Online Reporter
Takudzwa Mangrozah
Herald Reporter
LOCAL entrepreneurs showcased their products in Harare yesterday and expressed gratitude to the Government for supporting their businesses.
Speaking during her visit to a coaching and mentoring workshop, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said Zimbabwean women “are a source of pride”.
She expressed her admiration for the self-driven entrepreneurs, noting that their dedication often exceeded expectations.
“I am not doing a favour coming here for this graduation. I am just fulfilling my mandate. You are the people we should coordinate with and facilitate what needs to be done,” she said.
Sen Mutsvangwa commended international partners such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the Japan Patent Office for supporting the programme, which equips small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with practical skills in intellectual property management, valuation and commercialisation.
“I am very proud to be Zimbabwean, implementing this impactful programme. Your unwavering partnership, technical expertise and belief in Zimbabwe are invaluable,” said Sen Mutsvangwa.
Highlighting the programme’s purpose, she emphasised its focus on moving beyond theory to providing SMEs with actionable skills in intellectual property.
“Intellectual property is more than a legal tool, it is a catalyst for enterprise growth, community development and women empowerment,” she said.
Sen Mutsvangwa underscored the importance of innovation, noting that the 45 participating SMEs from sectors including agriculture, fashion, green technology, culinary arts and hand-crafted furniture exemplify Zimbabwe’s creativity and resilience.
“The creativity of Zimbabwean hands and the ingenuity of Zimbabwean minds must be protected, valued and celebrated globally,” she urged, encouraging entrepreneurs to implement their action plans and leverage intellectual property to compete on the global stage.
The workshop also provided a platform to discuss the future of entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe, with Sen Mutsvangwa calling for the establishment of a permanent mentorship desk, nationwide scaling of the programme, and the development of tools to make intellectual property knowledge accessible to thousands more entrepreneurs.
The event concluded with several entrepreneurs receiving certificates, which Sen Mutsvangwa encouraged them to view not just as a recognition, but as a stepping stone towards shaping Zimbabwe’s economic future.
Charles Duri