HARARE — Vendors 4 ED has applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Presidential Empowerment Scheme, saying funds disbursed under the programme are already circulating among vendors across the country, with the association expressing confidence that the initiative will expand further in 2026 alongside the implementation of the reserved sectors policy.
In an interview,Vendors 4 ED chairperson Cde Samora Chisvo said 2025 marked a turning point for the organisation, driven by the successful rollout of empowerment funds and their uptake by members nationwide.
“We received Presidential Empowerment Funds and the funds are already revolving amongst our members,” said Cde Chisvo.
“We hope that as we go into 2026, those who have benefited will return the funds and new tranches will be given to other batches so that the cycle continues.”
Cde Chisvo said the association was encouraged by the recognition of vendors as a key pillar of the economy, extending appreciation to President Mnangagwa and his Presidential Adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara, for spearheading the initiative.
“We are part of the value chain connecting producers to end-users. Through Dr Tungwarara’s energy and passion, he visited our members across all provinces to distribute these funds,” he said.
According to the chairperson, the scheme contributed to notable membership growth in 2025, with many beneficiaries reinvesting the funds into stock, expanding their businesses and creating employment opportunities.
Cde Chisvo also cited the reserved sectors policy for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), expected to take effect in 2026 as a critical intervention that would provide local entrepreneurs with space to grow.
“We are most grateful for the President reserving sectors for SMEs. This offers a bridge for growth and allows us to major in those sectors,” he said.
“The competition from foreign nationals was intense in areas like retail shops and brick-making and so forth which require no special technology,” he explained.
“As the Second Republic puts its citizens first, we, as small sectors, can now group together, acquire the required machinery, and move from primary vending into secondary production.”
One of the beneficiaries Ms Cecilia Gambwe, a vendor from Manicaland Province, said the programme had already begun transforming her operations.
“Yes, I benefited from the scheme. It helped me to secure bigger orders. I really appreciate what the President is doing,” said Ms Gambe.
Looking ahead, she said the empowerment funds had opened new growth prospects for her business.
“In 2026, I plan to expand my customer base and source stock directly from countries like China and Turkey. I hope the fund will help achieve this dream.”
