Livingstone Mtetwa
CHIPINGE- Small and Medium Enterprises Funding and Business Linkages Indaba that was held on May 24, 2022 at Deplaza Lodge witnessed a large crowd of business people from across Chipinge and parts of Zimbabwe.
The Indaba was graced by organizations and societies of note being Manicaland Chamber of SMEs, Chipinge Rural District Council (RDC), Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), ZimTrade, Standards Association Zimbabwe (SAZ), PRAZ, More Harvest, Smedco among many others.
Chairperson for Manicaland Chamber of Commerce Moses Magura who was the guest of honor applauded organizations for heeding to the call of the Indaba.
“It’s quite commendable seeing big organizations heeding calls to associate themselves with such events which interprets their keen interest for the growth of our SMEs,” said Magura.
He also said the growth of SMEs is essential for the growth of Zimbabwe and global growth as well as the attainment of vision 2030.
“The growth of SMEs is very essential for the growth of the nation. This is the root of development and that is where it all starts. If we help our SMEs grow, then we are certainly in right path to the growth of our nation as well as attainment of vision 2030 as per the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).
“SMEs form the backbone of the global economy, they represent 95% of all companies in the world and contribute over 50% of the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the world’s employment. SMEs play a crucial role in economic growth, contribute to local communities and advance inclusion and international development through domestic commerce as well as international trade,” he added.
Magura encouraged Chipinge community to utilize its rich fertile soils so as to maintain its bread basket status as region 1.
“Chipinge is the epitome of region 1, a blessed area with very fertile soils and good rains therefore as Chipinge SMEs we should utilize this God given gift to the fullest of extent as we stand as the bread basket Zimbabwe,” said Magura.
SMEs are non-subsidiary, independent firms which employ less than a given number of employees. This number varies across countries. The most frequent upper limit designating any SME is 250 employees.
Though small in size, small and mid-size enterprises play an important role in the economy. They outnumber large firms considerably, employ vast numbers of people and are generally entrepreneurial in nature, helping to shape innovation.
