Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to capacitating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the construction sector to drive inclusive infrastructure development and expand access to housing and social amenities across the country.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Contracting Industry Association (ZCIA) Annual Conference held at Cresta Lodge in Harare on Friday, the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities, Zhemu Soda, said MSMEs have emerged as key players in Zimbabwe’s built environment and must be supported through targeted policy interventions, financing mechanisms, and equitable procurement frameworks.
“MSMEs are no longer fringe players in the construction industry. They are, in fact, the heartbeat of infrastructure development, housing delivery, and service provision across our urban and rural landscapes,” said Minister Soda.
He added that the construction sector had already surpassed the initial National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) housing delivery target of 220,000 housing units by the 2023 midterm review, prompting Cabinet to revise the figure to one million units.
At least 70 percent of the revised target had already been achieved.
Minister Soda noted that MSMEs were instrumental in constructing schools, clinics, market stalls, and affordable housing, but continued to face structural challenges including limited access to finance, equipment, land, and participation in major procurement programmes.
“We cannot, and must not, ignore these barriers,” he said. “That is why Government is committed to streamlining licensing procedures, facilitating affordable credit lines, and designing inclusive procurement models that allow MSMEs to thrive.”
He said the Ministry would continue working with the Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, and development finance institutions to unlock funding for MSMEs in the construction ecosystem.
The Minister emphasised the need to adopt sustainable building methods and environmentally conscious construction models. He urged contractors to leverage local materials, green technologies, and innovative designs that reduce environmental impact and promote climate resilience.
“Our role as a Ministry is not only to build structures but to enable a housing and infrastructure ecosystem that is responsive, inclusive and sustainable,” said Minister Soda.
He added that the Zimbabwe National Human Settlements Policy provides a framework for promoting high-rise mixed-use MSME workspaces in both rural and urban settings.
He encouraged contractors, engineers, and consultants attending the ZCIA conference to contribute concrete proposals toward the development of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), currently under stakeholder consultation.
“Let this gathering be the launch pad for national action to unlock the full potential of our MSMEs in the built environment. We must break the silo mentality and embrace joint planning and execution,” he said.
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