The Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) warmly welcomes the Government’s approval of the National Formalisation Strategy, a landmark policy aimed at integrating the informal economy into Zimbabwe’s formal economic framework. This progressive development marks a significant step towards inclusive economic growth, decent work, and sustainable livelihoods for millions of informal economy workers across the country.

VISET is proud to have participated throughout the entire process of developing the National Formalisation Strategy. Our involvement from inception to completion makes this achievement one of the key success stories in the life of the organisation. We actively contributed during both the consultation and validation phases, ensuring that the voices, priorities, and aspirations of informal economy workers were meaningfully represented.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare for providing exemplary leadership in spearheading this important initiative. We commend the Ministry for its inclusive and participatory approach, which brought together key stakeholders, including informal economy workers and their representative organisations. This collaborative process reflects a shared national commitment to building an equitable and resilient economy.

VISET firmly believes that the National Formalisation Strategy will:

– Enhance Public Finance Management through improved revenue mobilisation and accountability;

– Promote financial inclusion by expanding access to banking, credit, insurance, and digital financial services for informal workers and enterprises;

– Strengthen social protection systems, ensuring access to social security, healthcare, and income security for vulnerable groups within the informal economy.

The approval of this Strategy represents a transformative milestone that will contribute to decent work, economic empowerment, and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. VISET stands ready to support the implementation process and to continue working with Government and stakeholders to ensure that Formalisation delivers tangible benefits for informal economy workers.

Issued by:

Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)

Date: 9 April 2026