Story by Memory Chamisa
GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and business growth, as stakeholders intensify efforts to harness innovation, technology and enterprise development in pursuit of Vision 2030.
The commitment emerged at the High-Impact Business Masterclass held in Harare on Wednesday, which brought together entrepreneurs, students, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), business leaders and government officials to explore practical strategies for business growth, wealth creation and economic transformation.
The engagement provided a platform for dialogue, networking and collaboration, with participants highlighting the critical role of entrepreneurship in driving economic development, job creation and industrialisation.
Stakeholders stressed that sustainable business success depends on strong ecosystems that provide entrepreneurs with access to knowledge, mentorship, markets, capital and growth opportunities.
“Entrepreneurial success is determined not only by individual talent, but also by an ecosystem that provides access to knowledge, mentorship, networks, markets, capital and opportunities. Training platforms such as this are important in enabling business growth,” said one entrepreneur.
Another participant described the masterclass as a vital platform for motivation and the exchange of ideas.
“Such platforms are essential for sharing experiences and learning how others are conducting business. Sustainability and sound business practices are key. Engagement with government officials has also been instrumental in raising challenges affecting MSMEs, including business formalisation, taxation and access to affordable workspaces,” the entrepreneur said.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, underscored the importance of embracing technology, noting that companies adopting artificial intelligence are recording improved productivity and profitability.
“Technology and innovation are becoming key drivers of productivity, competitiveness and sustainable industrial growth. It is also important for entrepreneurs to remain tax compliant, as revenue generated through taxation is essential for financing national development programmes and creating an enabling business environment,” he said.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, described SMEs as the pulse of Zimbabwe’s economy and outlined government interventions supporting the sector.
“Government remains committed to supporting enterprise development through policies and programmes that promote entrepreneurship, industrialisation and private sector growth. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises continue to play a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing more than 60 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“My Ministry has implemented numerous interventions, including access to finance, entrepreneurship and business management training, financial literacy programmes, market linkages, exhibitions, trade fairs and the provision of productive workspaces for MSMEs. We must continue embracing innovation, technology adoption and continuous learning to ensure our enterprises remain competitive and contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe’s economic transformation,” she said.
The masterclass also focused on practical strategies for enterprise growth, innovation and wealth creation, while strengthening collaboration between government and the private sector.
