Bulawayo MSMEs Showcase Innovation and Growth Potential Bulawayo's entrepreneurial spirit was on full display at the 2026 MSMEs Winter Expo, held from 25–27 June alongside the commemoration of International MSMEs Day. Under the theme "Empowering Bulawayo MSMEs for Innovation, Jobs, Resilience and Sustainable Growth in Line with Vision 2030 and Global Trends," Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa reaffirmed Government's commitment to supporting MSMEs through improved access to finance, business formalisation, skills development, technology adoption and expanded market opportunities. The Minister encouraged enterprises to embrace innovation, digital technologies, value addition and quality standards to enhance competitiveness and unlock opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). As preparations gather pace for the SMEs and Cooperatives Indaba on 16–17 July in Harare, Government continues to strengthen partnerships that will drive enterprise growth, job creation and sustainable economic development in line with Vision 2030.

#empoweringwomen and #girls for Regional Trade! 🌍💼 The Ministry continues to strengthen strategic partnerships that unlock economic opportunities for women and young entrepreneurs. This afternoon, Permanent Secretary Dr. Mavis Sibanda met with the #UNDP Country Coordinator for Zimbabwe, Ms. Sharon Wekwete, to discuss the upcoming launch of the Enhancing Capacities of Women and Youth-led Enterprises for Regional Trade (ECoWYERT) Project. The five-year regional initiative will equip women and youth-led enterprises with the skills, financing opportunities, and support needed to participate in trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), creating jobs, expanding markets, and driving inclusive economic growth. Together with key partners, the project is set to transform the regional trade landscape by ensuring women and youth become active drivers of economic development and prosperity. The project will be co-implemented by UNDP, the International Trade Centre (ITC), the COMESA Federation of Women in Business (COMFWB), the Better Than Cash Alliance (BTCA) and the Trade and Development Fund (TDF) across other five countries which include Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Malawi, South Africa, and Zambia from 2025 to 2030. #WomenEmpowerment #YouthInBusiness #AfCFTA #MSMEs #Vision2030 #LeavingNoOneBehind