THE beauty industry is a powerhouse for businesses owned by women in the micro small and medium sectors. Women Affairs Community Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has said this.
Addressing the inaugural Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards in Harare on Saturday, Minister Mutsvangwa said the awards represented more than just a ceremony, signalling a turning point for the industry.
The event gathered entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry leaders, marking a significant milestone in recognising the contributions of beauty professionals to national development.
Organisers of the event said the awards would serve as a platform to celebrate creativity, entrepreneurship and empowerment within a sector often overlooked in economic planning. In her address, Minister Mutsvangwa said: “This is more than just a ceremony; it is a powerful declaration that the beauty industry in Zimbabwe is a force, a dynamic sector worthy of recognition, respect and celebration.”
Minister Mutsvangwa noted that most in the sector were small businesses run by women and youths, providing vital livelihoods.
“The vast majority of our beauty salons, cosmetic producers and independent therapists operate as micro small and medium enterprises.
“This sector provides critical livelihoods, particularly for women and youth, driving household economies, strengthening our communities from the grassroots level up and reducing gender-based violence,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa emphasised the industry’s contribution to national economic goals, stating it is central to Vision 2030 of an empowered upper-middle-income society.
“The collective contribution of these small businesses to our national Gross Domestic Product is substantial.
They are generators of employment and income and they are critical components in achieving the national Vision 2030,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa also highlighted the creative and cultural dimensions of the sector, pointing out that local entrepreneurs are building competitive brands.
“Our beauty entrepreneurs are creating brands that reflect Zimbabwean excellence and are competitive not only regionally but globally,” she noted.
Regarding Government support, Minister Mutsvangwa said her Ministry would focus on financing, skills development and formalisation. “We recognise that access to funding remains the biggest hurdle for small businesses.
Institutions like the Zimbabwe Women’s Microfinance Bank and SMEDCO exist precisely to support the growth trajectory of businesses predominantly led by women,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa urged professionals in the industry to embrace formalising their businesses to unlock their full potential. “As we celebrate your success, I implore you to embrace formalisation to unlock your full potential and benefit from Government support structures,” she said.
Zimbabwe Beauty Industry Awards founder and CEO Ms Natasha Mutizira echoed the minister’s sentiments, saying the recognition was long overdue. “Your endorsement means a lot to us and we’re honoured to have you as part of this celebration of excellence in the beauty industry,” said Ms Mutizira.=herald
