Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected] 

SINCE gaining independence, Zimbabwe’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have become a powerful engine for economic growth and black empowerment. 

These innovative and creative SMEs have not only addressed local challenges with locally-sourced solutions, but have also advocated for policies that benefit them. Today, the SME sector contributes a staggering US$8, 6 billion to Zimbabwe’s GDP and employs a remarkable 4, 8 million people full-time.

Prior to independence, the system was rigged to favour the white minority. Blacks faced segregation in everything from business and education to jobs and basic necessities. White elites enjoyed access to quality “A” schools and technical colleges that equipped them for ownership of industries, while blacks were relegated to underfunded schools and teacher training, destined for a life of servitude in white-owned enterprises.

These discriminatory practices fuelled the fire of resistance, leading to the fight for Zimbabwe’s liberation and eventual independence in 1980. The victory ushered in a new era of black empowerment, with Zimbabweans actively participating in various sectors like agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and tourism. Black ownership extended to rural areas, where farmers gained the ability to not only feed their families but also sell surplus crops to the Grain Marketing Board.

The drive behind the success of Zimbabwean SMEs? A burning desire to create solutions specific to their communities’ needs, utilising readily available local resources. This is evident in the production of culturally appropriate clothing, side-effect-free skincare products made with local ingredients, and the inclusion of traditional Zimbabwean cuisine in hotels and lodges – a stark contrast to the colonial era.

In essence, independence fostered a resurgence of Zimbabwean culture and traditions. Today, SMEs leverage their innovative spirit to develop locally sourced solutions using local products, promoting national pride.

Mrs Violet Mhute, Managing Director of Farringdom Investments, a leather products manufacturer, exemplifies this spirit. In her interview, she highlights how independence granted a new identity, where anyone with capability can be a business owner. She commends the government’s initiatives empowering women and youth, who now make up a significant portion of the SME sector.

“I am very happy and excited to be called a Zimbabwean and I am a proud Zimbabwean. Before Zimbabwe got independence, women were not allowed to own businesses let alone be in a men dominated sector, but because of policies crafted by our Government we as women are now able to own companies in any sector,” she said.

Mrs Mhute further applauds the introduction of Heritage-Based Education 5.0. She criticises the colonial curriculum for conditioning black Zimbabweans to be employees. In contrast, she believes the new system, with its emphasis on innovation, will empower them to become employers by equipping them with the skills to start their own businesses.

“Colonisers colonised our minds and even the education system that we all had a mind-set to say I’m learning so that I become employed. But because of independence and this new curriculum drafted by the Government, our children are being trained to be employers so that we proudly own companies, employ others and proudly produce products that speak to our challenges.

“We are happy that we own our land which has got resources and we are developing communities through the resources we have. So, thank you so much Zimbabwe and thank you to the men and women who stood up and fought for us to get independence and now we are free and we do business in our own land,” said Mrs Mhute.

Zimbabwe is leading the way for African countries by advocating a transition to the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 model. This shift aims to break away from the legacy of colonial education systems that perpetuated biases in favour of developed nations. Anchored on disruptive innovations, Zimbabwe’s Education 5.0 represents a pivotal strategy embraced by the Second Republic.

In the past, Zimbabwean universities adhered to the Education 3.0 framework, emphasising teaching, research, and community engagement. However, with the advent of Education 5.0, higher and tertiary institutions now prioritise innovation and industrialisation. The paradigm shift empowers students with practical skills beyond theoretical knowledge, fostering a generation of problem solvers rather than mere job seekers.

The impact of Education 5.0 became evident during the Covid-19 outbreak. Zimbabwean universities swiftly adapted, producing personal protective clothing and equipment, resulting in substantial savings of US$12 million for the country.

Additionally, private enterprises like Farringdom Investments contribute to the nation’s growth. Farringdom operates within the leather value chain, crafting leather shoes, belts, bags, and more. Mrs Mhute, a key figure in the company, also dedicates efforts to training women and youth in the intricacies of the leather industry.

Independence has played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial landscape. Entrepreneurs like Mr Dumisani Ncube in Bulawayo now thrive, owning businesses and engaging in trade across various sectors, including the city centre.

“We now own companies and we employ people. Instead of being employees we are now employers. We are now allowed to sell in the CBD and own shops,” he said.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president Mr Denford Mutashu highlighted the economic shift, stating sectors like mining, manufacturing, and retail were previously controlled by whites.

“The Second Republic, under the able leadership of President Dr ED Mnangagwa has accelerated ownership of the economy by Zimbabweans and infrastructure development attracting more investment,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s women entrepreneurs are thriving in natural skincare production, leveraging local resources and government support to create products specifically for the Zimbabwean market.

Ms Providence Moyo said “As a woman, I am a beneficiary of independence because I have managed to run my own business, I am no longer deprived because long back as women, we were not allowed to take up leadership positions, or do certain things.

“However, independence brought us rights where as women we can do anything, or take any role and do jobs, which were normally done by men,” she said.

She commended the establishment of Women Microfinance Bank for its support to women entrepreneurs, but highlighted financial constraints as a major hurdle for women and youth-led businesses.

A seasoned Bulawayo businessman, Mr Mohamed Esat, urged the government to capitalise on these milestones to revive the country’s industrial sector. He argued that industrialisation would reduce reliance on imports, boost exports, and consequently grow the economy.

Mr Esat praised the flourishing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), noting that they have empowered many to become self-employed. However, he called on the government to develop initiatives to protect established businesses from informal traders. While acknowledging informal trading as a source of income, he stressed the need for regulations to ensure a fair playing field and protect formal businesses that contribute tax revenue. – @SikhulekelaniM1.

Welcome to The HeraldOnline live blog of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair! We’re thrilled to bring you real-time updates from one of the world’s most anticipated events in the business calendar.

Held annually in the City of Kings, Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair is a vibrant showcase of the best in trade and industry, not just from Zimbabwe, but from across the globe.

This event is a melting pot of innovation, collaboration, and business excellence, attracting exhibitors and visitors from various sectors and countries.

Today’s programme startedwith the signing of a number of MOUs, an event witnessed by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his Kenyan Counterpart Dr William Ruto.

Thousands of people have thronged the ZITF grounds for the official opening of this year’s edition to be presided over by President Mnangagwa and Kenyan President William Ruto.

11:30 hours – Meanwhile Vice President Mohadi has arrived for the official opening, followed by the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and her counterpart, Kenyan First Lady Rachel Ruto.

11:34 – Both Heads of State have arrived for the official opening.

11:36 – President Ruto is now inspecting the guard of honour.

President Ruto Inspecting the Guard of Honor at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair.

FAST FACTS ON ZITF

• Birthed 1899 by the Rhodesia Farmers Association
• Became Bulawayo Agricultural Society
• Bulawayo Agricultural Society opened May 1899.
• Became Central African Trade Fair to cater for industry.
• First Fair opened by Queen Elizabeth 11 May 1899.
• Renamed Trade Fair Rhodesia in 1969.
• Changed to Zimbabwe-Rhodesia Trade Fair in 1979.
• Became Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in 1980.
• Main purpose-connect business, market Zimbabwean products.
• The ZITF Company was established in 1986.
• The ZITF has become Zimbabwe’s premier international trade show.
• President William Ruto of Kenya is officially opening the ZITF this year.

12:00 – Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Enterprise Development Honourable  Mangaliso Ndlovu is now giving his remarks. He says Zimbabwe and Kenya have a lot in common.

12:02 – He adds that Zimbabwe has always been a land of innovation and commerce.

12:06 – Minister Ndlovu paves the way for a poem recited in honour of President Ruto, the Guest of Honour before inviting him to the podium to deliver his keynote address.

12:08 – As a result of President Mnangagwa’s policies, together with strategies of supporting farmers the seeds of transformation are there for all to see.

He says Zimbabwe is destined for greatness and Kenya will stand shoulder to shoulder with it.

12:10 – Zimbabwe has always been a nation of innovation, and under President Mnangagwa’s leadership the positive changes taking place under his leadership are testimonials of a people who have won against powerful adversaries.

12:12 – The economic transformational changes taking place across the country are evidence of a country ready to transform its challenges into opportunities towards poverty reduction, employment creation and reduction of inequality thereby ushering in economic development and incisive prosperity.

12:15 – President Ruto asserts that as a result of President Mnangagwa’s policies of Agricultural revitalization, together with strategies of supporting farmers, the seeds of transformation have been sawn for Zimbabwe.

12:17 – He adds that it’s such fruits of transformation which leads to rural wealth and employment creation – leading to the maturing of various agro-industrial value chains which attract investment into expansion in manufacturing and growth in exports thereby creating more jobs for the people of Zimbabwe.

He adds that the restoration of agriculture as the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economic growth and the re-birth of the country as a famous bread basket is visible.

12:20 – The second visible effects of Zimbabwe’s commitment of embarking on a new ambitious journey of development is its infrastructural development, which has enhanced Zimbabwe’s transport, energy and ICT sectors towards bolstering domestic and regional connectivity, increasing productivity, promoting trade and attracting investment.

12:25. He notes the recent visit to Kenya by Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services honorable Tatenda Mavetera where she participated in the Connected Africa Summit on behalf of President Mnangagwa as part of thought leaders in shaping the future ICT landscape of the continent. He adds that he held robust conversations with her and many others on how Africa should be connected and the benefits of this vision.

He says these efforts which clearly show how Zimbabwe is pursuing regional integration show how the country is determined to capitalize on domestic, regional, and pan-Africa trade – and in all this Kenya will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Zimbabwe.

12: 34 – Zimbabwe’s introduction of a new currency backed by gold and other minerals is another clear indication to committed efforts to economic recovery and transformation.

12:37 – These bold decisions by the country, constitute a bold and radical economic recovery and reform agenda based on an ambitious vision to see the country prosper despite the daunting challenges experienced by the country, said President Ruto.

President Ruto says it’s well-known that economies that possess technologies get much more out of their resources. It’s also a fact that innovation is the recipe for transformation.

Innovation empowers technology and processes to achieve more making it easier to satisfy demand through efficiency in productivity.

Innovation guarantees competitiveness, he said.

He adds that Zimbabwe exemplifies Africa’s best-case scenario –  a young nation with a robust literacy rate of 89,89% and populated by well-educated and highly skilled young people to drive the nation forward.

Zimbabwe’s natural resources are diverse – including coal, cobalt, gold, iron, lithium, platinum, and many others – therefore there is no doubt that these present an opportunity for them to be deployed to preserve the new currency.

The sky is surely the limit for Zimbabwe’s transformation agenda, said President Ruto.

Innovation will enable every economic sector to harness the power of automation and robotics which are revolutionizing productivity and redefining the future of work globally.

Innovation will simply transactions, enhance financial inclusion, and promote e-commerce. With innovation barriers become bridges, borders transform into portals and challenges transform into opportunities.

There is no doubt that the ZITF represents Zimbabwe’s preparedness to usher in a new era of development driven by the country’s human and natural resources.

Potential investors must start paying close attention to the economic reforms underway lest they lose out on highly beneficial incentives that are clear for all to see.

President Ruto concludes by encouraging participants to take advantage of the ZITF to forge partnerships, collaborate, and exchange ideas about the most innovative means of achieving mutual benefits.