Women-led SMEs constitute majority in Govt-funded projects

WOMEN constituted the majority of beneficiaries in terms of Government-funded projects as the Second Republic continues to step up efforts in promoting gender equality and empowering small-scale entrepreneurs (SMEs).

Of the 3,8 million SMEs who benefited from Government-funded projects since the beginning of the year, 56 percent of them were women.

By fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, Government has created a thriving ecosystem that supports entrepreneurial spirit, economic growth, and social progress.

This remarkable progress has not only contributed significantly to the country’s gross domestic policy (GDP) but also enabled women to become key drivers of economic growth.

As a result, the country is now poised for sustained economic growth and improved living standards for all citizens.

Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa told Parliament last Wednesday that her ministry, which is mandated to empower women, SMEs, cooperatives and communities has funded 3,8 million SMEs since January.

“We have more than 3,8 million SMEs in this country who benefited from Government funded projects since January this year and 56 percent of those are women. We have quite a number of programmes which we are undertaking,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa stated that her ministry trains SMEs, and offers them financial and technical assistance to boost productivity in the sector, including securing markets.

“We have got provincial development officers for the 10 provinces and we also have 61 district development officers. Then we go all the way to the ward level to assist SMEs. We are grateful to the Government for giving us officers who go all the way to the grassroots following the President’s mantra not to leave anyone or any place behind,” she said.

Minister Mutsvangwa said they train people in business entrepreneurial skills and digital skills.

“We are also training digital skills so that they can use their phones as banks. They can also use their phones for e-commerce or e-marketing,” she said.

“We know what happened during Covid-19 when there was a lockdown, most of our SMEs went broke because they were not able to continue with their businesses. So, the issue of digital skills is very critical, and we are also giving loans.”

Minister Mutsvangwa said through her ministry, loans are being given to SMEs targeting start-ups, especially by women.

“We want to make sure that if you want to start a project be it a piggery or poultry project, we will be there to help you, not only with the money, but also with the training so that once you start your project, it will be sustainable,” she said.

“You are aware that our Government is drilling boreholes in all 35 000 villages in this country and we are making sure that our women are aware of these projects to make sure that we empower the SMEs.” —chronicle