The Government will roll out the Zimbabwe Entrepreneurship Exchange (ZEEX) by April, creating a dedicated capital-raising platform for small and emerging businesses to access the country’s financial markets.
ZEEX, which will operate under the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE), is designed to widen funding opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs),a sector considered central to Zimbabwe’s economic growth and job creation.
In an interview with the media yesterday, ZSE Holdings Group Chief Executive Officer, Justin Bgoni, confirmed that consultations with stakeholders are already underway.
“We are currently engaging all relevant parties on what needs to be done, but our timeline shows the initiative will be implemented by April. This alternative market is meant to meet the needs of small companies, and more details will be shared in due course,” he said.
Under Zimbabwe’s SME classifications, a medium-sized business employs between 40 and over 75 workers, has an annual turnover of US$1 million to US$2 million, and holds assets of up to US$2 million.
Entrepreneurs have welcomed the proposed platform, saying it could unlock long-awaited growth capital and offer better participation in formal financial markets.
Polar Plastics Administration Executive, Josiah Chivandikwa, said small firms are eager to expand.
“We want to focus on what drives the growth of our operations. Scaling up is our priority,” he noted.
Guardsmart Director, Loyd Bahera, expressed optimism that ZEEX will open new investment opportunities for emerging companies.
“We are eagerly waiting for this market because it will enable many of us to benefit from participating in the country’s financial markets,” he said.
Hilmax Engineering Managing Director, Shephard Kembo, said the move aligns Zimbabwe with regional efforts such as those seen on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.
“By creating a market for emerging companies, Zimbabwe is providing an environment that supports small businesses just like the JSE does in South Africa,” he said.
Authorities say ZEEX will serve as an inclusive trading platform tailored to smaller firms, allowing them to raise capital, expand operations, increase competitiveness, and contribute more significantly to national development.
