Story by Oleen Ndori, Foreign Desk Editor
PRESIDENT President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on small and medium enterprises to contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth as he officially opened Phase 1 of the Mbare Musika Traders Market Development Project and presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Mbare Musika Hub Main Market.
The vibrant atmosphere at Mbare Musika this morning was testament to Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial spirit, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially unveiled the completed first phase of the Mbare Musika Market and laid the foundation for its ambitious second phase.
This milestone comes after a devastating fire tore through the market in October last year, threatening the livelihoods of countless traders.
Upon arrival, the President commissioned the newly constructed Zimbabwe Republic Police Post and the BANC-ABC building before touring the completed Mbare Musika Hub, which is set to accommodate nearly 1 700 stalls.
During his tour, President Mnangagwa interacted with beneficiaries, engaging with traders as they sold their goods.
The Head of State expressed his support for the traders.
“Mbare Musika plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s economy as a major hub for our local farmers, traders and consumers, providing access to a diverse range of agricultural produce, clothing, hardware and household goods, among others,” the President said.
“The destruction of the market significantly impacted the livelihoods of traders and their families while disrupting supply and production chains. It is commendable that the first phase of the market is now complete. This paves the way for 1 628 traders to begin operations and comes as a timely relief for traders who now have decent workspace.
“I gather that phase two of the New Mbare Musika is designed to be a multi-storey complex with improved sanitation, fire safety features and organised trading spaces. The improved business and trading environment resonates with our national Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This further dovetails with my government’s quest to ‘Build Back Better’ following any climate-induced natural disasters or devastating fire incidences such as those experienced at the Glenview Area 8 Furniture Market and here at Mbare Musika.”
He challenged entrepreneurs to set up marketplaces that are in line with international best practices.
“I challenge our rural and urban councils, the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, as well as other stakeholders in the Civil Protection space to be proactive and enhance the capacity of our communities to respond and recover from disasters,” the President said.
“Disaster reduction and management must always be multi-pronged and result in improved service delivery, cleaner environments and trafficable roads, among others. Comrades and Friends, the importance of the Small and Medium Enterprises Sector to the growth of our economy cannot be over-emphasised. It stands as one of the critical pillars of the economy, contributing significantly to the total Gross Domestic Product.
“My government, thus, recognises that SMEs are a key driver of economic growth, job creation, wealth creation and broad-based empowerment. Earlier this week, I attended the 11th Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development in Uganda, as Chairman of SADC. As leaders of Africa, we discussed the importance of driving job creation and economic growth, particularly through our young people and women. I, therefore, challenge the entrepreneurs of our country to scale up the establishment of small businesses and start-ups in line with emerging trends and digital technologies.”
President Mnangagwa said the government will continue to improve in terms of ease of doing business, along with having dialogues with the MSMEs.
“Collaborative synergies between those in the SME sector and relevant ministries, departments and agencies are of critical importance towards the formalisation of small businesses and start-ups. As we continue to diversify our economy, the formalisation of this sector must never be viewed as a direct threat to the survival and sustainability of your respective businesses.
“On its part, my government will continue to improve the ease of doing business, through reducing barriers to entry, as well as streamlining business registration, licensing and compliance levies. Dialogue with the SME sector is an essential building block for enhanced business productivity. There should not be ‘a them and us’ mentality. Government and the sector must act as one, for the good of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
This moment was more than a ceremonial occasion, it underscored the Government’s inclusive development agenda to ensure that no one and no community is left behind as Zimbabwe strives to become an upper-middle-income society.
Projects like the Mbare Musika Market, which serves as the heart of Zimbabwe’s small and medium enterprises sector, are crucial drivers of this vision.
