Market report

SMEs playing a big role in Zimbabwe’s economy

MUCH is needed to put in place policies that support Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The major strength of Zimbabwe’s SMEs is their flexibility in adapting to changes in market tastes and preferences. On the other hand, they face challenges related to management ability, financial constraints, accommodation challenges as well as weak legal and regulatory structures. SMEs have been a major source of livelihood income for many households in Zimbabwe, especially those whose heads lost their jobs during the economic downturn of 2000 –2008. The SMEs sector has also provided necessary competition in some sectors of the economy, especially in the manufacture of furniture, which has kept the prices within the reach of many. INDUSTRIALS The Industrial Index closed the week on a low note following a 0.34 points (0,25 percent) loss to settle at 137.08 points. Five counters lost ground as Econet shed $0,0082 to close at $0,1418, Edgars eased $0,0040 to $0,0390 while Delta dropped $0,0036 to end at $0,8525. CBZ came off $0,0020 to trade at $0,1000 as Innscor inched down $0,0002 to close at $0,4498.

Trading in the positive, British American Tobacco gained $0,0500 to trade at $15,3000; National Foods went up by $0,0075 to $3,5375 while SeedCo increased by $0,0018 to close at $0,9318. OK Zimbabwe and Simbisa were each $0,0010 higher at $0,0610 and $0,1710 respectively.

Week on week Industrial index lost 0.39 points (0,28 percent). MININGS The Mining index was flat at 53.63 points. Bindura, Falgold, Hwange and Rio Zim remained unchanged at previous trading levels at $0,0300, $0,0100, $0,0290 and $0,3365 respectively.

Week on week Mining index shed 0.04 points (0,07 percent).