where women can access support, recommendations, and credibility long after training programs end.

“Like a church, when you need something, they ask are you a member? Banks too are now asking for letters from associations,” she explained.

Her final message was a powerful reminder on the value of lifelong learning.

“We must invest in our own self-development. Too often, we expect to grow without spending on ourselves. Learning doesn’t stop, and there’s always a new training to take your business to the next level,” she said.

Ms. Sumbwe has since urged women entrepreneurs to stay committed, keep learning, and leverage networks to build sustainable businesses that thrive in Zambia and beyond.

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