Online Reporter
Judith Phiri,Zimpapers Writer
The recent initiatives aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Bulawayo have been commended for their transformative impact on local economic growth.
As the city’s entrepreneurial backbone, MSMEs play a vital role in driving innovation, reducing unemployment, and fostering community development, while they are estimated to generate 67 percent of Bulawayo’s revenue.
During the recent Bulawayo MSME Week, empowerment initiatives were carried out that included Export Readiness Seminars, MSME Business Clinic, Marketing and Branding for International Competitiveness (MBIC) Seminars, as well as the Bulawayo MSME Policy and Strategy Consultations, among others.
The week was capped off with a three-day MSMEs Winter Expo held at the City Hall Car Park, bringing together local entrepreneurs and small businesses in handmade crafts, food, fashion, and other sectors.
“Empowerment programmes for us entrepreneurs are vital for survival and growth. These initiatives do not just change individual businesses, but they also uplift entire communities as witnessed during the Bulawayo MSME Week,” said Ms Mandisa Nozinhle Nyoni of Nozinhle Art Creations.
She said initiatives that were rolled out throughout the week did not only empower entrepreneurs but also positioned Bulawayo as a hub for sustainable economic progress.
Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs coordinator, Mr Nketa Mangoye Dlamini, said there was still need for interaction between the key stakeholders who are providing the finance, business advisory services, and also the market itself, with the SMEs who are producing and providing a service.
“There was constant traffic at the MSMEs Winter Expo because the venue is easily accessible to a lot of people. A lot of deals were struck, sales were done, and there was an increment in terms of the potential market for the exhibitors,” he said.
“Our target was 200 SMEs, but we fell short as there were close to 130 there, so for the next expo we need to mobilise heavily so that more SMEs exhibit. Post-expo engagements with financiers who are the banks and microfinance institutions with MSMEs are critical.”
He said there was need to educate MSMEs on the importance of such events and called for preparations well in advance for the summer expo.
Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) executive director, Mr Michael Ndiweni, said MSME Week and the Winter Expo were a much-needed platform for small businesses to showcase their products.
“The events provided great visibility for emerging enterprises, especially those operating in the informal economy. It was encouraging to see strong collaboration between Government departments, informal traders’ associations, private sector players, and development partners, all rallying behind MSME development in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province,” he said.
He said there was growing appetite among MSMEs to formalise and access new markets, as well as the urgent need for consistent support in areas such as access to finance, skills development, and simplified regulatory frameworks that enable businesses to thrive.
Mr Ndiweni said the presence of emerging youth- and women-led businesses was also a highlight, showing how inclusive economic growth was becoming a reality.
