The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) successfully held a National Open Policy Discourse Dialogue on Informal Economy Taxation in Harare, bringing together key stakeholders, including government officials and representatives from various organizations.
Honourable Deputy Minister Dr. Jeniffer Mhlanga, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, delivered remarks emphasizing the government’s ongoing review of business fees and licensing as a strategic approach designed to stimulate enterprise growth. She underscored that by lowering the cost of compliance and registration, the government aims to encourage the formalization of businesses and facilitate new entries into the market. Deputy Minister Dr. Jeniffer Mhlanga, who read the speech on behalf of Minister Mutsvangwa assured the stakeholders that he will take the issues and concerns raised to President of Zimbabwe. Also present was Mr. Clemence Vusani, Director for Labour in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, who highlighted the importance of formalization as a pathway to social protection and decent work for informal workers. His insights reinforced that transitioning to the formal economy grants access to essential benefits, such as pension schemes and maternity leave.
During the dialogue, Mrs. Priscar Hoko from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) spoke about the necessity of compliance with tax obligations as a critical step toward formalization. She introduced ZIMRA’s new electronic remittance system, which simplifies the tax payment process for informal operators.
The event also featured contributions from economist Dr. Godfrey Kanyenze, who presented on informal economy taxation and emphasized that formalization is vital to achieving decent work characterized by freedom, equity, security, and human dignity. He addressed the existing challenges within the informal sector and called for improved representation of informal workers.
VISET extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the ministers in attendance, including Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, Honourable Deputy Minister Dr. Jeniffer Mhlanga, and Mr. Clemence Vusani, as well as other stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, the World Bank, and informal traders’ organizations. Their participation and insights were invaluable in promoting inclusive economic growth and supporting the aspirations of informal traders.
