The Gweru Public Finance Management (PFM) Teach-In, held on June 5 and 6, 2025, marked a significant step in enhancing collaboration between informal traders and local authorities. Organized by VISET under the Local Accountability and Citizen Engagement (LACE 2) Project, the event brought together over 80 participants, including local officials, community leaders, and civil society members, to engage in comprehensive training on public finance, taxation, and participatory budgeting processes.
This two-day training aimed to empower informal traders by providing essential knowledge on local budgeting practices and fostering participation in governance. Key objectives included capacity building, strengthening engagement between traders and local authorities, and promoting transparency in public finance management.
Key outcomes from the event included:
– Increased Knowledge: Participants demonstrated a significant boost in understanding their rights and obligations regarding taxation and budgeting.
– Improved Compliance: There is a notable increase in willingness among traders to meet local tax obligations, rooted in the trust built during the event.
– Stronger Mechanisms for Public Participation: Enhanced channels for stakeholder engagement were established, leading to a more inclusive approach to local governance.
– Policy Recommendations: A set of documented proposals were formulated to advocate for inclusive public finance management practices that address the needs of the informal sector.
The event also established a comprehensive database of trained stakeholders, enabling follow-up and future engagement initiatives.
Following the Teach-In, several advocacy initiatives are planned to sustain momentum, including ongoing training workshops, the establishment of a collaborative forum, and advocacy campaigns focused on tax compliance and participatory budgeting. Local budget monitoring committees will also be encouraged to foster accountability in budget implementation and service delivery.
Overall, the Gweru PFM Teach-In has demonstrated a successful effort to bridge the gap between informal traders and local authorities, paving the way for improved service delivery, enhanced community trust, and sustainable urban development.
