Chronicle Editor
Nqobile Bhebhe, Senior Business Reporter
WOMEN Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister, Dr Sithembiso Nyoni, yesterday implored small to medium scale enterprises in Lupane to be resilient and devise mechanisms to pull through the Covid-19 induced challenges.
SMEs in remote areas struggle to access finance, proper workspace and lack adequate access to key markets.
To that end, Dr Nyoni said it was critical for SMEs to come up with survival strategies and thrive to grow their business.
She was officiating at a two-day Lupane Business Expo that began yesterday and attracted more than 90 exhibitors.
“I am aware of challenges faced by SMEs, which have been further compounded by the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Dr Nyoni.
“Chief among the challenges include shortages of appropriate workspaces, limited access to finance, high level of informality and supply chain challenges given the location of the town from major distribution centres.
“I would like to implore you to be resilient in the midst of these challenges and design coping mechanisms to thrive under these circumstances.
“Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have proven to be an integral part of improving the livelihoods of our communities as they create jobs, bring goods and services to the people and enhance the standard of living within our communities.”
The minister said nationally, MSMEs contribute more than 60 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and under the devolution thrust they are expected to significantly contribute to the Matabeleland North Gross Domestic Product as they constitute a majority of business in the province.
On day one, more than 90 exhibitors were at the expo. The organiser and founder of Zimbabwe Education Fund (ZIMEFU), Mr Gibson Mwinde said the proceeds of the expo would be channelled towards supporting the manufacturing of sanitary pads for vulnerable children.
“We are striving to end period poverty in Zimbabwe, especially in remote areas where several girls and women are vulnerable.
“This year we have a target to train around 2 000 girls in making reusable pads.
“Due to financial challenges, we had to sit down with my team to strategise on how we can raise some funds so that we can achieve our goal,” said Mr Mwinde.
In separate interviews the traders expressed optimism about generating meaningful business and forging strong business synergies due to the exposure.
The exhibition is taking place at Lupane Local Board Hall and is organised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development in conjunction with ZIMEFU.
The expo is being held under the theme, “Promoting business growth through market linkages for sustainable economic development,” and ends today.
— @nqobilebhebhe
Online Reporter