Story by Memory Chamisa
THE Harare Gardens has come alive, with Small to Medium Enterprises including those from the Southern Africa Development Committee (SADC) region participating at the 15th edition of SMES International Expo and Business Conference.
This year’s edition has witnessed a business conference running concurrently with the expo, a double benefit for the exhibitors who have taken the opportunity to learn more from the various presentations.
With exhibitors coming from as far as Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, the expo has not only brought together businesses but also optimism for new markets.
“I have brought my organic products and look forward to penetrating new markets as this is an international platform. I have also toured some of the stands and saw how others are faring on their products and packaging,” an exhibitor said.
“This is a big platform that brings forth opportunities and synergies for growth. The next two days are going to be hectic, but I have come prepared to make my business visible,” another stated.
“As women entrepreneurs’ platforms such as these are pertinent in ensuring that we get access to international buyers and markets and I have brought my beadwork that consists of bags, sandals, jewellery and believe the next three days are going to be fruitful,” an exhibitor weighed in.
Organisers of the event noted the establishment of a robust financing ecosystem to enable expansion and creation of more employment opportunities.
“This expo is a conduit for exhibitors and buyers from various countries that include Zambia, South Africa, Tanzania. Through a network of entrepreneurship hubs and training centres, aspiring and existing entrepreneurs are provided with access to comprehensive training programmes, mentorship opportunities and market linkages,” SMEs Expo Organiser, Engineer Delight Makotose said.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the entrepreneurial spirit of its people.
“In collaboration with other government institutions and development partners, the ministry also facilitates and provides training to SMEs to equip them with relevant managerial and technical skills to enhance their business operations and adapt to the dynamic markets around the globe. It is pleasing to see the various innovations and products on display and mind you, the SMEs sector is the heart beat of the economy and now accounts for a significant portion of the country’s gross domestic product and employment,” she said.
Contributing over 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product with over four million people employed, the SMEs sector has become the bedrock of the country’s journey towards attaining Vision 2030.
