As the curtain came down on the three-day National Disability Expo at Mucheke Stadium in Masvingo Province today, we reflect on three inspiring days of innovation, inclusion, collaboration and empowerment.

The Disability Expo 2026 was officially launched by the Hon. Vice President Dr. K. D. C. Mohadi this afternoon.
It provided a valuable platform to showcase the talents, resilience and entrepreneurial potential of persons with disabilities, while strengthening partnerships that promote inclusive socio-economic development through #MSMEs, cooperatives, #genderequality and #CommunityEmpowerment.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all exhibitors, stakeholders, development partners and members of the public who visited our stand and contributed to the success of this important national event.

Together, let us continue building an inclusive society where every person has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive.

Leaving no one and no place behind.
#NationalDisabilityExpo2026 #Inclusion #Empowerment #Vision2030 #LeavingNoOneBehind

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.

Minister Mutsvangwa Urges Entrepreneurs to Embrace Innovation at Business Masterclass

The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, has challenged Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to embrace innovation, technology adoption and continuous learning to build competitive and sustainable enterprises capable of driving economic transformation.

Speaking at the High-Impact Business Masterclass hosted by Sharpe Business Academy in Harare under the theme “The Future of Zimbabwean Business: Growth, Wealth and Opportunity,” the Minister highlighted the critical role of MSMEs, which contribute over 60% of Zimbabwe’s GDP.
She outlined Government initiatives supporting enterprise growth, including access to finance, entrepreneurship training, financial literacy programmes, market linkages, exhibitions, trade fairs and productive workspaces.
The Minister encouraged entrepreneurs to position themselves for opportunities emerging from digital transformation, artificial intelligence and evolving market trends.

During an interactive session, entrepreneurs raised concerns around business formalisation, taxation and access to affordable workspaces. Hon. Mutsvangwa invited participants to attend the Inaugural SMEs and Cooperatives Indaba on 16–17 July 2026, urging them to join business associations so that their concerns can be addressed collectively through structured engagement.

She also encouraged entrepreneurs to comply with tax obligations, noting that tax revenue remains essential for national development and creating an enabling environment for business growth.

Headline: PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS: Marondera RDC & Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank Sign Landmark MOU Today, 5 May 2026, Marondera Rural District Council took a bold step toward economic transformation by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank (ZWMB).The ceremony, held at the Council Offices following a formal Council Resolution, was led by MRDC CEO Mr. Tichafara Gundo and ZWMB Head of Retail Banking Ms. Clarah Mukosera, in the presence of Council Directors.What this means for Marondera residents: Housing Support: ZWMB will bring ready-to-fund residents to access housing stands provided by Council. Revolving Fund: Council will avail LED (Local Economic Development) funds to be managed by ZWMB to support MSMEs, women-led enterprises, and cooperatives. Financial Empowerment: Access to credit, financial literacy training, and "Mukando" digitization. Digital Innovation: Introduction of Agency Banking and the AllWomen.africa marketplace to connect local producers to international buyers.This partnership ensures our 10% LED budget allocation works directly for the community—creating jobs, reducing poverty, and building household resiliency.#maronderardc #ZwMB #EconomicEmpowerment #LocalEconomicDevelopment #devolution #Zimbabwe

COUNTDOWN TO THE INAUGURAL NATIONAL MSMEs AND COOPERATIVES INDABA!
Only a few weeks to go!

The countdown has begun to the Inaugural National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives Indaba, set to take place on 16–17 July 2026 at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

Click link to register:
https://indaba.greatsindustries.com/

Under the theme:
“Towards Vision 2030: Building an Enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Ecosystem”, the Indaba will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, cooperatives, development partners, financial institutions, industry leaders and other key stakeholders to chart a sustainable growth path for Zimbabwe’s MSME and cooperative sectors.

Highlights include:
Plenary Sessions and Technical Presentations
Exhibitions and Networking Opportunities
Launch of the National Cooperatives Policy
Launch of MSMEs and Cooperatives Month
National Presidential Awards Ceremony

Join us as we celebrate innovation, enterprise development, job creation and economic transformation towards the attainment of Vision 2030.

16–17 July 2026
08:00am
Harare International Conference Centre (HICC)

#MSMEsIndaba2026 #Cooperatives #Vision2030 #Empowerment #EnterpriseDevelopment #Zimbabwe #LeavingNoOneAndNoPlaceBehind

#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

MUTARE | The Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Monica Mutsvangwa, has hailed the Catalysing Economic Development through the Informal Sector (CEDIS) Programme for advancing inclusive economic empowerment and strengthening the resilience of women entrepreneurs and MSMEs across Zimbabwe.

Speaking at the CEDIS National Close-Out Ceremony, Hon. Mutsvangwa said the programme had provided thousands of women, youth, persons with disabilities and small business owners with opportunities to improve their livelihoods through enhanced access to finance, markets, productive assets and business development services.

Implemented over four years with funding from the Embassy of Sweden and technical support from Mercy Corps, the US$5.8 million programme surpassed its target by reaching 30,595 beneficiaries across nine districts and cities in Zimbabwe.

Swedish Ambassador Per Lindgärde commended the strong partnerships forged under the programme, noting that its success was driven by local leadership, shared responsibility and collective commitment from Government, development partners, financial institutions, local authorities, civil society organisations and the private sector. He emphasised that sustainable development is achieved through locally driven solutions and reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to maintaining strong cooperation with Zimbabwe despite the planned closure of its Embassy.

Mercy Corps Country Director Ms Mildred Makore highlighted that the organisation has been working in Zimbabwe for more than two decades to improve livelihoods and economic opportunities. She said CEDIS was designed as a market systems development programme to stimulate growth within the informal sector, improve the wellbeing of women and young female entrepreneurs, and promote sustainable private sector-led solutions that continue beyond the life of the project.

The event also featured testimonies from beneficiaries whose businesses have grown through support received under the programme, demonstrating the transformative impact of strategic partnerships in driving women's economic empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

This #WorkersDay, we celebrate the resilience, innovation, and determination of every worker powering our nation forward.

From #women breaking barriers, to communities and cooperatives building sustainable livelihoods, to #MSMEs driving economic growth — your hard work is the heartbeat of our progress.

We remain committed to empowering, supporting, and creating opportunities for all towards #Vision2030
Happy Workers’ Day!

Welcome to day four of our Strategic Plan workshop, as we seek to strengthen the Ministry’s thrust towards devolution and decentralisation of Government powers, functions and resources to Provinces, Districts and Wards.

The Ministry endeavors to continue to uplift the livelihoods of communities, women, #MSMEs and #cooperatives whilst positively contributing towards the achievement of the country’s national Vision 2030 , the SDGs, Agenda 2063 and other regional and international statutes.

The mantra of leaving no one and no place behind will be embraced to ensure that we have a more inclusive and equitable society.