Zimbabwe Cabinet: Harare Informal Vending Measures Approved

• Zimbabwe's Cabinet has approved new measures to address informal vending in Harare, including Operation Chenesa Harare.
• The initiative, launched by Minister Daniel Garwe, aims to remove illegal vendors from the CBD and other key areas.
• A "60-Day One-Stop Formalisation Drive" will be implemented, alongside the establishment of a Harare Vendors Council.
• Formalized vendors will be linked to financial institutions for working capital, as part of efforts to formalize livelihoods.
• Previous attempts to clear vendors have been unsuccessful, and 70-85% of Zimbabwean jobs are in the informal sector.

This coordinated approach aims to balance strict enforcement with the provision of legitimate and decent trading alternatives for vendors.

The Zimbabwean Cabinet has officially endorsed a comprehensive strategy aimed at addressing informal vending activities within Harare's Central Business District (CBD) and other key areas. This initiative, known as Operation Chenesa Harare, seeks to remove illegal vendors from commercial hubs and restore order across the capital. The measures, presented by Minister of Transport Felix Tapiwa Mhona in his capacity as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Utilities and Infrastructural Development, received full approval.

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe launched the broader campaign, which is now being implemented by the Harare City Council. The government's stated objectives for these new Zimbabwe Cabinet Harare informal vending measures include safeguarding public health, formalizing livelihoods, enhancing the city's overall functionality, and restoring order. This coordinated approach aims to balance strict enforcement with the provision of legitimate and decent trading alternatives for vendors.

Central to the government's plan is a "60-Day One-Stop Formalisation Drive," which will be rolled out in collaboration with the City of Harare and various relevant stakeholders. This drive is designed to streamline the process for vendors to transition into formal trading. Furthermore, a dedicated Harare Vendors Council is slated for establishment, intended to facilitate the co-management of designated trading sites and provide a mechanism for dispute resolution among vendors.

Specific areas targeted for the clean-up operation include the CBD, Newlands, Belvedere, and Belgravia, where pavements are currently occupied by numerous vendors selling diverse goods. As part of the formalization efforts, vendors who successfully register will be connected with financial institutions, providing them access to crucial working capital to support their businesses. These steps represent a significant policy shift in Zimbabwe's approach to its informal economy.

The current push to formalize and regulate informal vending in Harare is not without precedent, as both the government and the Harare City Council have undertaken similar, largely unsuccessful, campaigns in the past, including efforts in 2006, 2016, 2019, and as recently as 2024. These previous attempts often faced challenges, with vendor stalls provided by authorities frequently criticized for being either too expensive for vendors or located inconveniently far from established markets and customer traffic.

The scale of the informal economy in Zimbabwe underscores the complexity of these measures; data from both ZimStat and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) indicates that between 70% and 85% of all jobs in the country fall within the informal sector. This reliance on informal trade means that many vendors view their activities as their sole means of livelihood, with some explicitly stating their refusal to vacate their current selling points. Adding to the contentious nature of the situation, Minister Daniel Garwe has faced criticism for a perceived policy reversal, having previously encouraged vending prior to the 2023 campaign and the passing of Constitutional Amendment Act No. 3, only to later accuse vendors of causing disorder and posing public health risks.

The comprehensive nature of these Zimbabwe Cabinet Harare informal vending measures signifies a renewed governmental commitment to reshaping the urban landscape and economic activities within the capital. By focusing on both enforcement and the creation of lawful trading alternatives, the policy aims to strike a balance between maintaining public order and supporting the livelihoods of a significant portion of the population. The establishment of a Harare Vendors Council and the linkage to financial institutions suggest a move towards a more structured and integrated informal economy policy.

The success of this 60-day formalisation drive will depend heavily on its implementation and the willingness of vendors to engage with the new frameworks, especially given the historical resistance and the deep-seated reliance on informal trade for survival. These initiatives could significantly alter the operational environment for businesses and residents in Harare, potentially leading to a more organized urban economy, but also posing challenges for those accustomed to the existing informal structures.

Compliance officers and legal advisors in Harare should monitor the implementation of the 60-day formalisation drive and associated enforcement measures, as these will introduce new regulatory frameworks and potential compliance requirements for businesses operating in or interacting with the informal sector.

Source: Original reporting on Zimbabwe's vending policy.