The Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs (ZCSMEs), representing over 4.5 million micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), is set to assert its influence in shaping policies through the upcoming 2025 SMEs Post-Budget Review Seminar.
The event, co-hosted with the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ) and Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), will take place on December 4, 2024, at HIT’s Innovation Hub.
Speaking ahead of the seminar, Last Matema, National Advisor to the Chamber, emphasized the importance of this initiative in aligning the national budget with Zimbabwe’s broader economic vision.
“Our review will be comprehensive and focused on ensuring that the budget supports sustainable MSME development,” Matema stated. “We will assess whether it aligns with the Vision 2030 agenda and whether the allocation to key institutions, like SMEDCO, is sufficient to support SMEs as we prepare for the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” he said.
Matema outlined the critical need to avoid pitfalls that could undermine progress.
“If AfCFTA becomes fully operational without adequate and focused support for our SMEs, all the efforts we’ve made in building the sector could be in vain.”
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“We need to address the costly duplication of SME development programs within government and propose ways to streamline these efforts,” he said.
Key areas of focus for the seminar include streamlining and synchronized government initiatives on SMEs development, leveraging ICT to formalize MSMEs, and ensuring adequate funding for skills development.
“Digital transformation is another priority. We want to see ICT being used to formalize MSMEs and sustainably expand the tax base, which is essential for national development.”
The seminar will also delve into legal reforms.
The event will feature a panel of experts from various sectors, including monetary policy, taxation, MSME development, and business coaching.
Their insights will be pivotal in guiding discussions and formulating actionable recommendations.
“We have brought together some of the best minds in finance, policy, and entrepreneurship to ensure a robust and informed discussion,” Matema emphasized.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Monica Mutsvangwa, will deliver the keynote address.
Following the seminar, the Chamber will compile a comprehensive report and submit it to key stakeholders, including the Ministry of women affairs , Ministry of Finance, Parliament, and the Office of the President.