By Own Correspondent   

The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Corporation (SMEDCO) of Zimbabwe is embedding Decent Work principles across its operations and client services, aligning with national labour laws and international standards. 

The state-owned development finance institution has introduced policies promoting fair recruitment, gender equality, inclusivity and regulatory compliance, including social security contributions and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices. 

These commitments are being extended to enterprises in the construction sector through SMEDCO’s Business Development Services and mentorship programs.

Training modules address workplace safety, fair wages, non-discrimination and formal employment contracts as core elements of sustainable enterprise growth. 

Evidence of impact is already emerging. Some participating businesses have begun issuing written contracts, complying with minimum wage requirements and strengthening occupational safety and health measures, including the provision of protective equipment.

Tidoka Enterprises, for example, now provides all staff with contracts and has introduced systematic renewal procedures. Other firms have set up grievance mechanisms, clarified staff responsibilities, and in one case, established a Workers’ Committee representing 55 employees. 

SMEDCO is also reshaping its role as a financier by integrating labour standards into its credit assessment processes.

Beyond financial viability, loan evaluations now review whether enterprises uphold safe working conditions, provide contracts and comply with wage regulations. By tying access to finance to labour practices, SMEDCO aims to encourage responsible business conduct across the sector. 

“Decent Work is not a separate stream for us—it is integrated into how we train, finance and mentor our clients,” said Bernice Moyo, SMEDCO’s Training and Development Manager. 

The Corporation is further promoting these standards at a systemic level, working with procurement authorities, industry associations and institutional partners to encourage the integration of Decent Work criteria into funding and procurement systems. 

Through this combined enterprise-level and policy-level approach, SMEDCO is seeking to build a fairer, safer and more inclusive construction sector in Zimbabwe.