Story by Gay Matambo
GOVERNMENT has been commended for implementing policies that continue to support the expansion and growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector across Zimbabwe.
The remarks were made during the Manicaland Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Awards Ceremony held in Mutare on Friday.
Speaking to ZBC News on the sidelines of the event, several entrepreneurs expressed appreciation for government initiatives that have improved the ease of doing business, enabling SMEs to grow and contribute more effectively to the country’s economic development.
“As small business owners here in Mutare, we are really grateful for the government’s intervention, especially regarding the easing of registration regulations. Previously, it was difficult to formalise, but now the doors are open, and these awards prove that even small enterprises can compete and be recognised at a national level,” an entrepreneur said.
“We are excited to have the Minister of Mines here listening to us. The machinery and technical support we are receiving from the government have completely changed our production capacity. This award is a motivation to push harder and contribute more to Manicaland’s economy,” a Business owner said.
“Winning tonight shows that our efforts to create local employment are working. The devolution initiatives spearheaded by the government have allowed us to utilise local raw materials right here in Manicaland, which cuts down our operational costs and makes us far more competitive,” an award winner said.
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, reiterated that the provincial leadership remains committed to unlocking local resource value chains for small-scale players, adding that the growth of local enterprises is a crucial pillar in achieving national devolution goals and driving sustainable industrialisation across Manicaland.
“As government, we are relentlessly pursuing policies and programmes designed to dismantle barriers, enhance access to affordable finance, open up domestic and international markets, and foster the continuous skills development of our entrepreneurs,” he said.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Polite Kambamura, said government’s task is to build an environment in which you can move beyond survival to lasting growth and competitiveness.
“The Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, is committed to this economic turnaround, and here in Manicaland the commissioning of new industries already points to a Province on a confident upward path,” he said.
The annual awards concluded with the recognition of several outstanding businesses and trailblazing entrepreneurs who have demonstrated immense resilience and innovation in driving the province’s economic momentum.
