Online Reporter
Judith Phiri
[email protected]
THE Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has reaffirmed its commitment to creating an enabling environment for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to thrive, compete and scale up.
MSMEs are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, with approximately 3,4 million entities contributing over 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employing roughly 4,8 million people full-time.
In a keynote address read on behalf of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa by Permanent Secretary Dr Mavis Sibanda at the 2026 MSMEs Winter Expo and Provincial Launch of International MSMEs Day on Friday in Bulawayo, she said MSMEs play a critical role in the economy.
“MSMEs are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economic growth, contributing significantly to employment creation, poverty reduction, innovation and industrial development. Today, we celebrate your resilience, determination and contribution towards building a prosperous Zimbabwe.
“Under the leadership of President Mnangagwa, the Government remains committed to transforming the SME sector into a vibrant and formalised pillar of the economy,” she said.
“On behalf of my Ministry, I wish to express our profound gratitude to the City of Bulawayo for its continued support, accepting to partner us in this momentous programme.”
She also acknowledged the Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs and the Bulawayo MSMEs Working Group for their unwavering support to the Ministry and the Government at large, in its bid to improve the livelihoods of lives of Zimbabweans.
The Minister said these organisations were assisting MSMEs through skills development, entrepreneurship promotion, value chain strengthening and market linkages.
She added: “This year’s Bulawayo MSMEs Winter Expo theme, “Empowering Bulawayo MSMEs for Innovation, Jobs, Resilience and Sustainable Growth in line with Vision 2030 and Global Trends,” speaks directly to our national development agenda. My Ministry remains committed to empowering the MSMEs as key drivers of inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the Winter Expo was more than just an exhibition; it was a platform for opportunity.
She said it allows entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services, create market linkages, exchange ideas and explore innovation.
“It also creates space for learning and engagement with critical institutions such as Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), National Social Security Authority (NSSA) and many others who are here to provide knowledge on standards, tax compliance, procurement opportunities, and social security matters,” she said.
“These engagements are key in ensuring that our MSMEs become competitive both locally and internationally. I encourage all MSMEs to embrace formalisation, quality standards and digital transformation, as these are essential for sustainability in today’s global economy.”
The Minister called for the need to continue building enterprises that are innovative, resilient and ready to seize emerging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond.
She said as Government, they reaffirm their support to the SME sector through policy development, capacity building, access to markets and empowerment initiatives, particularly for women and youth, who remain at the centre of the economic transformation agenda.
The Bulawayo MSMEs Winter Expo 2026 which ran from June 25 to 27, 2026 was organised by Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development in partnership with the City of Bulawayo and other stakeholders.
International MSMEs Day is observed annually on June 27 to recognise the massive contributions of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to the global economy.
Designated by the United Nations, the day highlights how small businesses drive local innovation, create jobs and power sustainable development.
