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Sikhulekelani Moyo-Bulawayo Bureau
SINCE gaining independence, Zimbabwe’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have become a powerful engine for economic growth and black empowerment.
These innovative and creative SMEs have not only addressed local challenges with locally-sourced solutions, but they have also advocated for policies that benefit them. Today, the SME sector contributes a staggering US$8, 6 billion to Zimbabwe’s GDP and employs a remarkable 4, 8million people full-time.
Prior to independence, the system was rigged to favour the white minority. Blacks faced segregation in everything from business and education to jobs and basic necessities. White elites enjoyed access to quality “A” schools and technical colleges that equipped them for ownership of industries, while blacks were relegated to underfunded schools and teacher training, destined for a life of servitude in white-owned enterprises.
These discriminatory practices fuelled the fire of resistance, leading to the fight for Zimbabwe’s liberation and eventual independence in 1980. The victory ushered in a new era of black empowerment, with Zimbabweans actively participating in various sectors like agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. Black ownership extended to rural areas, where farmers gained the ability to not only feed their families but also sell surplus crops to the Grain Marketing Board.
What was the drive behind the success of Zimbabwean SMEs?
It was a burning desire to create solutions specific to their communities’ needs, utilising readily available local resources. This is evident in the production of culturally appropriate clothing, side-effect-free skincare products made with local ingredients, and the inclusion of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine in hotels and lodges – a stark contrast to the colonial era.
In essence, independence fostered a resurgence of Zimbabwean culture and traditions. Today, SMEs leverage their innovative spirit to develop locally sourced solutions using local products, promoting national pride.
Mrs Violet Mhute, Managing Director of Farringdom Investments, a leather products manufacturer, exemplifies this spirit. In her interview, she highlights how independence granted a new identity, where anyone with capability can be a business owner. She commends the government’s initiatives empowering women and youth, who now make up a significant portion of the SME sector.
“I am very happy and excited to be called a Zimbabwean and I am a proud to be Zimbabwean. Before Zimbabwe got independence, women were not allowed to own businesses let alone be in a men dominated sector, but because of policies crafted by our Government we as women are now able to own companies in any sector,” she said.
Mrs Mhute further applauds the introduction of Heritage-Based Education 5.0. She criticises the colonial curriculum for conditioning black Zimbabweans to be employees. In contrast, she believes the new system, with its emphasis on innovation, will empower them to become employers by equipping them with the skills to start their own businesses.
“Colonisers colonised our minds and even the education system that we all had a mind-set to say I’m learning so that I become employed. But because of independence and this new curriculum drafted by the Government, our children are being trained to be employers so that we proudly own companies, employ others and proudly produce products that speak to our challenges.
“We are happy that we own our land which has got resources and we are developing communities through the resources we have. So, thank you so much Zimbabwe and thank you to the men and women who stood up and fought for us to get independence and now we are free and we do business in our own land,” said Mrs Mhute.
Zimbabwe is leading the way for African countries by advocating a transition to the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model. This shift aims to break away from the legacy of colonial education systems that perpetuated biases in favour of developed nations. Anchored on disruptive innovations, Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 represents a pivotal strategy embraced by the Second Republic.
In the past, Zimbabwean universities adhered to the Education 3.0 framework, emphasising teaching, research, and community engagement. However, with the advent of Education 5.0, higher and tertiary institutions now prioritise innovation and industrialisation. The paradigm shift empowers students with practical skills beyond theoretical knowledge, fostering a generation of problem solvers rather than mere job seekers.
The impact of Education 5.0 became evident during the Covid-19 outbreak. Zimbabwean universities swiftly adapted, producing personal protective clothing and equipment, resulting in substantial savings of US$12 million for the country.
Additionally, private enterprises like Farringdom Investments contribute to the nation’s growth. Farringdom operates within the leather value chain, crafting leather shoes, belts, bags, and more. Mrs Mhute, a key figure in the company, also dedicates efforts to training women and youth in the intricacies of the leather industry.
Independence has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape. Entrepreneurs like Mr Dumisani Ncube in Bulawayo now thrive, owning businesses and engaging in trade across various sectors, including the city centre.
“We now own companies and we employ people. Instead of being employees we are now employers. We are now allowed to sell in the CBD and own shops,” he said.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu highlighted the economic shift, stating sectors like mining, manufacturing, and retail were previously controlled by whites.
“The Second Republic, under the able leadership of President Dr ED Mnangagwa has accelerated ownership of the economy by Zimbabweans and infrastructure development attracting more investment,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s women entrepreneurs are thriving in natural skincare production, leveraging local resources and government support to create products specifically for the Zimbabwean market.
Ms Providence Moyo said “As a woman, I am a beneficiary of independence because I have managed to run my own business, I am no longer deprived because long back as women, we were not allowed to take up leadership positions, or do certain things.
“However, independence brought us rights where as women we can do anything, or take any role and do jobs, which were normally done by men,” she said.
Online Reporter