Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, has reaffirmed her commitment to simplifying business registration to foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe.
This move is seen as critical for building a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable small and medium enterprise (SME) ecosystem in the country.
Speaking at the official opening of the Matabeleland North Provincial Business Expo in Lupane on Friday, Minister Mutsvangwa emphasised the crucial role SMEs play in the national economy. A 2021 survey by her Ministry and ZimStat revealed that over 4,8 million people are employed in MSMEs, which contribute more than 60 percent to the gross domestic product (GDP).
“SMEs are not just part of the economy, they are its backbone. They create jobs, drive innovation, reduce poverty, and support livelihoods,” she stated. “My ministry remains committed to building an enabling environment for the sector. We continue to champion the simplification of business registration to foster a more conducive environment for entrepreneurs.”
The minister highlighted that the ministry has assisted numerous SMEs through the registration process with the Registrar of Companies, noting the Registrar’s Office has been particularly helpful in digitising procedures, reducing paperwork, and shortening turnaround times, thus enabling small businesses to formalise quickly and transparently.
Minister Mutsvangwa urged licensing authorities, such as local councils, to introduce a special tier system for SMEs, featuring reduced fees and compliance requirements tailored to their scale, to lower barriers to formalisation and support SME growth.
She added that support continues to be provided through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), which offers loans and enterprise advisory services, and through the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank, which provides affordable credit to women entrepreneurs. The Women’s Development Fund and Zimbabwe Community Development Fund also finance grassroots and community-led initiatives.
The minister stressed that formalisation and compliance should be embraced by all MSMEs as a pathway to opportunities, not a burden. Registration, she explained, unlocks access to Government programmes, credit, and markets, while also protecting consumers and workers. “Formalisation strengthens the credibility of businesses and builds trust with stakeholders. It paves the way for partnerships with larger companies and participation in public procurement. Through compliance, we can collectively build a more resilient and competitive SME sector,” she stated.
In terms of integrity, Minister Mutsvangwa affirmed its importance, stating it “builds trust, attracts investment and levels the playing field for all”. She linked this principle to the aspirations of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which prioritises good governance, transparency, and accountability as key enablers of sustainable economic growth.
The minister also highlighted the crucial role of institutions like the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) in promoting ethical conduct and ensuring a fair business environment, thereby strengthening investor confidence.
Minister Mutsvangwa concluded by calling upon all stakeholders to collaborate in building a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable SME ecosystem in Zimbabwe, deeming it critical for economic development.
