MUKURU has partnered with Women in Farming and Entrepreneurship (W.I.F.E.) to roll out a targeted initiative to support and grow rural women’s farming businesses.
The fintech and agripreneurship partnership combines access to finance, practical agroecology training and market linkages to help women generate consistent income and strengthen their economic independence.
The project, themed “Building Resilient Livelihoods through Agroecological Sunflower Value Chain Development for Rural Women,” is centred around Village-Based Sunflower Value Chain Development.
Mukuru, a next-generation financial services platform serving over 17 million customers across Africa, Asia, and Europe, stressed that this approach accelerates economic participation in underserved rural communities.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, approximately 1,5 million smallholder farmers form the backbone of Zimbabwe’s agriculture, yet many face challenges, including limited access to farming tools, inputs, and financial services.
W.I.F.E. founder Amanda Munyoro described the collaboration as game-changing for rural women.
“Within the sunflower project we are launching in Guruve, we will pilot with 30 farmers and then grow the numbers afterwards, with a vision of reaching at least 200 women within the next five years. “Our members will gain access to Mukuru’s suite of relevant services, including the Mukuru Wallet, further enhancing their economic participation and quality of life,” she said.
While primarily focused on women, 20% of the beneficiaries will be men to promote inclusivity. Farmers will also take part in Mukuru’s Money Matters Training, aligning with W.I.F.E’s goal of reducing donor dependence through financial literacy and access to both financial and non-financial capital.
For potential beneficiaries like Precious Hofisi, a 52-year-old widow, the initiative is life-changing. “The challenge has always been earning a consistent income from farming. The access to farm inputs, the knowledge we’ll be exposed to, and the market access will empower me to support my family fully,” Hofisi said.
Mukuru’s Corporate Social Investment Manager, Awonke Mbanga, emphasised the broader impact for underserved communities. “Our partnership is more than just improving access to finance. It is about helping rural women build strong livelihoods and fully participate in their local economy… We are committed to breaking barriers to inclusion and supporting stronger and more sustainable communities,” he stated.
Furthermore, focusing on cash crops like sunflowers, the programme enhances food security while creating commercial opportunities.
Over five years, W.I.F.E plans to expand the model to Chikomba and Zvimba as its wider plans to improve capital access for over 500 women and foster self-sufficiency and local economic growth.
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