Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
The country’s ongoing economic transformation cannot be fully achieved without a strong and vibrant Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has said.
Addressing delegates at the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Indaba in Harare today, Minister Mutsvangwa said the sector continues to create jobs, generate income and stimulate economic development across the country.
“The backbone of economic transformation cannot be complete without SMEs,” she said, adding that SMEs and cooperatives collectively account for more than 60 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
The minister said Government has strengthened institutional support for entrepreneurs by deploying dedicated business and cooperative development officers across the country.
Through these officers, entrepreneurs are getting assistance on e-commerce, mobile banking and other modern business practices.
Minister Mutsvangwa said Government has been able to reach millions of entrepreneurs with programmes that improve access to finance, markets, business skills, workspace, infrastructure and technology.
She said many enterprises have grown from micro businesses into sustainable companies through determination, Government support and strategic partnerships, thereby creating employment and contributing to national development.
