High-Level Strategy for Vision 2030 Takes Center Stage at National MSME and Cooperatives Indaba

HARARE— The Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) is set to host a high-stakes gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, and development experts on July 16–17, 2026, for the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Cooperatives Indaba.

Held under the theme, “Towards Vision 2030: Building an Enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Ecosystem,” the two-day event aims to accelerate the formalization and growth of the informal sector as a primary pillar for the country’s industrialization agenda.

Presidential Keynote and Policy Launch

The second day of the Indaba, Friday, July 17, will feature a major keynote address by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr. E. D. Mnangagwa.

The President’s address is expected to provide the overarching policy direction for the sector as the nation advances toward the goals of Vision 2030. Following his speech, the President will preside over three landmark events:

Policy Launch: The official launch of the National Cooperative Societies Development Policy.

National Recognition: The formal declaration of July as the "National MSMEs and Cooperatives Month".

Incentivizing Growth: The presentation of awards to recognize the most outstanding MSMEs and cooperatives in the country.

Setting the Economic Agenda

The conference opens on Thursday, July 16, with a strategic "Setting the Scene" address by the Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Hon. Senator Monica Mutsvangwa.

Following this, the government will outline its cross-sectoral approach to supporting MSMEs. Key presentations include:

Local Governance: Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Hon. D. Garwe, will discuss the role of local authorities in creating space for business growth.

 Digital Transformation Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services, Hon. T. Mavetera, is scheduled to address digital inclusion and the role of innovation in scaling small businesses.

Industrial Value Chains: Minister of Industry and Commerce, Hon. N. M. Ndlovu, will present on positioning SMEs as catalysts for sustainable industrial development.

The day will also feature critical panel discussions involving stakeholders such as Old Mutual, the Harare and Bulawayo City Councils, and ZimTrade. These panels will focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and strategies to leverage the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Specifically, the AfCFTA panel aims to unlock international markets and investment opportunities by positioning MSMEs and cooperatives to participate effectively in the continental trade block. 

Participants from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the United Nations Development Programme, the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, and the US Africa Trade Commission will provide technical guidance on meeting regional standards and export requirements.

Technical Deep-Dives

Throughout the two days, participants will engage in specialized breakout sessions covering technical aspects of business growth. 

These include sessions on Artificial Intelligence strategies for small businesses, fintech and digital payment ecosystems, and strengthening Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOS) with support from global partners like the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme.

The event concludes Friday afternoon following the presentation of the official Indaba Communiqué, which will summarize the consensus reached by stakeholders on the future of the Zimbabwean MSME ecosystem.

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