FORMAL retailers have backed Government’s move to clear vendors from undesignated trading areas, but informal traders have appealed for alternative spaces, warning that removing them from the streets without providing viable markets could destroy their livelihoods.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has welcomed the directive announced by Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe on September 2 to remove illegal vending and informal trading from central business districts and other urban areas.
CZR president Denford Mutashu said uncontrolled vending had contributed to congestion, blocked pedestrian walkways and compromised cleanliness while creating an uneven operating environment for registered businesses.
He, however, acknowledged the importance of the informal sector as a source of income for thousands of families.
“Informal trading is an important source of livelihoods,” Mutashu said, adding that such activities should take place within designated areas and under an orderly regulatory framework.
“This is not about taking away people’s livelihoods; rather, it is about restoring order, protecting public health and safety, and ensuring that everyone participates in the economy within a fair and enforceable regulatory framework.”
The position has, however, raised concerns among vendors who argue that compliance will only be practical if Government and local authorities provide sufficient designated trading spaces.
Harare vendor Gift Zigobvu said street traders were willing to move but needed somewhere from which to continue earning a living.
“We are also trying to survive, but we need space that Government can offer for us to sell our goods since it’s the only way to send our children to school,” Zigobvu said.
Another trader, Mellisa Zororai, acknowledged the need to restore order in the capital but said authorities should consider the economic circumstances driving people onto the streets.
“What Government is implementing is necessary. Maybe they are trying to make the city clean or they have other reasons, but we also need to be noticed as citizens of Zimbabwe,” Zororai said.
“There are no formal jobs out there. So being instructed to leave what they are calling illegal trading, then how will we be able to survive with our families?”
She warned that removing livelihoods without alternatives could worsen social and economic problems among vulnerable families.
CZR believes the exercise is necessary as Zimbabwe prepares to assume the COMESA chairmanship in October.
Mutashu said Harare, as the capital, needed to present a better image while other urban centres should also restore order.
“We must put our house in order and ensure that our cities reflect the Zimbabwe we aspire to build under Vision 2030,” he said.
“Harare is the face of Zimbabwe, and we must restore the beauty and dignity of our Sunshine City.”
The retailers’ organisation wants the clean-up extended beyond vendors to public transport operators using undesignated pick-up and drop-off points.
“We recognise the important role played by public transport operators, but there are designated ranks where they are legally required to operate,” Mutashu said.
“Restoring order in our cities must be comprehensive and consistent across all sectors.”
The organisation also welcomed Statutory Instrument 41 of 2026 on Model Fees By-Laws, saying businesses had reported significant reductions in licensing and regulatory costs.
According to Mutashu, some formal retailers and wholesalers were saving up to 60% on costs previously associated with multiple licensing requirements.
He described the reforms as an important step towards reducing the cost of doing business.
CZR also reiterated its support for policy measures it believes promote continuity, stability and predictability in the economy.
However, the immediate challenge facing authorities will be balancing the drive to restore order with the economic realities confronting thousands of informal traders.
For vendors such as Zigobvu and Zororai, the argument is not necessarily against cleaning up the city, but over where they are expected to go once they leave the streets.
Government and local authorities will therefore face pressure to ensure that designated markets are available and accessible if the clean-up is to avoid simply shifting informal traders from one part of the city to another.
CZR said it was ready to work with Government, local authorities and other stakeholders on challenges affecting the retail and wholesale sectors.
