adminSMEs and large corporations in Zimbabwe.
This partnership is meant to close the divide that currently exists between large corporations and their small and medium-sized counterparts.
The two organisations are jointly hosting the first value chain business linkages seminar on January 29 2013, aimed specifically at creating linkages between the value chains of small enterprises and large corporations.
ZNCC chief executive Mr Andrew Matiza gave further insights into the programme: “The concept of business linkages is not new. What is unique about our approach is that this is the first time that this idea is being implemented at a national level, and taking a multi-sectoral approach as opposed to single-level linkages within specific locations.
“We have identified the SME Association of Zimbabwe as an ideal partner for this programme as they are focused on growing small and medium enterprises into large corporations.
“Their emphasis on professionalism and formalisation, as well as the supporting mechanisms they provide to their membership ensures that SMEs participating in the linkages program are able to meet the high standards expected by large corporations.”
The value chain business linkages seminar marks the official start of the business linkages programme.
“The idea is to have SMEs participating in large corporations’ value chains in a more meaningful way than has been the case to date. Often, SMEs are given peripheral roles such as supplying stationery, cleaning, transport and other administrative functions by large corporations.
“What we are saying is that greater value would be derived by all if SMEs are involved in the production and distribution of the main products themselves,” explained Mr Farai Mutambanengwe from the SME Association of Zimbabwe.
“Incorporating SMEs in the supply of inputs and in the distribution channels for the final product is a smart way for large corporations to cut their costs while ensuring greater buy-in for their products,” he said.
“The SMEs will now have a vested interest in the large corporation’s success, and become brand ambassadors rather than going out and importing items to compete with these large corporations.
“At a macro-economic scale, we simultaneously address the issues of unemployment, excessive imports, retention of money within the country and promoting local brands.”
Presenters at the seminar will include Government officials and captains of industry and commerce.
“As representatives of business, we see it as our role to carry Government policy to the implementation phase, thus we are starting off where policy statements such as the National Budget left off,” said Mr Matiza.
Online Reporter