New training manual for MSMEs to enhance kills, economic growth
The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has launched a new Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) training manual aimed at equipping small and medium enterprises with essential skills to thrive in the dynamic business environment.
The manual, crafted with the support of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), is part of a broader effort to empower MSMEs and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
The training manual development is the third milestone for UNDESA under the division for Sustainable Development Goals. It is following the crafting of the MSME results monitoring framework and the southern region training of SMEs in business management and digital skills training which were launched in Zimbabwe in June 2022.
Speaking during the launch in Bulawayo on Friday, Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa welcomed the initiative, emphasising the crucial role of MSMEs in job creation and economic development.
Minister Monica Mutsvangwa
“I would like to express my gratitude to UNDESA for helping us to craft this manual. The Government recognises the substantial role played by MSMEs in driving economic growth and sustainable development in Zimbabwe through creating jobs, providing key ancillary services in almost all sectors of the economy, and driving value-addition and export growth,” she said.
The minister said according to the 2021 MSMEs Survey, the sector employs 4,8 million people on a full-time basis, contributing more than 60 percent to GDP.
She said the crafting of the training manual by UNDESA is timely as it will provide the officers with a comprehensive guide that will empower them to deliver effective training to MSMEs.
“Some of the key areas in the training manual, which include understanding business resilience, have become very crucial for MSMEs given that as a nation we are still smarting from the effects of a ferocious fire that razed down Mbare Msika Traders’ Market about a month ago,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“It is paramount that SMEs are equipped with knowledge on sustainable risk management practices so that they can safeguard their businesses.”
The new training manual, which was crafted by UNDESA consultant, Ms Sibongile Sibanda focuses on crucial skills for entrepreneurs. These include business resilience, financial management, marketing and sales teaching and digital skills training.
Business and cooperative development officers from across the country’s 10 provinces received a four-day training of trainers prior to the launch.
Ms Sibanda said the training manual incorporates all the skills that one needs to run a business, She was optimistic that the programme will enable MSMEs to thrive and contribute to the economic growth of the country.
“This manual has the essentials for MSMEs to thrive, growing the economy of Zimbabwe. It looked at training on business resilience, equipping SMEs with the knowledge and tools to withstand economic shocks and adapt to changing market conditions,” said Ms Sibanda.
“We also included financial management, helping SMEs to effectively manage their finances, including budgeting and cash flow management so that they can separate their personal and business cash.”
Mrs Sibanda said the training also includes marketing and sales.
“We want to teach SMEs how to develop effective marketing strategies, build strong customer relationships, and increase sales. The manual also includes digital skills, empowering SMEs to leverage technology to improve their operations, reach new markets, and enhance customer engagement,” she said.
By equipping MSMEs with these essential skills, the ministry aims to promote a vibrant and sustainable SME sector that can contribute to the country’s economic prosperity.-chroncile
