Story by Wellington Makonese
ZIMBABWE’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector has emerged as a critical component of the national economy, contributing more than 60% to GDP while driving employment creation, innovation, and value chain development. The findings are contained in the latest MSME Survey report, presented at a stakeholder engagement in Harare on Wednesday.
The report highlights the growing resilience of MSMEs despite challenges in formalisation, compliance, and access to finance. It underscores the sector’s potential to underpin Zimbabwe’s broader economic transformation strategy under Vision 2030.
Dr Charity Kadungure, Chairperson of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), said the survey offered insights into areas requiring strategic intervention to strengthen MSMEs.
“This survey is important as it highlights areas we need to focus on to empower SMEs to channel resources. It is pleasing to note that we have resilient SMEs as they keep growing, for example, in workspaces provision and capacity-building,” Dr Kadungure said.
“From this assignment, we noted real growth in the SMEs. There is optimism, though formalisation is still shallow; the willingness is there. They are struggling with some compliance processes, but they want to participate and innovate digital adoption and sustainability efforts, so there is positive optimism,” Consumer Feedback Consultancy, Mr Tapfuma Gonyora said.
With the sector contributing significantly to value chains and livelihoods, government says ongoing reforms, including improved access to funding, workspace development and capacitation programmes, are meant to position MSMEs as key drivers of Vision 2030.
“Through SMEDCO, we continue expanding financial support and training. We want MSMEs to be competitive, bankable, and sustainable in the long term, with linkages through ZIMRA, ZimTrade and other players. As the business landscape evolves, SMEs must adopt digital technologies, e-commerce, artificial intelligence and data analytics to remain competitive,” Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Dr Mavis Sibanda said.
The MSMEs Survey report is expected to inform broader national strategies aimed at strengthening value chains, boosting exports and accelerating the country’s march towards Vision 2030.
