The Gweru Informal Economy Working Group (IEWG) successfully completed its Governance and Leadership Capacity Building Workshop on October 24, 2025 in Gweru. This pivotal event is part of the “Organizing Informal Economy for Inclusive Transformation” (OIEIT) project being implemented by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation VISET in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Zimbabwe (FES). The workshop convened approximately 20 key stakeholders from various sectors of the informal economy, including informal economy associations, office of the DDC, residents’ groups, Gweru City Council, and government representatives from key Ministries such as Ministry of Women Affairs Community and SMEs Development, Ministry of Youth and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP). This gathering aimed to strengthen the governance and operational capacities of the newly established IEWG, promoting dialogue and collective advocacy on pressing issues affecting informal workers.
Through collaborative sessions, participants successfully drafted and validated the IEWG Charter and Terms of Reference (ToR), establishing a solid foundation for the group’s governance structure. The workshop also focused on operationalizing the interim leadership structure and emphasizing the establishment of functional sub-committees to address specific challenges faced by informal economy actors in Gweru. The training segment equipped attendees with essential skills in governance, leadership, conflict resolution, and inclusivity. Participants engaged in interactive methodologies— including group discussions, scenario-based exercises, and role-playing— which resulted in practical work plans for the IEWG’s sub-committees.
VISET’s project facilitation reflects a commitment to fostering inclusivity, transparency, and accountability within the informal economy in Gweru. The successful outcomes of this workshop empower the Gweru IEWG to effectively advocate for fair taxation, improved service delivery, and enhanced livelihoods for informal workers.
“The capacity building workshop is a crucial step towards creating a cohesive and functional platform for informal economy stakeholders in Gweru and the surrounding areas. By collaboratively developing our Charter and improving our governance skills, we position ourselves to address the challenges facing informal economy workers more effectively,” said Samuel Wadzai, VISET Executive Director. VISET is the Convener of the IEWG.
Next Steps and Call to Action:
Moving forward, the IEWG will begin implementing the developed work plans and continue fostering partnerships with local authorities and residents to ensure collective action and advocacy in local governance and policy processes.
Implementation and Partnership-Building
The IEWG is poised to take concrete action, building on the momentum of our collective efforts. Our next steps include:
– Work Plan Implementation: We will begin executing the developed work plans, focusing on key areas such as advocacy, capacity building, and policy engagement.
– Partnership Deepening: We will nurture and expand partnerships with local authorities, residents, and other stakeholders to ensure collaborative action and amplify the voices of informal economy actors.
– Advocacy and Policy Engagement: We will engage with local governance structures, advocating for policies and practices that support the rights and interests of informal economy actors.
– Capacity Building and Empowerment: We will continue to build the capacity of informal economy actors, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively participate in decision-making processes.
The Gweru Informal Economy Working Group remains committed to enhancing the livelihoods and rights of informal economy actors, ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making processes at all levels. Together, we can create a more just and equitable environment for informal economy actors, ensuring their rights are respected and their voices are heard.
