Judith Phiri [email protected]
MICRO, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Bulawayo have been urged to modernise their operations by embracing digital technologies, improving financial management and strengthening their competitiveness to unlock new market opportunities and drive economic growth.
The call was made during the Bulawayo 2026 MSME Summer Expo where business leaders and development stakeholders said innovation and formalisation were essential for small businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive business environment.
In a keynote address read on behalf of the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa by Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda officially opening the expo Friday, she said the development of MSME sector was a shared responsibility.
“Government cannot achieve the desired transformation in isolation. In line with the whole-of-Government and whole-of-society approach, I call upon technology providers, training institutions, financial institutions and private-sector partners to work with Government in ensuring that MSMEs have access to the skills, technologies and business support needed to modernise their operations,” she said.
“To our entrepreneurs, I encourage you to remain disciplined, innovative and committed to continuous improvement. Invest in your skills, maintain proper records, uphold quality standards, embrace formalisation and actively pursue new market opportunities.”
She said in line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo,” there was need to work together to transform entrepreneurial ideas into viable businesses, businesses into productive enterprises, and locally produced goods and services into competitive products for domestic and export markets.
The Minister said this year’s theme, “Bulawayo MSMEs – Drivers of Sustainable Growth and Innovation,” speaks directly to national development objectives as enunciated in the National Development Strategy (NDS 2)
“The theme calls upon our entrepreneurs to move beyond survival-oriented business operations and build productive, competitive and sustainable enterprises that create employment, generate income, promote value addition and contribute to Zimbabwe’s industrialisation.
“Government, through my Ministry, remains committed to working with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment in which MSMEs can grow, innovate and make a greater contribution to our national development,” she added.
The inaugural vibrant three-day expo which kicked off on Thursday is being held at the City Hall Car Park bringing together local entrepreneurs and small businesses into handmade crafts, food and fashion among other sectors.
