Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Government is prioritising the provision of safe, decent and affordable workspaces for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and informal traders, as part of efforts to support economic growth, formalisation and improved livelihoods.
In line with this policy, the construction of the Gazaland workspace in Highfield, Harare, is nearing completion.
The facility is part of ongoing efforts to provide modern trading environments, featuring glass and aluminium partitions, warehouse space, ablution facilities, and infrastructure designed to accommodate people with disabilities.
Once complete, the Gazaland complex is expected to accommodate more than 50 traders in the busy industrial area.
Traders expressed optimism about the development, saying it would improve both safety and business performance.
“I am looking forward to working in a safe environment with modern facilities. I will be confident that when I lock up at the end of the day, my goods will be secure,” said one trader.
Another added: “I currently operate by the roadside and I am grateful for this infrastructure. It will not only provide a safer working space but will also attract more customers, as people are drawn to organised trading areas.”
A third trader said the project would have a wider impact beyond Gazaland.
“This is a great development not only for Gazaland but also for neighbouring communities. We have seen developments at Mbare Musika, and now it is our turn. This will enhance our production capacity and visibility,” the trader said.
Government says the objective is to move traders from illegal and unsafe trading spaces into designated facilities that support formalisation and business growth.
Speaking on the project, Chief Executive Officer of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO), Mr Obert Ngwenya said Treasury had allocated ZWL660 million for MSME workspace construction in 2022, targeting projects such as the Gwanda Vendor Mart and the Chikomba MSME Complex, as well as the Gazaland facility, which is now 95 percent complete.
“To overcome funding challenges, Government is engaging pension funds and private companies for financing and construction,” he said.
Harare Polytechnic College Acting Principal, Mrs Deborah Ruziwasaid the project also reflects efforts to link education with industry.
“We are excited to be part of this project through our students whose skills have been put to use. This is part of Government’s drive to produce skills-based graduates under Education 5.0,” she said.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa
said MSMEs remain central to the economy.
“MSMEs are the heartbeat of this country’s economy and their support is crucial. They constitute over three million operators. Government is continuing with infrastructure development for SMEs, as seen in projects such as Mbare Market Hub, and MSME facilities in Masvingo and Chiredzi,” she said.
She added that key initiatives include the construction of factory shells, vendor marts and multi-storey market malls in collaboration with local authorities and the private sector.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises remain a critical pillar of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing over 60 percent of Gross Domestic Product, with similar infrastructure projects underway in Gwanda, Masvingo and Bulawayo at various stages of completion.
