More than 300 small-to-medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) in Chiredzi have been forced to regularise their operations following the establishment of a formal business centre.
The Chiredzi SMEs Centre was constructed in 2023 under a public-private partnership between the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs and the Chiredzi Town Council.
It has provided secure, structured trading spaces for vendors who previously operated from undesignated spots across the town.
One of the beneficiaries, Susan Gumbwanda, reflected on the challenges she faced prior to the centre’s establishment.
“When we were in the streets, it was difficult to grow our businesses,” she said.
“I now have two shops here, which was never going to be possible if I were operating in the streets.”
Gumbwanda recalled frequently being forced to move by local authorities due to operating in illegal zones.
“The council used to chase us away.
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“There was no security, no toilets, and no proper working environment.
“Customers did not take us seriously,” she added.
Now, with formal infrastructure in place, vendors have access to essential services and a more stable business environment.
The structured setting has not only brought dignity to informal traders but also opened up opportunities for financial inclusion and legal recognition.
Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs Secretary General, Venancio Kurauone, said the centre has also enabled many informal traders to formalise their businesses.
“Now that they are operating from a central, recognised location, they are registered with ZIMRA and contributing to the national economy through tax,” he said.
“They can now use their shops as collateral to access loans, and it is easier to organise capacity-building programmes when SMEs are in one place.”
The project is part of a broader initiative to support small businesses through infrastructure development and capacity building.
Two more similar centres — in Buffalo Range and within Chiredzi town are set to be commissioned soon.
The expansion is expected to benefit an additional 900 SMEs in the region.
