Tendai Muererwa
Mutare-The Government has commended the continued growth and resilience of Zimbabwe’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector, attributing the development to progressive policies.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Eastern Region Business Awards held in Mutare on Friday, Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said Government remains committed to supporting local enterprises and unlocking economic opportunities for small-scale businesses.
The awards, held under the theme “From Resilience to Competitiveness: Charting a New Path for Sustainable Industrial Growth,” brought together business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners from Manicaland Province and Chiredzi to celebrate excellence, innovation and resilience in the business sector.
Advocate Mugadza said the provincial leadership was focused on developing local resource value chains and ensuring that SMEs play a central role in achieving devolution objectives and sustainable industrialisation. “As Government, we are relentlessly pursuing policies and programmes designed to dismantle barriers, enhance access to affordable finance, open up domestic and international markets, and foster the continuous skills development of our entrepreneurs,” he said.
Guest of honour, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Engineer Polite Kambamura, said Government’s role was to create an environment that enables businesses to move beyond survival and achieve sustainable growth and competitiveness.
“The Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, is committed to economic transformation. Here in Manicaland, the commissioning of new industries points to a province on a confident upward growth trajectory,” he said.
More than 60 companies and business leaders from Manicaland and Chiredzi were recognised during the awards ceremony for their contribution to economic growth, innovation, leadership and resilience despite operating in a challenging business environment.
The event also served as a platform for strengthening partnerships, networking and discussing strategies for enhancing productivity and industrial growth within the region. Business leaders from various sectors gathered to witness the awards and celebrate outstanding achievements across commerce and industry. The ceremony highlighted the critical role played by the private sector in driving economic development, creating employment and improving livelihoods.
This year’s awards were held amid the mourning of former ZNCC Eastern Region and Chiredzi Manager, Perpetual Guwila. Widely respected within the business community, Guwila was instrumental in strengthening the chamber’s presence and advancing business interests throughout the region.
ZNCC Eastern Region administrator Nesta Nyambo said organisers had dedicated a special segment of the ceremony to honour Guwila’s contribution through the inaugural Perpetual Guwila Silver Jubilee Dedication to Service Award.
“While we continue to mourn the loss of our colleague and leader, we believe the best way to honour her legacy is to continue advancing the vision she worked tirelessly to promote,” she said.
She noted that the awards seek to recognise businesses that continue to drive economic growth and create opportunities within their communities. “The theme speaks directly to the need for businesses to move beyond survival and focus on competitiveness, productivity and sustainable growth. Recognition inspires excellence and motivates organisations to continue investing, creating jobs and contributing to national development,” she said.
Over the years, the ZNCC Business Awards have grown into one of the region’s premier corporate events, attracting leading business executives, entrepreneurs and policymakers.
As businesses continue navigating a dynamic economic environment, the awards remain a symbol of excellence and a platform for celebrating the individuals and organisations helping shape the future of Zimbabwe’s economy.
