Harare, April 11, 2025 — In a landmark event aimed at empowering small-scale traders and boosting the informal economy, President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially handed over lease agreements and membership cards to vendors operating at the newly commissioned Mbare Musika Market in Harare.
The handover ceremony, held at the heart of one of Zimbabwe’s most historic trading hubs, marks a major milestone in the country’s urban renewal and economic formalisation efforts. The revamped market is now set to accommodate around 1,700 traders, each of whom now has a secure and dedicated space to operate their businesses.
Empowering the Informal Sector
Speaking at the event, President Mnangagwa emphasized the importance of supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), noting that the informal sector remains a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economy. By providing lease agreements and official membership cards, the government is not only securing livelihoods but also legitimizing the role of informal traders as vital economic contributors.
“Today’s handover is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a promise fulfilled. A promise to our hardworking men and women who have kept our economy moving in the toughest of times,” said President Mnangagwa.
Formalising Trade, Creating Stability
For years, many vendors at Mbare Musika operated in a precarious environment — often without formal recognition, stable trading spaces, or protection from displacement. The newly issued lease agreements provide vendors with legal and secure tenure, giving them peace of mind and the confidence to invest in and grow their businesses.
The issuance of membership cards also introduces an organized system of accountability and inclusion. These cards serve as official identification for traders, granting access to market facilities and linking them to support services such as waste management, sanitation, and business training programs.
A Market with a New Mission
The upgraded Mbare Musika Market now features modern infrastructure designed to support a clean, safe, and efficient trading environment. With designated vending stalls, improved drainage, and proper waste disposal systems, the market is not just a place of commerce — it’s a model of what the future of urban markets in Zimbabwe can look like.
This initiative is part of the broader Mbare Urban Renewal and Regeneration Project, which aims to transform Mbare into a dynamic urban zone that blends history, culture, and commerce.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
The formalisation of Mbare Musika’s trading community signals a larger shift in government policy — one that recognizes the importance of informal traders not just as survivalists, but as entrepreneurs and essential participants in national development.
As lease documents were signed and membership cards handed out, the air was filled with hope and renewed purpose. For many of the vendors, this moment marked the first time they’ve ever had official recognition for their work.
Today, Mbare Musika is not just a market. It is a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and the future of inclusive urban development in Zimbabwe.
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