derick.khumalo
Nqobile Bhebhe
[email protected]
Bulawayo has thrown its full weight behind the establishment of the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) in the city with the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube saying the new platform will widen access to capital for small businesses and advance the country’s devolution agenda.
Speaking at the official launch of ZEEX in Bulawayo, Minister Ncube said the establishment of the exchange was a major milestone for Zimbabwe’s capital markets and aligned with the Second Republic’s vision of building an inclusive, innovation-driven economy.
“Today marks an important milestone not only for the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange but also for our national vision of building an inclusive, innovative and investment-driven economy.
“The official launch of the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange represents a significant step towards broadening access to capital and creating new pathways for enterprise growth, particularly for our small and medium enterprises,” she said.
Minister Ncube acknowledged the Second Republic for championing policies that promote private sector-led growth and economic transformation.
“The Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of President Mnangagwa continues to champion private sector-led economic growth, innovation, industrialisation and inclusive development as key pillars towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
“The establishment of ZEEX speaks directly to this national agenda by creating an ecosystem where enterprises can access structured financing and participate meaningfully in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation,” she said.
She welcomed the decision by Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Holdings to launch the entrepreneurship-focused exchange in Bulawayo, describing it as a practical demonstration of the Government’s devolution policy.
“Equally important is the fact that this landmark initiative is being launched here in Bulawayo.
“Devolution is not merely about decentralising administrative functions. It is about decentralising opportunities.
“It is about ensuring that investment, innovation, economic participation and prosperity are spreading equitably across all provinces.
“The decision by the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange to establish and launch ZEEX in Bulawayo demonstrates confidence in our province’s economic potential and reinforces Government’s commitment to balanced national development, rehabilitation and resilience,” she said.
Minister Ncube said although Zimbabwe has no shortage of entrepreneurial talent, many businesses have struggled to access affordable long-term financing needed to grow.
“Our people possess remarkable entrepreneurial skills.
“However, many promising enterprises have struggled to realise their full potential due to limited access to affordable and sustainable sources of capital.
“ZEEX provides an important solution to this challenge. Through this platform, our entrepreneurs will be able to achieve their goals,” she said.
She added that the exchange would create fresh opportunities for young entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, innovators and the country’s expanding SME sector.
“The platform offers renewed hope for our youth, our women entrepreneurs, our innovators and our growing small and medium enterprise sector whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s economy continues to expand each year,” she said.
Minister Ncube pledged Bulawayo’s full support towards ensuring the success of the new exchange.
“As the Office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Development, we fully commit ourselves to working towards the goal of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and all stakeholders to ensure that this initiative succeeds.
“We shall continue engaging local authorities, financial institutions, business organisations, educational institutions and development partners so that awareness of ZEEX reaches every entrepreneur across Zimbabwe and across the world,” she said.
ZEEX has been established by Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Holdings as a dedicated platform to connect high-potential small and medium enterprises with investors, broadening access to long-term capital while strengthening corporate governance, transparency and investor confidence.
The initiative is expected to deepen financial inclusion and support the country’s drive towards inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
