Bulawayo Business Network launches Ekasi Expo to empower local entrepreneurs
Silethemba Mlauzi
Bulawayo’s burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit is set to get a major boost as the Bulawayo Business Network (BBN) unveils the Ekasi Business Expo. Aiming to spotlight and support grassroots businesses, the expo promises to connect local entrepreneurs with customers and create new opportunities for growth. The initiative was announced during the launch of Bulawayo Business Week at Thee Elander Hotel Friday.
The Ekasi Business Expo, a cornerstone of the Bulawayo Business Week, will take place in various locations across the city. Sibonginkosi Maphosa, BBN’s communication and liaison officer, highlighted the expo’s goal of providing a platform for often-overlooked small businesses to thrive. “This comes as a realisation that grassroot businesses struggle to gain marketing but the expo will seek to give sellers access to consumers and vice versa,” said Maphosa. The week-long event, running from August 9 to 15, features a packed schedule of activities, including a Golf Day, Buy Bulawayo Day, a business day of prayer, and a Small and Medium Enterprises seminar.
Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Emakhandeni-Luveve MP Descent Bajila emphasized the need for stronger ties between the business community and politicians. “Interactions will give a good framework for good policies that are pro-development and in the process avoid policy paralysis,” Bajila said.
Nkayi South MP Jabulani Hadebe echoed this sentiment, calling for partnerships between urban and rural businesses to drive sustainable development. “Partnerships and interactions between rural and urban settings will develop the country and bring about change for sustainable development in the business sector through sharing ideas and helping each other in the implementation processes,” Hadebe stated.
Representing the Mayor’s office, Ward 26 councillor Mpumelelo Moyo challenged the business community to take ownership of the city’s challenges and drive solutions. “Sitting down and wait for a messiah will always leave Bulawayo at the periphery but taking a stand and coming together to initiate positive change in the city is the pivotal step that will change the history of Bulawayo,” Moyo said.
The Ekasi Business Expo is a significant step towards empowering local entrepreneurs and revitalizing Bulawayo’s economy. By providing a platform for small businesses to showcase their products and services, the BBN aims to contribute to the city’s overall growth and development.
