SMALL and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bulawayo have been urged to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce and product certification to improve competitiveness, expand into international markets and contribute to Zimbabwe’s economic growth.
The call was made during the provincial launch of International SMEs Day, hosted by the Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development ministry in partnership with the City of Bulawayo and other stakeholders.
The event, organised by the ministry in partnership with the City of Bulawayo and other stakeholders, was held under the theme Empowering Bulawayo MSMEs for Innovation, Job Resilience and Sustainable Growth in Line with Vision 2030 and Global Trade.
SME ministry secretary Mavis Sibanda challenged entrepreneurs to embrace technology and innovation, saying business success depended on adapting to modern ways of operating.
“The sky is not the limit, you alone are the limit,” she said.
“We have to work hard and succeed, and in order to do that we should change the way we do business.”
Sibanda encouraged SMEs to adopt artificial intelligence, information technology and e-commerce, noting that digital platforms have opened opportunities for businesses to reach customers across the globe.
“People are selling products from countries such as Turkey and South Africa because they are using their phones.
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“Let us utilise our phones for business.
“You can sell your products to America without even going there through online platforms and conduct business from the comfort of your home.”
Sibanda urged entrepreneurs to view their mobile phones as business tools capable of expanding market access.
“With information technology, artificial intelligence and e-commerce, we are able to reach wider markets,” she said.
“We must continue exposing our products so that they can be bought by customers beyond our borders.”
The ministry chief executive also highlighted the importance of youth entrepreneurship, describing young people as drivers of innovation and economic transformation.
“Our young people possess the creativity, energy and technological skills required to drive the next phase of Zimbabwe’s economic growth,” she said.
“They can create businesses without even having a physical working space by simply using their phones.
“We remain committed to supporting youth-led enterprises through incubation, mentorship and skills development programmes.”
She said the growth of SMEs must be supported by modern and organised workspaces, noting that many businesses continue to operate under difficult conditions due to inadequate infrastructure and limited services.
“Government is advancing a market space development agenda aimed at transforming trading spaces into modern economic hubs capable of supporting enterprise growth, productivity and formalisation.
“Modern workspace development has demonstrated that transformation is possible when stakeholders work together.
“There is no businessperson who has to be left behind. We progress together.”
Sibanda said SMEs have a huge role to play in restoring Bulawayo’s industrial status.
“Bulawayo occupies a special place in Zimbabwe’s industrial history.
“Those of us who saw Bulawayo at its peak have a responsibility to rebuild the city for future generations.
“We can bring Bulawayo back if we work hard.”
Meanwhile, Rejoice Dhlomo from the Standards Association of Zimbabwe urged SMEs to certify their products to improve quality and increase consumer confidence.
“We encourage all SMEs to certify their products. If you certify your products and follow SAZ standards, you are going to produce quality products that can compete in the market,” she said.
Dlomo said SAZ offers discounted services to SMEs, including the purchase of standards, product testing and certification.
“For every product being produced, there is a relevant standard.
“The first stage of product certification is purchasing the appropriate standard because it provides the requirements needed to produce quality products.”
Dhlomo encouraged entrepreneurs to take advantage of SAZ support services to improve product quality, access new markets and strengthen the competitiveness of Zimbabwean products.
