Bulawayo (New Ziana) A Bulawayo business group said on Thursday its members had potential to export more of their products, and generate foreign currency, but were being hamstrung by obsolete equipment.

Bulawayo Chamber of Small to Medium Enterprises (BCSME) chairperson, Coustine Ngwenya said the group’s members were even unable to adequately supply the local market.

“Our members have the necessary skills and capabilities to grow the economy. Currently, we are not exporting mainly because we cannot satisfy the local market due to use of obsolete equipment. We need financial support so that we acquire modern machinery so that we are able produce on a large scale,” he said.

Ngwenya said BCSME members were keen on the government’s industrialisation thrust, and development agenda in general, and want to play a part.

“As a chamber, we are partnering with various stakeholders in promoting the growth of local SMEs. A number of our members recently graduated in skills development programme in June. This is a motivator to SMEs and more can be done to improve their businesses,” he said.

Ngwenya said the group was also engaged in capacitating its members in terms of business management training through support from the International Labour Organisations (ILO).

“SMEs have benefited a lot from programmes such as business management training and workspace development. Furthermore, our membership is immensely benefitting from market development initiatives which have seen some SMEs being supported to participate at local, regional and international expos,” Ngwenya said.

New Ziana