Masvingo hosts National Disability Expo as inclusion takes centre stage
<p>Story by Fungai Jachi</p>
<p>MASVINGO has become the focal point of Zimbabwe’s disability inclusion agenda as the National Disability Expo gets underway, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors, organisations and government departments to showcase the talents, innovations and economic potential of persons with disabilities.</p>
<p>Held at Mucheke Stadium, the expo has transformed the venue into a vibrant hub of entrepreneurship, innovation and empowerment, with participants from all 10 provinces demonstrating that disability is not inability.</p>
<p>The event provides a platform for persons with disabilities to exhibit products, services and assistive technologies while connecting with potential markets, investors and development partners.</p>
<p>From agriculture and manufacturing to information and communication technology (ICT), education and crafts, exhibitors are showcasing a wide range of skills and enterprises aimed at promoting economic independence and inclusive development.</p>
<p>For many participants, the expo presents an opportunity to expand their businesses and increase visibility at a national level.</p>
<p>“I want to utilise this opportunity to grow my business because this is a national event and many people will see what I do. My hope is to assist fellow persons with disabilities by providing devices at affordable prices,” exhibitor Mr Moses Chitombo said.</p>
<p>“We are using this platform to offer free consultations on disability issues while also marketing our work. We manufacture assistive devices for people living with various disabilities,” exhibitor Ms Ophia Bwanali said.</p>
