Guruve—In a historic initiative to boost small business development, Guruve Rural District Council (RDC), alongside the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ) and the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs (ZCSMEs), held the inaugural District SMEs Networking Breakfast.
Running under the theme "Beyond Local Success: Partnerships to Propel SMEs for Local, Regional, and Global Competitiveness," the event gathered local SMEs, government representatives, and corporate leaders to explore collaborative opportunities for sustainable growth.
In his keynote address, Acting CEO of Guruve RDC, Munyengetero Maposa, underscored Guruve's unique strategic position along the Harare-Kanyemba Highway. He noted that this route, destined to become a major trade corridor linking Southern Africa to Zambia and the DRC, positions Guruve as a potential logistics and business hub.
"Our district is rich with opportunities in mining, agriculture, retail, and tourism," Maposa said.
"We are strategically positioned to become a leading force in cross-border trade, and this means immense potential for local businesses to expand and thrive."
Maposa reiterated Guruve RDC's dedication to supporting local SMEs, ensuring they play a central role in the district’s development.
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"Our local SMEs have the first right of refusal on all new investment opportunities in the district,” he stated. “Before we look outside, we look to our own people, our own businesses, to drive Guruve’s economic development. This is in line with our commitment to Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo—a nation is built by its own people."
He further detailed how various sectors could open doors for SME involvement.
"In the mining sector, local SMEs are well-positioned to participate not only through mining itself but also by providing essential support services and supplying equipment and materials," Maposa noted.
He also emphasized on the agricultural sector’s potential, highlighting Guruve’s fertile lands and reliable water sources: "With growing demand for organic and specialty products, our SMEs can tap into not just local, but also international markets."
Maposa also pointed to tourism as an untapped avenue, with Guruve’s natural beauty and cultural heritage presenting unique opportunities.
"SMEs in Guruve can build the tourism sector by developing eco-tourism, lodges, cultural tours, and local arts and crafts that showcase our region’s spirit," he said, envisioning a vibrant local tourism economy.
As the event progressed, Mr. Hatiwandi, representing the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs’ APEX Body, echoed the significance of formalizing and advancing the SME sector. “This platform is a testament to our shared commitment to the growth and formalization of the SME sector, the lifeblood of Zimbabwe’s economy,” he said, and urged government support in formally recognizing ZCSMEs as the official SME body to strengthen certification processes and elevate competitiveness.
Last Matema, National Secretary General of IAPAZ, expressed gratitude to the Guruve leadership and the Office of the Minister of State for Mashonaland Central.
"Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo—we are very thankful for the support in cohosting this event,” he said, highlighting IAPAZ’s commitment to expanding these platforms nationwide by 2025. “Our goal is to host at least one district event per province in partnership with local authorities, and we are in advanced discussions with Norton Town Council to host a similar event by year-end.”
The event concluded with remarks from Karembera, the District Chairperson for ZCSMEs, who acknowledged the importance of shifting from isolated efforts to collaborative partnerships with Guruve RDC.
“Previously, we were fragmented—council was on its own, and we were on our own,” he said.
“Going forward, we are changing our engagement approach from a militant stance to civil, constructive collaboration. We will plan together, and we hope to formalize this newfound relationship through an MOU.”
The inaugural District SMEs Networking Breakfast marked a significant step in building a competitive, resilient business ecosystem for Guruve and Zimbabwe. Participants lauded the initiative as a model for future partnerships that align with Zimbabwe’s vision for inclusive, self-reliant development.