UNDP empowers SMEs in Bulawayo to harness AfCFTA and digital economy

THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development is holding a two day training workshop for SMEs in Bulawayo to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and digital economy to be export ready.

The training is targeting women and youths who are in the MSEs sector.
In a media brief, UNDP said in alignment with Zimbabwe’s vision of becoming an upper middle income society by 2030, a new initiative has been launched to empower micro, small and medium enterprises particularly youths and women led enterprises.
“Export readiness training for MSMEs programme will equip these enterprises with the knowledge and skills necessary to capitalise on the AfCFTA and thrive in the growing digital economy,” said UNDP in a media briefing statement.

MSMEs plays a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s economy contributing approximately 60 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employing more than half of the workforce.
Despite their significant contribution to the economy, MSMEs face challenges such as limited market access, inadequate funding, skills gaps and lack of growth and international competitiveness.
AfCFTA, ratified by Zimbabwe in 2019, offers a transformative opportunity for MSMEs by unlocking access to broader African market.
However, these enterprises need to be better equipped to meet export standards, formalise operations and harness digital platforms for electronic and global trade.
Among the issues to be covered during the training are foundation to export market, product certification and standards, packaging and branding and export market opportunity analysis.
In his presentation, ZimTrade Southern region client manager Mr Velile Dube said introducing women to export conversations is likely to improve exports for the country with women occupying more than half of the population.
He urged MSMEs to collaborate and improve their product quality, branding and packaging to be able to compete in the export market.
He also said MSMEs should register for intellectual property rights (IPR) to protect their ideas.
@SikhulekelaniM1