Online Reporter
Sikhulekeleni Moyo, [email protected]
MICRO, small and medium enterprises, have been urged to formalise, improve product quality and productivity to improve their competitiveness and be able to benefit form different opportunities presented by the Government and other organisations to the sector.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Monica Mutswangwa who was being represented by Deputy Minister Kiven Mutimbanyoka said this on Wednesday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) SMEs Conference.
Minister Mutsvangwa said competitiveness will depend not on protection alone, but on the ability of enterprises to innovate, differentiate, and consistently deliver value.
The MSMEs ZITF workshop was running under the theme: “Inclusive Industrialisation: Women, Communities and MSMEs at the Centre of Economic Connectivity.”
Minister Mutsvangwa said the theme aligns with this year’s ZITF theme “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries”, saying that this strategic positioning recognises that industrialisation must be inclusive, ensuring that MSMEs, women, and communities are active participants and key beneficiaries in the economy.
She said platforms like ZITF and the MSMEs workshop offers a platform for MSMEs to meet policy makers, suppliers and potential markets for their products and services.
Speaking on the opportunities presented to the sector by the reserved sectors initiative, the Minister said opportunities arising from reserved sectors under Statutory Instrument 215 are particularly significant.
She said these provisions present a strategic platform for MSMEs to consolidate their presence in key sectors, enhance local production, and build competitive advantage.
“However, it is important to note that in order to take advantage of the available opportunities, MSMEs must prioritise improving product quality, enhancing productivity, and formalise their operations to meet market and regulatory standards,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
The ZITF MSMEs workshop also featured discussions on financial literacy for Old Mutual where the team explain their On the Money programme, whoch is meant to empower youth, women and MSMEs.
Minister Mutsvangwa said financial literacy empowerment progrmmes reinforces the centrality of sound financial management and access to appropriate financing.
She said it is important to note that for MSMEs to thrive, they must adopt strong financial discipline, maintain proper records, and position themselves as bankable entities.
“I call upon financial sector stakeholders to design responsive, accessible, and innovative financial products that align with the realities of MSMEs, while encouraging continued innovation in tailoring services that effectively meet their needs,” said the Minister.
She added that the Second Republic, under the leadership of His Excellency the President, Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, among other initiatives has prioritised reforms to improve the ease of doing business for MSMEs.
These include streamlining regulatory processes, rationalising licensing fees, and reducing the burden of multiple taxes measures aimed at creating an enabling environment for enterprise growth.
In line with Vison 2030 aspirations and NDS 2 objectives, Sen Mutsvangwa said ministry continue to upscale targeted interventions to strengthen the enterprise ecosystem.
“These interventions include business and skills training, access to affordable finance by working with all financial institutions in the country and through Ministry empowerment funds such as SMEDCO, Zimbabwe Women Micro Finance Bank, Women Development Fund and the Zimbabwe Community Development Fund,” she added.
“Furthermore, support has been extended by expanding market access through platforms such as ZITF and strengthening linkages between MSMEs and larger enterprises among other initiatives.”
The Minister called upon all relevant stakeholders to work together in a collaborative manner for a well-coordinated support architecture which is so essential to unlocking the full potential of the MSMEs sector.
“To our entrepreneurs, I wish to emphasise that the opportunities being created must be matched by commitment and discipline,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“We urge you to formalise your businesses, improve product quality, embrace innovation, and build credibility in the market.
“Competitiveness begins with consistency, reliability and a willingness to adapt to changing market demands.”
Other discussions where centered on market access with a plannery including Zimtrade, Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries, Edgas Stores Limited and other MSMEs experts.
