GURUVE District is gearing up to host its inaugural SME Networking Breakfast on 1 November 2024 at View Point Lodge, bringing together influential figures from Zimbabwe’s SME development ecosystem.
Among the key attendees, renowned entrepreneur and business coach Kudzanai Vere will share his insights and inspire rural SMEs.
Vere, an award-winning expert with over 20 years in entrepreneurship, has trained over 5,000 entrepreneurs across Africa and currently leads the Revolutionary Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe.
Another notable guest as invited is Tinashe Manzungu, a celebrated entrepreneur whose success story is expected to inspire the SMEs in Guruve District.
Manzungu’s remarkable journey in business development and leadership will provide valuable lessons for local entrepreneurs striving to scale their ventures.
The event, co-hosted by the Guruve Rural District Council (RDC), the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs, and the Indigenous Advisory Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe (IAPAZ), will also feature the participation of Zimbabwe’s largest microfinance institution, MoneyMart Finance. Ms. Liberty Chinembiri, Head of Marketing at MoneyMart Finance, highlighted the crucial need for financial institutions to offer targeted support to the SME sector.
“It’s no longer just about motivational speaking—SMEs need funding. As financial institutions, we must tailor our products to this unique market, which is now a key driver of Zimbabwe's economy. It is everyone’s responsibility to prepare SMEs for competitiveness, especially with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) soon becoming fully operational,” Chinembiri said.
Guruve RDC's Acting CEO, Munyengetero Maposa, expressed his excitement about the event and confirmed plans for it to become a monthly fixture.
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"This is our first business breakfast, and we are pleased with the confirmations and support from various players in the SME development ecosystem. Our goal is to link our SMEs with suppliers, bankers, micro lenders, policy makers and development partners while fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership. We will also use this platform to showcase investment opportunities in the district to our local SMEs and attending stakeholders," he said.
Maposa also emphasized the importance of promoting Domestic Direct Investment (DDI) alongside Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
"While FDI is important, as a council, we believe it must be balanced with DDI to strengthen our local economy," he added.
IAPAZ President, Nyasha Gonese, praised the growing support from other Rural District Councils.
“We are thrilled with the response. More than 13 RDCs have approached us to co-host similar platforms in their areas. I would like to thank the Guruve District Council, led by Chairperson Councilor Mandaza, and the ZCSMEs’Apex and provincial leadership for their commitment to making this initiative a resounding success,” said Gonese.
The SME Networking Breakfasts, organized in partnership with RDCs and Town Councils, aim to foster collaboration, formalization, and innovation in the SME sector, helping local businesses become more competitive in both regional and international markets.
