Michael Mabwe, spokesman for the association, said the skills project aimed to open up "economic opportunities for surrounding communities within Hwange and Lupane Districts".
He said ZUSAA members would volunteer time to support a Public Private Partnership project involving Trust Bank Limited, Hwange Rural District Council and the Small Enterprises Development Corporation Limited with the backing of the Resident Minister of Matabeleland North.
Some 40 villagers will attend a seminar to empower them to use their farming skills to build a commercially viable enterprise.
"The hands-on training will assist the participants to produce business plans that will help them to access financial assistance from Trust Bank," he said.
"This initiative is motivated by the realisation that the majority of the rural population is unable to interact with the banks let alone access funding for agriculturally-based business projects.
"The Alumni community has the capacity to equip these communities with skills to write bankable business plans that would improve their chances of accessing loans.
"Hwange Rural District Council, which is also supporting the event will also benefit in that by supporting initiatives that economically empower their residents, there will be an improvement in the Council’s revenue base/collection,” added Mabwe.
Post published in: News