The ZB Financial Holdings Midlands MSMEs Expo held on Saturday at Gweru Sports Club has been heralded as a major success, marking another significant step in ZB Financial Holdings’ commitment to empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Zimbabwe.
This event, following successful editions in Bulawayo and Harare, continued the tradition of providing MSMEs with the tools and opportunities necessary for growth and sustainability.
The Expo, themed “Accelerating MSMEs growth through Financial Partnerships,” featured a speech by the Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Midlands Province, Honourable Owen Ncube, which was read by the Director of Economic Affairs and Investment, Director Mr Mutisi, representing the Minister.
In his address, Minister Ncube emphasised the vital role of SMEs in driving economic development and job creation.
He highlighted the challenges these businesses often face, particularly in accessing finance, and praised ZB Financial Holdings for its dedication to bridging this gap.
“Micro Small and Medium Enterprises are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and economic development. However, they often face challenges in accessing finance which hinders their growth potential,” said Minister Ncube.
He added, “We applaud the efforts by ZB Financial Holdings in opening up to the MSMEs sector and bringing them together at events like we are having today.”
Minister Ncube also commended the government’s role in creating an enabling environment for MSMEs through various supportive measures. He noted the introduction of the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency and other policies aimed at promoting economic stability and access to credit for MSMEs.
The Expo’s success was further underscored by the enthusiasm and participation of the MSMEs themselves. Exhibitors displayed a remarkable array of products, demonstrating the innovation and competitiveness within the sector.
Minister Ncube encouraged MSMEs to formalize their operations to access the full benefits of government support, including formal credit channels, market access, and legal protections.
“By formalizing, MSMEs can unlock these benefits, leading to increased competitiveness, productivity, and contribution to the economy,” the Minister emphasized.
The presence of the corporate sector and development partners at the Expo highlighted the collaborative effort required to drive SME growth and economic prosperity.
The Expo featured a series of panel discussions led by industry experts, covering a wide range of business topics.
One such session was titled “Sustainable Growth Strategies: Nurturing Resilient MSMEs for the Future.”
On its panel was Care Zimbabwe’s Mr. Patrick Sikana who spoke on the Power of networks, and Mr. Willard Razawo from ESG Network, who spoke on Building a sustainable MSME for the future.
From the host ZB Financial Holdings, Mr Gerald Chimbga underscored the importance of MSME all-around insurance protection.
Other panelists included Mr. Michael Munawa from Econet who led on the topic of Digitisation while Anesu Vere from ZB Financial Holdings talked about Customer insights as a strategic tool to enhance business.
These sessions provided SMEs with practical insights to enhance their operations.
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