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Access status: Open Access ,
A Model for innovative financing and funding for startups and SMES in Zimbabwe
(BUSE, 2026-10-11) Mapara, Olga Munyaradzi
This study examines the financing challenges faced by start-ups and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and proposes a context-specific model for innovative financing and funding. SMEs play a critical role in Zimbabwe’s economic development through employment creation, poverty reduction, innovation, and contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, access to adequate and affordable finance remains a major challenge due to high collateral requirements, excessive interest rates, macroeconomic instability, and underdeveloped capital markets. Traditional financing institutions such as banks and microfinance institutions often fail to meet the needs of SMEs, forcing many businesses to rely on informal financing sources.The study adopted a quantitative research design guided by a pragmatic research philosophy. Data were collected using structured questionnaires distributed to SME owners, microfinance institutions, financial experts, and business associations in Harare’s industrial areas, particularly Mbare and Graniteside. A sample size of 132 respondents was selected using stratified sampling, and 120 completed questionnaires were successfully returned, producing a response rate of 90.9%. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques through SPSS and Microsoft Excel.The findings revealed that existing financing mechanisms are inadequate in addressing the financial needs of start-ups and SMEs in Zimbabwe. Major barriers to accessing traditional finance include high collateral demands, high interest rates, lengthy loan approval procedures, strict lending regulations, lack of financial records, and limited credit histories. The study further established strong support for innovative financing models such as fintech-based lending, crowdfunding, peer-to-peer lending, venture capital, and digital financial platforms. Respondents agreed that these models could improve financial inclusion, reduce dependence on conventional bank loans, and enhance SME growth and sustainability.The study concludes that Zimbabwe requires an integrated and innovative financing framework tailored to its economic realities. It recommends strengthening fintech ecosystems, promoting supportive government policies, encouraging public-private partnerships, and developing alternative financing platforms to improve SME access to finance and stimulate economic growth.
Access status: Open Access ,
The Effectiveness of state and non-state actors in combating human trafficking and ensuring safe migration concerns of Zimbabwean women
(Academic Research Publishing, 2019) Teya, Wellington; Kurebwa, Jeffrey
This study focuses on the effectiveness of State and Non-state actors in combating human trafficking and ensuring safe migration of Zimbabwean women. The study relied on qualitative research methodology while data was gathered through primary and documentary search. Respondents were purposively selected from victims of human trafficking and organisations that deal with combating human trafficking. These included IOM, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Human Trafficking Desk, Ministry of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs. The study revealed that human trafficking in Zimbabwe thrives under conditions of vulnerability which are caused by various factors ranging from poverty, limited educational opportunities, poor economic conditions, gender and age. A strong relationship between Government and NGOs‟ inadequate adherence to the Palermo Protocol standards and escalation of human trafficking was also exposed. Though Zimbabwean has several laws that deals with human trafficking, implementation of these laws still remains a challenge. This has contributed to the escalation of human trafficking cases from Zimbabwe to neighbouring countries, particularly South Africa.
Access status: Open Access ,
An assessment of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) pollution in Mazoe river
(BUSE, 2026-06) Makaza, Bethany
This purpose of the study was to assess heavy metal contamination in Mazoe River, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe with a focus on Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn). Water samples were collected from three sites, site A representing upstream, site B representing near the mine and site C representing downstream sections of the river during the wet season of January to February 2026. The results showed a clear spatial variation in metal concentration across the study area. Iron was the only metal that exceeded the WHO and EMA guideline value of 0.3mg/l at all three sites with the highest concentration of 14.9994 at site B. Lead was not detected in any of the samples while Zinc remained below the recommended limit of 3.0mg/l at all sites but with a highest level of 0.1301mg/l. The high concentration levels of Iron suggest that mining activities, especially acid mine drainage and mine runoff, are the main sources of pollution in the river. Lead and Zinc did not cause harm immediately in the water this shows that Mazoe River is under pressure from mining-related contamination. The findings of the study conclude that improved water control, regular water quality monitoring and seasonal sampling are needed to protect rivers and the communities that depend on it.
Access status: Open Access ,
Assessing alluvial mining effects on physico-chemical properties at premier Mawoyo bridge along Mutare river, Zimbabwe
(BUSE, 2026-06) Machukera, Joanah
The effect of alluvial mining on physicochemical water quality of Mutare River along the corridor of Premier Mawoyo in Mutasa District in Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe was assessed in this investigation. There was no empirical data available for this site before this study, although there is a great deal of artisanal gold mining occurring along the river. The design used was quantitative cross-sectional comparative, where water samples were taken simultaneously from three strategically located sites; an upstream reference site (C1), an active mining site (M1), and a downstream monitoring site (C2). The analysis was performed by the Environmental Management Agency Analytical Laboratory that is accredited by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs and Sustainable Development (SADCAS) (Certificate Ref 261254-300, March 2026). Key findings show that concentrations of manganese at the mining site and the downstream site were 5.5 and 7.1 times above the EMA SI 6/2007, respectively, and the highest indication of the impact of the mining activities. The electrical conductivity at the upstream site was 167% higher than the downstream site. Three stations had dissolved oxygen saturation levels below the 75% criterion for dissolved oxygen, reflecting widespread oxygen stress throughout the study reach. It was also found that there was a large, natural organic and iron load at the reference site upsteam of the mine, unrelated to the mining operations. The null hypotheses were rejected. The study finds that alluvial mining negatively impacts the water quality of the Mutare River and that the downstream site is the site with the greatest potential for public health risk to communities that rely on the river for their water supply.
Access status: Open Access ,
Carbon sequestration potential of tailings dams: a case study of Freda Rebecca gold mine
(BUSE, 2026-06) Gusho, Florence
Mine tailings are increasingly recognised as potential substrates for mineral carbonation, but they may also contain environmentally important heavy metals. This study assessed the carbon sequestration potential of the tailings storage facility at Freda Rebecca Gold Mine, Zimbabwe, using tailings deposited between 2022 and 2026. Twenty surface samples were collected, with four samples representing each deposition year. Acid-reactive mass loss was assessed using a hydrochloric acid fizz procedure, thermal mass loss was measured after heating samples to 800 °C, and selected heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, As and Zn) were determined after acid digestion. Acid-reactive mass loss attributed to carbonate presence decreased from a mean of 4.2% in the 2022 and 2023 deposits to 2.9% in 2026. Thermal mass loss decreased from 7.7% in 2022 to 5.4% in 2026. The annual mean concentrations of Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn were 0.3061–0.5575, 0.6167–0.9984, 0.0054–0.0420 and 0.4307–0.5348 mg/L, respectively, while the annual As means reported in the dataset ranged from 0.0024 to 0.0230 mg/L. The older deposits therefore showed higher acid-reactive mass loss and thermal mass loss than the more recent deposits. These patterns are consistent with increasing weathering and possible mineral carbonation with longer exposure, although atmospheric CO₂ uptake was not measured directly and carbonate mineral identity was not confirmed mineralogically. The heavy-metal results demonstrate that potentially toxic elements remain present and require monitoring. The study concludes that the Freda Rebecca tailings storage facility has measurable indicators consistent with passive carbon storage potential, while further work is required to quantify actual CO₂ uptake and confirm the mineralogical mechanisms involved.