The Government is set to roll out the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) by April, creating a dedicated capital-raising platform that will enable small and emerging businesses to access Zimbabwe’s financial markets.
ZEEX will operate under the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and is designed to broaden funding opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that traditionally struggle to secure long-term capital.
ZSE Holdings Group chief executive officer Justin Bgoni confirmed that consultations are underway to finalise modalities for the new platform.
“We are currently engaging all relevant parties on what needs to be done, but our timeline shows the initiative will be implemented by April,” he said.
“This alternative market is meant to meet the needs of small companies, and more details will be shared in due course.”
Under Zimbabwe’s SME classification framework, a medium-sized enterprise typically employs between 40 and 75 workers, generates an annual turnover of between US$1 million and US$2 million, and holds assets of up to US$2 million.
The introduction of ZEEX is expected to unlock growth capital for businesses seeking to scale operations, enhance competitiveness, and formalise their participation in financial markets.
Entrepreneurs have welcomed the development, describing it as a long-awaited solution to funding constraints.
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Polar Plastics administration executive Josiah Chivandikwa said small firms are eager to expand operations but are often limited by access to capital.
“We want to focus on what drives the growth of our operations. Scaling up is our priority,” he said.
Guardsmart director Loyd Bahera expressed optimism that ZEEX will widen investment opportunities for emerging companies.
“We are eagerly waiting for this market because it will enable many of us to benefit from participating in the country’s financial markets,” he said.
Hilmax Engineering managing director Shephard Kembo noted that the initiative aligns Zimbabwe with regional developments such as those implemented by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), which operates alternative boards tailored for smaller enterprises.
“By creating a market for emerging companies, Zimbabwe is providing an environment that supports small businesses just like the JSE does in South Africa,” he said.
Authorities say ZEEX will function as an inclusive trading platform specifically structured for smaller firms, enabling them to raise capital, expand operations, increase competitiveness, and contribute more meaningfully to national economic development.
