President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to play a central role in Zimbabwe’s economic development as he officially launched Phase 1 of the Mbare Musika Traders Market Development Project and presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for Phase 2 of the Mbare Musika Hub Main Market.
This development comes after a tragic fire devastated the market in October of last year, leaving many traders struggling.
Upon arrival at Mbare Musika, the President commissioned the newly constructed Zimbabwe Republic Police Post and the BANC-ABC building before touring the completed Phase 1 of the Mbare Musika Hub, which will house nearly 1,700 stalls. The market will provide traders with a safe and organized space to continue their businesses. President Mnangagwa took time to engage with the traders, expressing his support for their resilience.
“Mbare Musika is a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, linking local farmers, traders, and consumers, and facilitating access to agricultural produce, clothing, hardware, and household goods,” the President noted.
“The completion of Phase 1 is a great relief for 1,628 traders, allowing them to resume operations in a secure and conducive environment.”
The President also highlighted the significance of Phase 2, which will be a multi-storey complex featuring advanced sanitation, fire safety systems, and organized trading spaces.
“This development is aligned with our Vision 2030 and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. It is a symbol of our government’s commitment to ‘Build Back Better’ after disasters,” he stated.
In his remarks, the President challenged entrepreneurs to create marketplaces that follow international standards and called on local councils, the Ministry of Local Government, and other stakeholders to enhance disaster preparedness and response capacity in the country. He emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to disaster management, which would lead to cleaner environments, improved infrastructure, and safer communities.
The role of SMEs in driving the country’s economic progress was also a key theme of the President’s address.
“SMEs are a critical pillar of our economy, contributing significantly to GDP, job creation, and empowerment. My government recognizes the importance of this sector and is committed to supporting its growth,” President Mnangagwa remarked.
He also expressed his commitment to improving the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe, noting ongoing efforts to reduce barriers to entry and streamline business registration and compliance processes. “The government and the SME sector must work together to achieve national economic goals. There should be no division, as we are all working for the good of Zimbabwe,” the President said.
The event underscored the government’s inclusive development agenda, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s journey toward becoming an upper-middle-income society. The Mbare Musika project, which serves as a vital hub for Zimbabwe’s SMEs, plays a significant role in realizing this vision.
