Zimbabwean small and medium enterprises (SMEs), since independence in 1980, have struggled for
survival and development due to a plethora of challenges. The government responded by implementing policies
and strategies to address the challenges confronting SMEs. This article gives a country perspective and historical
understanding of the SME policies and strategies at play within Zimbabwe. The researchers contribute to the
understanding of the dynamics surrounding SMEs particularly in developing countries by providing a historical
account of the policy issues and strategies used to ensure growth of the sector. Methodologically, the study adopted
a critical analysis of literature related to SME policies in Zimbabwe. The researchers drew insights from different
government policy documents and pieces of legislation since 1980. The results of the analysis indicate that the
policies and strategies, to a larger extent, have not yielded the required results, and largely not addressed the major
challenges confronting SMEs.