Designing a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Skills Development and SMME Growth Model for Zimbabwe: Lessons Learned from Masvingo Province Investigation

SEELETSE, Solly Matshonisa
Jongwe, Pamire
Ndobe, Tsakani Violet
Ladzani, Watson Mmboswobeni

Revenue: Jurnal Manajemen Bisnis Islam
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025)

Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are pivotal to Zimbabwe's economic growth. Yet, they face significant challenges, such as limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory barriers, and a lack of entrepreneurial skills. This manuscript presents the design of a sustainable entrepreneurship skills development and SMME growth model referred to as Objectives, Phased Framework, and Enabling Ecosystem (OPFEE)  based on insights from a comprehensive investigation conducted in Masvingo Province. The study highlights the essential elements of fostering a conducive environment for SMME growth, emphasizing the need for practical skills, financial inclusion, infrastructure, and regulatory reform. It outlines a phased approach to support entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe, identifying the critical steps needed to transform SMMEs into key drivers of economic growth.