adminempowerment and the unveiling of SMEs as the hub of the country’s economy”.
Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Sithembiso Nyoni is expected to be the guest speaker at the event.
The meeting will see participants discussing issues that affect SME businesses in the country.
Some of these challenges include high rental charges, taxes and utility charges, limited sources of funding and lack of operating space and machinery among others.
One of the organisers of the event, Harare Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises vice chairman Mr Melvin Marembo said the challenges facing SMEs in the country were still immense.
“Now that the economy has full potential to grow, small businesses still face the wrath of eviction when they fail to pay their rentals yet they stood their ground during trying times.”
He gave the example of the Zimbabwe Institute of Visual Arts whose rentals were recently increased from US$400 to US$1 000. “The unfortunate part is that they are small and do not have a lawyer to represent them,” says Mr Marembo.
The ministry responsible for SMEs recently said that it had developed an “SME infrastructural policy” through which SMEs can engage local authorities across the country and be allocated designated working spaces.
Mr Marembo also blasted the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for charging a flat tax rate that he said was inconsiderate of the circumstances of SMEs.
He also said this was similar to Zesa Holdings whose high tariffs were having a negative impact on SME businesses.
The ministry has also said the SMEs Act is now in effect, and the law is expected to play a critical role in improving the performance and contribution of this sector to the economy.
Online Reporter