**Acknowledgements**

*Regional Development in Africa*

it difficult to operate business.

or make decisions aimed at promoting business [13].

sector.

[13, 15, 33].

**6. Conclusion**

Expertise was found significant at 5% level. This implies that if the business operator is skilled the higher the probability of better profits. The findings are in line with other studies [19, 32]. To operate a business it is best for one to be knowledgeable for better results to be realised. For the SMEs to contribute more to the GDP and create more job opportunities, there is need to train the operators in every

Corruption was found not to be significant. Any corrupt activity in the system does not have any effect on profitability of business in Zimbabwe. This contradicts with some studies that have found that corruption has become a hindrance to business growth and profitability [16, 36]. In some cases corrupt activities in the system may hinder licences, permits to operate or sell in some markets influencing profitability of business. Some countries have been affected by corruption making

Tax variable was not significant. Any form of tax or tax status of a company has no influence on the profitability of an enterprise in Zimbabwe. A business that avoids tax usually reports more profits as tax is an expenditure that reduces profits

Marital status was not significant. Whether one is married or not has no significant effect on profitability levels. Some single women are operating in Zimbabwe with varying results and equally competing with married individuals. Business is no longer determined by marital status as individuals can take independent decisions

The findings call for enhanced coherence of strategies and policy formulation on employment creation across the multilateral system. The following factors were found significant: number of business, education level, business type, family business ownership, expertise, licencing, advertising and bank account. The policymakers should craft policies that enhance their contribution to profitability, growth and creation of employment. There is need for policy makers and other social partners to design and implement strategies that enhance employment opportunities in their countries. It is necessary for authorities at local, national and regional levels to embark on evidence-based analysis feeding the social dialogue and policy making processes for building a knowledge base for employment creation in SMEs. The discovery that all variables considered in this study have a form of relationship to SMEs' profitability is a good starting point. This serves to assist in intervening in SMEs sector on better designs and stimulations of productive business activities and strategies for job creation. The factors investigated in this study have to be considered and ensure the environment is improved for SMEs growth and profitability. The governments can provide the effective assistance required for young women and men in business to make a good start in the world of business. This will positively influence young people's personal and professional success in all stages of life. Looking ahead to improve standard of living, create more job opportunities and economic growth the combination of growth factors that Africa presents create unparalleled opportunities for SMEs in the long term. The continent's natural resources as well as fast growing economies will sustain high levels of business growth making Africa's rise unavoidable. This will take political will and selfless decisions by the countries' leaders. The basis of a sustainable undertaking in Africa is dependent on the empowerment and support of regional SMEs and young entrepreneurs to reduce brain drain and poverty. The governments, international investors and other developmental institutions should be central to the stability

**230**

The authors are grateful to FinMark Trust for the permission to use their Finscope MSME Survey Zimbabwe (2012) data.
