Online Reporter
President Mnangagwa is expected to officially open the inaugural National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives Indaba at the Harare International Conference Centre today.
The two-day indaba, running under the theme “Towards Vision 2030: Building an Enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Ecosystem,” brings together Government, financial institutions, the private sector, development partners, cooperatives and entrepreneurs.
Speaking during a media briefing in Harare recently, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said the event marks a major milestone in efforts to unlock the full potential of SMEs and cooperatives.
“This landmark national event will be officially graced by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr ED Mnangagwa, underscoring the strategic importance Government attaches to the SME and cooperative sectors as key drivers of economic growth and national development,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said the indaba will facilitate dialogue on policy and regulatory reforms, strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders and promote business formalisation.
“It will also support the establishment of a more responsive ecosystem that provides MSMEs and cooperatives with improved access to finance, markets, technology, innovation and business development services,” she said.
She said MSMEs contribute at least 60 percent of Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product and account for more than 70 percent of enterprises operating in the country, with women owning over 56 percent of the businesses.
Harmony Agere will be providing live updates.
Scenes at the venue
Inside the venue, the hall is almost full as delegates continue to trickle in, while the Zimbabwe Republic Police Band keeps the audience entertained ahead of the official proceedings.
President Mnangagwa is expected soon.
Exhibitors showcase home-grown products
Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), alongside major corporations, are showcasing a wide range of innovative home-grown products and services at the National SMEs and Cooperatives Indaba.
The exhibition features products ranging from metal fabrication, herbal products and processed foods to a variety of business and financial services, highlighting the sector’s growing contribution to Zimbabwe’s economy.
Event partners, including ZB, Innscor, UNDP, NMB Bank, SMEDCO, Schweppes, NSSA, POTRAZ and Zimplats, are also exhibiting their products and services.
Universities have mounted exhibitions showcasing locally developed innovations, with exhibitors expressing excitement ahead of President Mnangagwa’s address.
