Small and medium-sized enterprises are contributing significantly to the economy, not only in Zimbabwe but throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, where many countries are experiencing greater sustained economic growth than ever before.
Computer technology and information communication technology is playing a major role in economic development and the expansion of small businesses. The Economist’s Intelligence Unit last year rated Africa fourth of six regions it sampled for broadband expansion, ahead of Latin America and the Asia Pacific region.
Of key importance too for business development and business confidence is the use of licensed international accounting software by businesses.
Many owners of small and medium-sized businesses have come to appreciate the need for proper computerised accounting systems for the efficient running of their businesses. They have discovered the advantages, even for a small business, of accounting systems that record and manage suppliers, manage cash flows, issue invoices and create management reports, as well as record and manage financial transactions, tax obligations and staff records.
There are various accounting systems available. The most popular among small and medium-sized businesses in Zimbabwe are Pastel products, which vary in complexity to cater for the different needs and stage of development of the particular business.
The most basic of these is My Business, which has been developed by Sage Pastel to exclude many of the features of its other packages that a new or small business is unlikely to need. My Business uses simple terminology, making it ideal for a new business or a very small business, where the owner is still involved personally with doing the accounts.
Other Pastel products in use in Zimbabwe include Pastel Evolution, Pastel Xpress, Pastel Partner, Pastel Invoicing and Pastel Auditor. Each have their particular characteristics and advantages and are regularly upgraded.
Apart from being well-established international software products, they enjoy the advantage of local expertise for installation and back-up, which is provided by Pastel Software Zimbabwe, the local Pastel franchise holder.
Pastel software is produced by Sage Pastel, the South African division of Softline Pastel, a leading global provider of financial and business management software. Pastel products are designed for small to medium-sized enterprises.
Sage products are for larger companies. Sage products are also in use in Zimbabwe. Installation and back-up for these is provided by the Sage division of Chips Computing Services, which also runs Pastel Software Zimbabwe.
Utilising effective licensed tried and tested accounting software has become important for every business today. It not only improves business efficiency and simplifies the accounting process but creates investor confidence.
This applies to countries as well as companies. International investors have greater confidence in a country where international accounting practices are implemented and accounting software of an international standard is used.
The rapid expansion of information communication technology in Africa has been noticed by many international investors, who are becoming increasingly aware of the business opportunities there are on the continent.
Nigeria, for instance, with a population of about 140 million people offers great opportunities. In 2000 there were no mobile phone users in Nigeria. By 2005 there were about19,8 million.
There are believed to be many international investors keeping a keen eye on Zimbabwe, ready to move in when the political and economic environment improves.
The potential for such investors to form partnerships with or utilise the services of small to medium-sized enterprises is considerable. In choosing such partners they are likely to take into consideration their capacity and adherence to international accounting standards.
Accounting software such as the Pastel products in use in Zimbabwe makes adherence to international standards and local regulations easier.
The automation of business processes has become essential for business growth locally and globally. The use of fully licensed, managed and supported software forms the foundation for business growth.
A new and innovative generation of free thinking entrepreneurs has led to an abundance of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole, many of them with their sights set on competing not only nationally but regionally, continentally and even globally.
The Pastel software that many small and medium-sized businesses in Zimbabwe use is in use not only in Zimbabwe and South Africa but throughout the African continent and beyond.
More than 180 000 businesses across the globe use Sage Pastel’s financial applications. They are in use in countries throughout Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.
Ideal for a start-up business is Pastel Invoicing, which focuses on producing invoices and controlling customers and debtors’ balances. Pastel My Business is designed for new businesses and small businesses. Sage Pastel Xpress is for a small business or larger business with basic accounting needs. Pastel Auditor is ideal for bookkeepers and auditors of small businesses that use Pastel software.
Sage Pastel Partner offers more features than Xpress. It is well suited to a multi-user environment and medium-sized as well as small businesses. Pastel Evolution is for larger businesses. As a business grows, users can be added and upgrading to another Sage Pastel product be done seamlessly. Specialised modules can also be added to the Partner and Evolution software to cater for industry specific requirements.
