Online Reporter
Business Reporter
THE Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development will convene the Inaugural National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives Indaba from July 16-17, 2026.
This comes as the Government continues to position MSMEs and cooperatives as key drivers of industrialisation, employment creation, poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.
The event, which brings together policymakers, entrepreneurs, financiers and development partners to strengthen the country’s small business sector, is expected to shape policy reforms and strengthen the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem as the government intensifies efforts to achieve Vision 2030.
President Mnangagwa is expected to be the guest of honour at the two-day event, which will run under the theme, “Towards Vision 2030: Building an Enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Ecosystem.”
The indaba will feature exhibitions showcasing products and innovations from entrepreneurs across various sectors, alongside plenary sessions and technical presentations focusing on policy, access to finance, value addition, digital transformation and enterprise development.
Major highlights of the event include the launch of the National Cooperatives Policy, a framework expected to strengthen governance, improve competitiveness and promote sustainable growth within Zimbabwe’s cooperative movement.
The MSMEs and Cooperatives Month will also be launched at the event, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship, increasing public awareness of the sector’s contribution to the economy and encouraging more support for small businesses.
The event will conclude with the National Presidential Awards Ceremony to recognise outstanding performers in the MSME and cooperative sectors for innovation, resilience, productivity and contribution to national economic development.
Speaking ahead of the inaugural indaba, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Zimbabwe’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), describing the sector as a key pillar of economic growth.
She outlined plans to improve access to finance, entrepreneurship training and digital skills to help small businesses evolve into large corporations.
