THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives across the country, citing their role in community empowerment and contribution to the Gross Domestic Product.
The International Cooperative Day, marked in Kadoma this Friday, was an occasion to celebrate the resilience, unity and economic contribution of cooperatives in driving community development.
One of the sector’s key highlights this year is the Mupamombe Housing Cooperative, a scheme with over 800 members, which has so far managed to construct more than 600 housing units.
“Through our collective effort, we have managed to install a full water reticulation system and connect electricity to our homes, bringing real change to our members’ lives. To date, we have completed 647 houses, a proud milestone that shows what unity and determination can achieve,” Mupamombe Housing Cooperative’s Chairperson, Mr Francis Machidha said.
“When we come together as one, we can achieve what seems impossible. Working as a collective unit means every member’s strength counts, and the results speak for themselves from the houses we have built to the services we have brought into our community,” a resident, Mr Last Matema noted.
Zimbabwe National Cooperative Federation President, Mr Mike Duru, said the new Cooperative Societies Policy is set to facilitate the growth of cooperatives.
“We have raised a few issues that we want reviewed in the Cooperative Societies Policy, which will unlock our full potential as a sector. Cooperatives shall contribute immensely to community building, for example, in housing construction, increased agricultural production, capacity building across sectors, and addressing social challenges like HIV/AIDS and drug and substance abuse by providing education and counselling,” he said.
“It should have completed its National Cooperative Database, which is aimed at modernising and transforming the cooperative sector nationwide. This project seeks to digitalise cooperative registration, improve governance standards, enhance financial inclusion, and expand market access.”
The Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa, highlighted the critical role of cooperatives in national development.
“In line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) objectives, cooperatives in Zimbabwe have made remarkable strides across sectors such as housing, agriculture, finance, fishing, mining, and arts and crafts. Despite challenges they encounter, cooperatives have demonstrated resilience and innovation. Over the past two decades, cooperatives have contributed significantly to the country’s socio-economic progress. Notably, since 2010, housing cooperatives have delivered approximately 210 000 housing units, improving access to shelter with Mupamombe Housing Cooperative, where we are gathered today, alone contributing 879 homes,” she said.
“These successes are a clear indication of the government’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11), eradicating poverty (SDG 1), advancing gender equality (SDG 5), and fostering decent work and economic growth (SDG 8).”
The government is currently reviewing the Cooperative Societies Policy to enhance efficiency, improve governance and ensure cooperatives remain vibrant contributors to national development.
