Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. WOMEN Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Monica Mutsvangwa has called for the expertise of governance and accountancy professionals to provide structures and accountability support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The minister made the remarks at the just-ended near week-long Corporate Governance and Accounting Institute in Zimbabwe (CGAIZ) annual conference held in Victoria Falls, which ended on Saturday.
The conference came at a time when the Zimbabwe government is stepping up its efforts to bring the SME sector into the tax bracket, as it is part of the 76,1% informal economy.
The event was held under the theme Inspire, Innovate, Sustain: Charting the Course for Zimbabwe’s Economic Rebound.
“The road ahead is not without obstacles. But the spirit of Zimbabwe has always been one of resilience, innovation, and hope. Government will continue to play its part — through reforms, investments, and supportive policies — but we count on partners such as CGAIZ to stand with us in building a stronger economy and a more accountable society,” Mutsvangwa said.
“I urge this conference to be bold in its deliberations, practical in its resolutions, and united in its commitment to inspire, innovate, and sustain. Together, let us chart the course for Zimbabwe’s economic rebound and for a brighter future for our children.”
She underscored the necessity for governance and accountancy professionals to establish the frameworks required for the sustainability of SMEs.
“The SME Growth and Development Strategy recognises that small businesses are the lifeblood of our nation, employing over 60% of our people,” Mutsvangwa said.
“As government, we are working to improve access to finance, markets, and skills for these enterprises — but we need your expertise as governance and accountancy professionals to provide the structures and accountability that will make them sustainable.”
The minister also highlighted that the African Continental Free Trade Area is a significant opportunity for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs, stressing the need for high standards in governance and financial discipline.
CGAIZ president Judith Buzuzi said this year’s conference was a call for action.
“The theme for this year, Inspire, Innovate, Sustain: Charting the Course for Zimbabwe’s Economic Rebound, could not be more appropriate,” she said.
“It challenges us, as professionals, to rise to the occasion in shaping the future of our country. It reminds us that the economic rebound Zimbabwe seeks will not happen by chance — it requires disciplined stewardship, innovative thinking, and sustainable practices.”
She pointed out that many SMEs struggle not due to a lack of ambition, but because of inadequate governance frameworks, financial systems and limited market access.
She advocated for support in helping small businesses establish proper records and manage risks, enabling them to compete both locally and internationally.
“One area where this challenge is most visible is in the development of small and medium enterprises. SMEs are the backbone of our economy,” Buzuzi said.
“They provide jobs for most of our people, create livelihoods for families, and embody the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Zimbabweans, and yet, too often, SMEs are held back — not by lack of ambition, but by weak governance structures, poor financial systems, and limited access to markets and finance.”
She said this was where the institute should stand tall.
“Our members have the expertise to provide SMEs with the governance backbone they need. We can help small businesses build proper records, manage risks, comply with regulations, and grow into enterprises that can compete not only locally but also regionally and globally,” Buzuzi said.
“In doing so, we will also be tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our society—rising unemployment, especially among young people. By empowering SMEs, we are creating opportunities for work, for dignity, and for hope. But economic growth cannot happen if our communities are under siege.”
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