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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 42753, member: 636"] Bulawayo Economic Development Agency partnered with Innbucks microfinance to help small businesses access money and banking services. The agreement supports government plans to bring informal companies into the official economy. Small business owners will receive cheap loans, savings accounts and digital payment tools under the new deal. The partnership removes barriers that kept many entrepreneurs outside the formal banking system. Officials expect the program to encourage business registration and create more trade opportunities. Innbucks client manager Rutendo Muhwava said the company wants to serve people without bank accounts. She believes the collaboration will help business owners formalize their operations and reach bigger markets. BEDA chairman Kwanele Hlabangani said financial exclusion remains a major problem for informal businesses around Bulawayo. Provincial minister Judith Ncube praised the initiative for supporting sustainable development and better tax collection. Economist Tinevimbo Shava noted that bringing more companies into the formal sector will expand the tax base. Development expert Prosper Chitambara expects the program to boost growth across the entire economy. He said access to capital and digital tools will help businesses hire workers and increase productivity. The partners plan to sign up 2,000 small businesses during the next year. Recent surveys show women make up most informal traders but lack collateral for traditional loans. BEDA wants to copy this model throughout other provinces nationwide. [/QUOTE]

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