The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) held the Informal Economy Working Group (IEWG) meeting on May 29, 2025, at Town House, Harare. This vital meeting, which gathered over 50 stakeholders from various sectors, emerged as a ground-breaking effort to address the pressing challenges faced by informal economy workers within our communities. From the Harare City side the meeting was attended by the Chairperson on the Informal Sector Committee, fellow Councillors from various committees, City Health officials and those from the Department of Housing and Community Services.
The agenda of the meeting was significantly propelled by the recent fire incidents in the Magaba area of Mbare, calling immediate attention to the vulnerabilities of informal economy workers. The IEWG was convened to foster dialogue, increase community engagement, and advocate for rights and protection of this essential workforce.
Key outcomes of the meeting included:
1. Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Diverse representatives from local authorities, health departments, the Zimbabwe Republic Police, and informal economy associations convened to share insights on critical issues such as inadequate access to services and eviction risks, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for ongoing dialogue.
2. Community-led Support Initiative: Participants discussed the psychological and financial repercussions of the fires, agreeing to launch a support initiative encompassing immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts, coupled with awareness campaigns on fire safety and risk mitigation for informal workers.
3. Health and Safety Improvements: Recognizing the need for better health and safety standards within informal settings, stakeholders put forth actionable recommendations, including regular safety inspections, vendor training, and partnerships with local NGOs for health services.
4. Innovative Rental Fee Structures: A consensus was reached to conduct a feasibility study on rental fees at the new Mbare Market, advocating for a tiered payment system that accounts for vendors’ income levels, ensuring equitable access to market spaces.
The discussions culminated in the establishment of a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) framework, designed to track the implementation of agreed commitments, with clear indicators of success.
