60 SA SMEs to grace local expo

AT least 60 South African small business companies are expected to take part in the 6th edition of the Small and Medium Enterprises International Expo which is set for October in Harare.

The international expo, which is expected to bring companies and delegates from other countries, will be running under the theme “enhancing investment in SMEs to unlock value and new markets”.

SMEs international expo board chairman Mr Simbarashe Makahamadze said the expo is growing annually as the number of participants are increasing.

“Last year 30 South African companies participated during the expo and this year we are expecting to double the number of South African participants.

“Established in 2011 with a vision to be the leading international business expo that connects SMEs from all sectors of the economy and other corporate companies from Africa and beyond, the annual expo has grown significantly,” he said.

Last year, 150 exhibitors took part in the annual exhibition and this year the company has roped in Redfox Entertainment in an effort to develop the local arts industry to gain recognition as a business.

“We have experienced a steady increase in terms of quality and quantity of exhibitors locally, regionally and internationally.

‘‘The trend has also been similar in terms of sponsors who have trusted and believed in us over the years. From 61 exhibitors at our inaugural expo in 2011, we have seen a 12 percent annual average increase of local, regional and international exhibitors.

“We have also adopted world-class exhibition practices and participative management to continuously learn and grow,” he said.

Officially launching the SMEs expo Small and Medium Enterprises and Cooperative Development Minister, Sithembiso Nyoni said Government is engaging the private sector to partner the SMEs to boost their production.

“We as Government and as a ministry in particular would like to engage the private sector to drive the economy whilst Government creates the conducive environment for growth of businesses,” she said.— BH24.