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George Maponga in Masvingo
Senior officials from three local authorities from Mashonaland Central Province have visited Chiredzi Town Council to get an appreciation of how the local authority is developing infrastructure for small and medium enterprises.
Chiredzi Town Council, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs and local financial advisory firm Alinial Chartered Accountants, partnered to develop the Chiredzi SME Centre.
The centre chewed up US$2 million.
Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs and Alinial want to replicate the project in other parts of the country to address the dearth in workspaces amongst SMEs hence the learning visit by officials from Guruve, Muzarabani and Pfura rural district councils.
Alinial chief executive, Mr Samuel Makuvire said there is need for increased collaboration between his organisation, the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs and local authorities across the country.
“When land is made available on more accessible terms, it propels SMEs to grow and encourages financial inclusion. Financial institutions are more likely to design products around a tangible asset, such as a mortgaged secure workspace,” said Mr Makuvire.
Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs national secretary general, Mr Kurauone Venancio said local authorities should take a leaf from Chiredzi Town Council’s SME centre.
leeroy
Online Reporter