Emerging models of inclusive growth : revisiting entrepreneurship and SMMEs in Zimbabwe

The important role of small, micro, and medium enterprises (SMME) and entrepreneurship on poverty alleviation in developing countries is widely recognised, both in rural and urban areas (Rusastra et al., 2009). It is particularly relevant to Zimbabwe's attainment of meaningful development goals, which seek to address the challenges that have emerged during the country's various socio-economic and political epochs. There is a recognised opportunity for improving the capacity and contribution of a more inclusive structured approach of utilising SMMEs and entrepreneurship in achieving this objective (Chen and Ravallion, 2008). However, in so doing it is imperative to acknowledge the fact that from a policy point of view entrepreneurship policy is not synonymous with small business policy, even though small firms are a key vehicle for individuals to channel their entrepreneurial ambitions. In fact, there is an opportunity to harness the synergy and overlap between the two, a process that could enhance their contribution to economic growth and poverty alleviation.