Story by Gay Matambo
MUTARE is experiencing a boost in entrepreneurship and skills development after more than 700 residents graduated from a government-led training programme implemented in partnership with the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs and the Zimbabwe Open University.
The graduates completed an intensive enterprise development and technical skills programme and are now expected to establish and grow businesses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the city’s economic development.
Equipping beneficiaries with both practical skills such as mushroom farming and detergent manufacturing alongside vital business and strategic management skills, the programme sought to empower community members across Mutare to transition from job seekers to sustainable business owners.
“We appreciate the government for rolling out this programme for us. We now have skills that will better our lives as youths,” a youth said.
“I am a degree holder, but I realised I needed to acquire skills for my side hustle; that is why I took up a course in beauty therapy,” a graduate said.
“I was just a young woman with nothing to do, but now I have baking skills which are going to help me for the rest of my life to live a better life,” a young lady said.
The skills development programme is part of community capacity building initiatives that equip locals with practical skills that translate into income, improved livelihoods, and sustainable enterprises.
“This skills development programme is benefiting the youths mostly who had nothing to do. This year only we managed to train close to 2 000 people, mostly youths and women, and most of them are now doing work-related learning at various places, and some have even started their small businesses,” Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza said.
With the SMEs sector being the largest driver of innovation, government says it remains committed to ensuring women, youths and community-based enterprises have the support they need to thrive.
“To all the graduates and SMEs here, remember that no business begins large. It grows through patience, commitment and continuous learning. You are the new generation of entrepreneurs who will shape the character of the Zimbabwe SMEs sector, the pulse of the economy so as you take the step forward, please know that your ministry is by your side,” Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said.
As the nation implements the National Development Strategy 2, shifting focus towards capacity building is set to ensure economic transformation is inclusive, sustainable and locally driven.
