The main purpose of this research is to examine the challenges hindering sustainability of women entrepreneurship in rural areas of Manicaland province, Zimbabwe. A qualitative research was conducted in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through interviews from 30 women entrepreneurs in the various sectors of the economy. The respondents were specialised in vegetable vending, operating clothing flea markets and cross border trading. Interview guide was used to collect data from respondents and the major theme approach were used to analyse and present data. The study established that women entrepreneurs face various challenges such as lack of collateral security to access funding; lack of market information and occurrence of disasters in the localities. These challenges hinder sustainability of women entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe. It was highlighted that there is compelling need for availing market information; adequate knowledge and skills; supportive government schemes; need for community involvement and participation to support women entrepreneurial activities in the study area. It is clear that if the discovered challenges are not addressed, sustainability of women entrepreneurship will remain a dream. The study came up with strategies for improving women entrepreneurship activities in the Zimbabwean context. Future research can be done in other provinces s to avoid generalisation of findings based on this particular study. Many challenges hinder the sustainability of women entrepreneurship. Major impediments to women entrepreneurship comprises inadequate support from government schemes, patriarchal societal structure of the community, lack of relevant entrepreneurial knowledge to manage businesses, lack of collateral security to access funding, time limitation or role conflict to balance family pressures and business. The study recommends proper entrepreneurship education and training, supportive government schemes and access to network affiliation/connection to sustain women entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe.

Purpose: The main purpose of this research is to investigate factors influencing rural women entrepreneurship development and sustainable rural livelihoods in Manicaland province of Zimbabwe.Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative research was conducted in Manicaland province in Zimbabwe. Data were collected through structured questionnaires from 400 women entrepreneurs in various sectors. The participants were in vegetable vending, operating clothing flea markets and cross border trading. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data from respondents. Structural equation modeling in SmartPLS version 3 was used to test the research hypotheses.Findings: The study established that women entrepreneurship is driven by financial factors, positive environmental factors, positive psychological factors as well as positive sociological factors for a sustainable rural livelihood.Research limitations/implications: It is clear that if the discovered challenges are not addressed, sustainability of women entrepreneurship will remain a dream.Practical implications: The study came up with strategies for improving women entrepreneurship activities. Future research can be done in other areas of provinces to avoid generalization challenges.Social implications: Many challenges hinder the sustainability of women entrepreneurship. Major impediments to women entrepreneurship comprises inadequate support from government schemes, patriarchal societal structure of the community, lack of relevant entrepreneurial knowledge to manage businesses, lack of collateral security to access funding, time limitation or role conflict to balance family pressures and business.Originality/value: The study recommends proper entrepreneurship education and training, supportive government schemes and access to network affiliation/connection to sustain women entrepreneurship.

The purpose of the study was to establish the effect of Covid-19 pandemic to women entrepreneurs in the informal sector of Zimbabwe. A qualitative study was conducted in Mashonaland West province in Zimbabwe. Data was collected through telephone interviews from 16 informal business women entrepreneurs in the retail sector. The participants were involved businesses that include; vegetable vending, operating clothing flea market and cross border trading. The study established that business for women entrepreneurs in the informal sector were affected by inter-province travelling regulations. It was also established that women were most affected as they are responsible for making sure that children are fed on daily basis. To make matters worse, some were widows and others were looking after many orphans. This to a larger extent encouraged cases of strained relationship in the home because of inadequate resources especially food. Cases were also reported of gender-based violence because all members of the family were now spending most of their time together with little resources to use in looking after the family. Thus, health problems such as high blood pressure and were also witnessed. The study recommended the government to provide protective equipment and sanitizers to women entrepreneurs and informal traders so that they can safely continue to produce, distribute and sell their merchandise. The government should assist with transport for smallholder farmers to ferry their produce to markets safely. Also, the government was recommended to communicate with market leaders about how to best handle a lockdown and reopening.

This paper presents a systematic literature review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 framework, to investigate the role of digital and technological tools in facilitating Circular Economy (CE) adoption within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Despite their critical contribution to global economies, SMEs encounter significant barriers, including financial constraints, technological complexity, and regulatory ambiguities that hinder their transition to circular models. This review synthesises evidence from 45 peer-reviewed journal articles, case studies, and industry reports published between 2018 and 2025. The findings demonstrate how technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain enhance resource efficiency, supply chain transparency, and product lifecycle management. Key enablers identified include government subsidies, targeted training programmes, and collaborative innovation networks, which collectively mitigate adoption barriers. Employing a critical analytical lens, this review moves beyond cataloguing tools, synthesising findings into an integrative framework that links SME digital maturity with circular innovation capacity. The study offers a unique theoretical contribution by merging the discourse on digital transformation with circular economy principles within the specific context of SMEs, an area that has not been thoroughly examined. Practically, it offers actionable implications for SME managers, policymakers, and technology developers, advocating for tailored, cost-effective digital solutions and coherent policy frameworks. By mapping the current research landscape and proposing a focused agenda for future inquiry, this review aims to accelerate sustainable innovation and bolster the competitiveness of SMEs in an evolving circular economy.