Introduction Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute over 60% of private-sector businesses in Zimbabwe, yet they face challenges including limited access to affordable finance, inadequate business skills, and constrained market linkages allAfrica.com. The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), established in 1894, serves as the “Voice of Business” by representing member interests, influencing policy, and delivering programmes that bolster SME competitiveness Wikipedia. This article explores ZNCC’s multifaceted role in uplifting SMEs across Zimbabwe. 1. ZNCC: History, Mission & Membership The ZNCC is a non-profit, membership-based organization headquartered at Zambia House, 48 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue, Harare. Its mission is to develop, promote, and lobby for the interests of its business members through collaboration with government and key stakeholders Wikipedia. ZNCC’s membership includes large corporates, SMEs, and professional service providers. Membership tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum) offer benefits like trade mission alerts, business referrals, and meetings with senior decision-makers zncc.co.zw. 2. The SME Landscape in Zimbabwe SMEs now make up more than 60% of private enterprises but grapple with: A 2023 International Trade Centre report highlights the need for business networks and technology adoption to boost SME competitiveness in Zimbabwe ITC. 3. Enterprise Development Sub-Committee ZNCC’s Enterprise Development Sub-Committee champions MSME growth by: 4. Advocacy & Policy Lobbying ZNCC regularly engages policymakers to improve the business environment for SMEs: Through these efforts, ZNCC ensures that SME concerns are heard at Cabinet and parliamentary levels. 5. Capacity Building & Training Programmes ZNCC’s Training Centre delivers tailored courses: Participants gain practical tools to boost efficiency and secure financing. ZNCC partners with industry experts and international donors to subsidize training costs for SMEs. 6. Market Access & Trade Facilitation 6.1 BizDirect Platform ZNCC’s BizDirect portal allows SMEs to: 6.2 Trade Missions & Exhibitions Through partnerships with ZIMTRADE and regional bodies, ZNCC organizes trade delegations to markets such as South Africa, Mozambique, and beyond. These missions enable SMEs to negotiate distribution agreements and understand foreign market requirements. 7. Funding Facilitation & Financial Partnerships Recognizing finance as a key constraint, ZNCC collaborates with financial institutions: These initiatives expand SME access to working capital and investment funding. 8. Research, Data & Market Intelligence ZNCC’s Research Unit equips SMEs with: Access to timely data enables SMEs to make informed decisions and tailor strategies to market trends. 9. Networking, Events & Awards 9.1 Business Luncheons & Conferences Regular Business Luncheons, round-tables, and the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) convene SMEs, investors, and policymakers, fostering connections and deal-making LinkedIn. 9.2 SME Awards & Recognition ZNCC’s Annual Awards celebrate top-performing SMEs across categories—innovation, exports, women-led, youth enterprises—raising their profile and credibility. 10. Digital Transformation & E-Services To streamline member services, ZNCC offers: Digital channels ensure that even SMEs in remote provinces can engage with ZNCC programmes. 11. Gender & Youth Empowerment ZNCC’s Women’s Desk and Youth Desk drive inclusive growth: These efforts aim to close the gender and age-based entrepreneurship gaps. 12. Collaboration with Other Business Member Organizations Recognizing that SME support requires multi-stakeholder action, ZNCC partners with: Such collaborations amplify advocacy efforts and widen SME support networks. 13. Case Study: Stanbic Bank & ZNCC Partnership In 2023, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe was recognised by ZNCC as the “Financial Institution Most Supportive to SMEs” after jointly rolling out: This case underscores the power of public-private collaboration in bridging SME financing gaps. 14. Future Outlook & Recommendations To further uplift SMEs, ZNCC should: Conclusion The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce plays a pivotal role in uplifting SMEs by combining advocacy, capacity building, market facilitation, and strategic partnerships. Through targeted sub-committee actions, digital platforms, and collaborations with financial institutions, ZNCC addresses the core challenges SMEs face—finance, skills gaps, and market access. As Zimbabwe advances its economic transformation agenda, ZNCC’s continued support will be critical for SME resilience, growth, and contribution to national development.

Introduction Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical industry is governed by a robust network of regulatory bodies and legislative instruments designed to safeguard public health, ensure medicine quality, and foster professional standards. From the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ)—the primary drug regulator—to professional councils overseeing pharmacists and traditional healers, each entity plays a specialized role in the industry’s oversight. This guide provides an in-depth look at the key regulators, their mandates, legal underpinnings, and compliance processes. Whether you’re a manufacturer, importer, healthcare professional, or policymaker, understanding these authorities is vital for navigating Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical sector. 1. Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) 1.1 Mandate & Legal Basis The MCAZ is the National Regulatory Authority for medicines, vaccines, medical devices, and clinical trials under the Medicines and Allied Substances Control Act [Chapter 15:03] (MASCA). It evolved from the Drugs Control Council in 1997 and holds autonomy to register, inspect, and enforce standards across the pharmaceutical supply chain. 1.2 Core Functions 1.3 Digital Transformation & Recognition 2. Pharmacists Council of Zimbabwe (PCZ) 2.1 Establishment & Statutory Authority Under the Health Professions Act [Chapter 27:19], the PCZ regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, optometrists, dispensing opticians, and hearing aid specialists. Its core mandate is to ensure professional competence and ethical practice. 2.2 Key Roles 2.3 Digital & Outreach Initiatives 3. Traditional Medical Practitioners Council (TMPC) 3.1 Legislative Framework The Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:14] establishes the TMPC to oversee traditional healers, herbalists, faith healers, and birth attendants. 3.2 Council Objectives 3.3 Enforcement & Public Awareness 4. Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) & National Biotechnology Authority (NBA) 4.1 Clinical Trial Regulation 4.2 Research Infrastructure & Funding 5. Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) & Accreditation 5.1 National Standards Body SAZ develops and disseminates national standards (e.g., GMP, ISO 9001, ISO 22000) to ensure product quality and safety. 5.2 Laboratory & System Accreditation 6. Governing Legislation & Compliance Essentials Act / Regulation Scope Medicines & Allied Substances Control Act (MASCA) [15:03] Establishes MCAZ; product registration; import/export. Health Professions Act [27:19] Empowers PCZ to regulate pharmacists and allied fields. Traditional Medical Practitioners Act [27:14] Creates TMPC; registers traditional practitioners. Public Health Act [15:09] General provisions on disease control and public health. Pharmacy and Poisons Act [18:02] Controls poisons; scheduling of substances. S.I. 2020-021 (MASCA Amendment) Updates import/export procedures under MASCA. To comply: Conclusion Zimbabwe’s pharmaceutical sector thrives under a multifaceted regulatory ecosystem that balances innovation with safety. The MCAZ ensures product quality and clinical trial integrity, while the PCZ, TMPC, RCZ, NBA, and SAZ safeguard professional standards, traditional practices, research ethics, biotechnological oversight, and adherence to international benchmarks. Stakeholders—from multinational manufacturers to local herbalists—must navigate these overlapping mandates by leveraging e-services, maintaining rigorous documentation, and engaging proactively with each regulator. As Zimbabwe advances its public health goals and achieves WHO maturity benchmarks, ongoing collaboration among these authorities will be key to fostering a resilient, compliant, and innovative pharmaceutical industry.

Introduction Valuing your business and assets is a crucial exercise for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs seeking investment, planning an exit, securing financing, or simply understanding the economic worth of their enterprise. A rigorous valuation process builds credibility with investors and lenders, informs strategic decisions, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements such as IFRS for SMEs. In this 2,000-word guide, we walk you through the nine key steps to conduct a comprehensive business and asset valuation, tailored to Zimbabwe’s unique economic environment. Along the way, we highlight local considerations—currency volatility, inflation adjustments, and regulatory frameworks—and point you to external resources to support each phase. Why Value Your Business and Assets? Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why valuation matters: Step 1: Define the Valuation Purpose & Scope Every valuation starts by clarifying: Tip: Document these parameters in a Valuation Engagement Letter to set clear expectations with stakeholders. Step 2: Gather & Verify Financial Data Reliable financials form the backbone of any valuation: Local Resource: Use ZIMRA’s eFiling portal for tax-clearance certificates (ITF263) to verify reported tax liabilities. Step 3: Adjust Financial Statements Financial statements often require adjustments to reflect economic reality: These adjustments ensure the valuation models aren’t distorted by accounting anomalies. Step 4: Select Appropriate Valuation Approaches Three primary approaches guide business and asset valuation: Note: For a robust valuation, apply multiple approaches and reconcile results into a weighted average. Step 5: Calculate Cost of Capital & Discount Rates The cost of capital determines the present value of future cash flows: Re=Rf+β(Rm−Rf)R_e = R_f + \beta (R_m – R_f)Re​=Rf​+β(Rm​−Rf​) WACC=ED+ERe+DD+ERd(1−T)\text{WACC} = \frac{E}{D+E} R_e + \frac{D}{D+E} R_d (1 – T)WACC=D+EE​Re​+D+ED​Rd​(1−T) Where EEE and DDD are market values of equity and debt; TTT = corporate tax rate (25%). Zimbabwe’s high inflation and credit spreads may push WACC above 20% for risky SMEs; adjust assumptions accordingly. Step 6: Apply Valuation Models 6.1 Asset-Based Valuation NAV=Fair-value Assets−Fair-value Liabilities\text{NAV} = \text{Fair-value Assets} – \text{Fair-value Liabilities}NAV=Fair-value Assets−Fair-value Liabilities 6.2 DCF Model TV=FCF5×(1+g)(WACC−g)\text{TV} = \frac{\text{FCF}_5 \times (1 + g)}{(WACC – g)}TV=(WACC−g)FCF5​×(1+g)​ Where ggg = long-term growth rate (e.g., 3–5%). PV=∑t=15FCFt(1+WACC)t+TV(1+WACC)5\text{PV} = \sum_{t=1}^5 \frac{\text{FCF}_t}{(1+WACC)^t} + \frac{\text{TV}}{(1+WACC)^5}PV=t=1∑5​(1+WACC)tFCFt​​+(1+WACC)5TV​ 6.3 Market Multiples Value=SME’s EBITDA×Median EV/EBITDA Multiple\text{Value} = \text{SME’s EBITDA} \times \text{Median EV/EBITDA Multiple}Value=SME’s EBITDA×Median EV/EBITDA Multiple Where local data is sparse, supplement with South African or regional benchmarks, adjusting for size and country risk. Step 7: Reconcile & Weight Results No single method is foolproof; reconcile divergent values: Approach Value (USD) Weight (%) Weighted Value Asset-Based 250,000 20% 50,000 Income (DCF) 400,000 50% 200,000 Market Multiples 350,000 30% 105,000 Final Enterprise Value 355,000 Weights reflect relevance to business nature and data reliability. Step 8: Prepare the Valuation Report A professional valuation report should include: Professional Tip: Engage a qualified business valuer registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (ICAZ) or a firm with SME valuation expertise. Step 9: Use & Update Your Valuation Once completed, a valuation becomes a living document: Local Considerations & External Resources Inflation & Currency Volatility Adjust cash flows and discount rates to reflect Zimbabwe’s current inflation rate (e.g., 20–50%) and consider multi-currency scenarios for exporters. Regulatory Framework Case Study: Valuing a Harare-Based Agro-Processor Background:GreenGrains Ltd., a medium-sized agro-processor in Harare, sought financing to expand its milling capacity. Process: Best Practices for Zimbabwean Entrepreneurs Conclusion Conducting a rigorous business and asset valuation empowers Zimbabwean entrepreneurs to make informed strategic choices, secure financing, and negotiate from a position of strength. By following these nine steps—from defining objectives and gathering quality data to applying multiple valuation approaches and reconciling results—you can arrive at a defensible valuation that withstands investor scrutiny and supports your growth ambitions. Leverage local industry benchmarks, comply with regulatory standards (IFRS for SMEs, ZIMRA), and consult qualified professionals to ensure your valuation is both accurate and actionable. With a solid valuation foundation, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock the next phase of your entrepreneurial journey.