Those who want to renew various licences or negotiate business loans have to face the corrupt officers who are waiting to prey on them. In this regard, women entrepreneurs found themselves counting their losses as their products had no takers.ДЇor some who chose to trade from home, their efforts came to naught due to corruption by suspected law enforcement agencies who demanded huge bribes for them to continue operating.ДЄfter relaxation of the lockdown, some of these entrepreneurs neither have capital nor the knowledge and skills to revive their businesses. They bemoaned the negative effect of the pandemic on their businesses as they observed the regulations, and, like any other entity classified outside essential services, they had to close shop. The women requested ZACC to make serious interventions as they cannot easily give up their entrepreneurial activities and stay at home. They highlighted that those who fell victim to corruption had to pay using the money they had either borrowed or received as capital for their proposed business ventures. The women claim that the issuance of such documents or services is deliberately delayed or totally denied unless they pay bribes.

They struggle to access loans to bolster their businesses or even transport to ferry goods to their business premises without being asked to pay bribes.

The women entrepreneurs are finding it difficult to engage different authorities when they want to acquire business permits/operating licences. They are extorted by unscrupulous individuals who are employed at various public service points. The women entrepreneurs continue to face a myriad of challenges due to corrupt practices in business. It came out clearly during deliberations that the high prevalence of corruption, coupled with Covid-19 restrictions, was impacting negatively on the growth and development of the small-scale businesses that most of the women are running.

Gender Links invited ZACC to facilitate the workshop after receiving numerous complaints on corruption, which was threatening the viability of womenвЂ™s business projects in the country.

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