The Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs (ZCSMEs), in partnership with the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ) and the Harare Institute of Technology (HIT), is set to host its first-ever Post-Budget Review Seminar on Wednesday, 4 December 2024.
This landmark event aims to provide a much-needed platform for critically analyzing the implications of the 2025 National Budget on the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector.
With MSMEs contributing over 60% to Zimbabwe's national GDP and accounting for more than 70% of employment, their role in the economy is undeniably crucial. Despite this, the sector has long lacked a dedicated forum to assess the impact of national budgets—until now.
“This is the first of its kind,” said Last Matema, Secretary General of IAPAZ one of the cohosts.
“We are creating a dedicated platform focused on analyzing the proposed National Budget's implications for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. This dialogue is essential and long overdue, and we are committed to making it an annual event.”
The seminar is set to attract a high-profile lineup of invited guests who are expected to share their expertise on budgetary matters impacting MSMEs. Key figures include:
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Cooperatives & MSMEs Development, Monica Mutsvangwa who has been invited to officiate the seminar.
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, whose budget presentation on 28 November 2024 will serve as a focal point for discussions.
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The UN Special Representative in Zimbabwe, anticipated to provide global insights into sustainable development and support for MSMEs.
The Commissioner General of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), expected to discuss tax policies and incentives affecting the MSME sector.
In addition to these distinguished guests, the seminar will bring together a diverse array of tax experts, economists, industrialists, and representatives from the MSME community.
Participants will engage in in-depth discussions on the budget’s provisions, exploring both challenges and opportunities for MSMEs in the coming fiscal year.
“The MSME sector is a vital engine for economic growth and job creation in Zimbabwe,” Matema added.
“By uniting policymakers, industry experts, and entrepreneurs, we aim to generate actionable insights that can propel the sector forward, aligning with the government's Vision 2030 goals.
"Hosting this seminar at HIT’s Innovation Hub will give students and entrepreneurs a firsthand experience of live discussions on industrial issues. It also provides an opportunity to connect the Hub with potential partners, including MSMEs, large corporates, banks, and development organizations, to drive innovation and commercialization of their projects," explained Matema.
In a bid to broaden the seminar's impact, invitations have also been extended to the African Diplomatic Corps, facilitated by the Dean, H.E. Ambassador Jose Ela Ebang. This initiative seeks to foster regional collaboration in promoting MSME growth, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The inclusion of international delegates highlights the importance of a united effort to strengthen the MSME ecosystem across Africa, particularly in anticipation of the full operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which Zimbabwe is a signatory.
The seminar promises to be an enriching event, providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange that will bolster the MSME sector’s resilience and growth in Zimbabwe and beyond.
