Chronicle Editor
Business Reporter
THE Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bulawayo City Council paving the way for the establishment of a Textile Manufacturing Centre for women in Bulawayo.
This is part of the Government’s efforts to capacitate small to medium enterprises (SMEs), to boost their production and realise their full potential with a focus on driving re-industrialisation.
SMEs play a pivotal role in promoting economic growth through employment creation, improved livelihoods and export growth.
Hence the Government, in partnership with different organisations, has been rolling out programmes to enhance SMEs operations to increase their contribution to the economy.
The establishment of the Textile Manufacturing Centre through financial support from the African Development Bank and technical support from the International Labour Organisation, is one of the steps and is expected to benefit more than 1 000 women who are into clothing.
In her keynote address during the signing ceremony, Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Permanent Secretary, Dr Mavis Sibanda, said women in the clothing and textile industry were key economic players in Bulawayo.
She said the initiative to support the textile industry with specialised equipment will ensure the production of high-quality products.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to empower our entrepreneurs and promote economic growth in our nation.
“I stand before you to express my utmost delight in witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bulawayo City Council and the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development,” said Dr Sibanda.
“This MoU signifies the initial stage in the establishment of a Textile Manufacturing Centre for women, here in Bulawayo.”
She commended the ILO for the technical expertise and the AfDB for financial support, saying the Sustainable Enterprises Development for Women and Youth (SEDWY) projects aim to economically empower women and build their capacity to participate in value chain development.
She said the project seeks to harness the potential of youth and women, by addressing their capacity gaps and enabling them to stimulate value addition and beneficiation along the target value chains, to improve decent job creation.
“The project also aims at contributing to the reduction of gender-based violence, youth unemployment and gender inequality and addressing shortage of skills, among women and youths,” said Dr Sibanda.
“The establishment of a Textile Manufacturing Centre is a significant step towards bridging the gender gap in the business sector. This centre will provide a dedicated workspace for women to develop their skills and manufacture textile products, access resources, and engage in collaborative initiatives.
“The Textile Manufacturing Centre will offer training programmes, mentorship initiatives and networking platforms to equip women with the necessary knowledge and tools to thrive in the business world.”
Dr Sibanda said the textile industry has a rich history in Bulawayo and the centre will serve as a catalyst for resuscitating this heritage while fostering economic advancement.
The construction or rehabilitation of the manufacturing facilities for the project will start this year and Dr Sibanda said the ministry has already initiated the tender process.
“Today’s signing of the MoU between the Bulawayo City Council and the ministry marks a significant milestone in our journey towards empowering women entrepreneurs and driving economic growth.
“The establishment of the Textile Manufacturing Centre for women entrepreneurs here in Bulawayo is a testament to our collaborative effort to revive the textile industry in Bulawayo,” she said.
In a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu, Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart, hailed the Government for enhancing economic development through the micro, small and medium enterprises in the city.
“Today’s signing ceremony is not merely a formality, but a firm commitment from all parties involved to empower our MSMEs and ensure their success,” he said.
“As the Mayor of Bulawayo, I assure you that the city of Bulawayo will spare no effort in fulfilling our obligations within this partnership,” he said.
“We understand the significance of infrastructure and safe workspaces for the growth of MSMEs and we are determined to create an environment in which our entrepreneurs can flourish.
“I am confident that through our collective efforts, this Textile Manufacturing Centre and the future workspaces we envision will contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic development in Bulawayo.”
Online Reporter