Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations - ZCIEA

13/04/2026

Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) Bulawayo Youth Chair Munyaradzi Charles Mugadziwa and Chinhoyi Youth/Organiser Zelifa Phiri participated at the Youth In Action Conference hosted by StreetNet International from the 23rd to 26th of March 2026 at Hotel Labourse Du Travail Cotonou,Benin.
This powerful workshop was aimed at building strong and inclusive trade unionism for young workers in the informal economy. Thirty-one young workers from various countries and StreetNet affiliates across Africa gathered to share experiences and strategize.
The conference brought together representatives from a broad coalition of organisations (StreetNet affilates) across Africa including the host :Benin — CSA, SYNAVAMAB, SNI, USYNVEPIB ,Burkina Faso-SYNAVFL, Democratic Republic of Congo— LDFC , Ghana -UNIWA, Guinea - SNI/CNTG, Ivory Coast-FETTEI-CI, Kenya -KENASVIT, Lesotho – KTB, Malawi – MUFIS, Niger – UGSEIN, Nigeria – FIWON, Rwanda – SYTRIECI, Sierra Leone – SLETU, South Africa -SAITA, Tanzania- TUICO, Togo -FAINATRASIT, Zambia -AVEMA, AZIEA and Zimbabwe – ZCIEA.
Despite coming from different countries, one key takeaway was clear: young workers in the informal economy face similar struggles everywhere. The conference empowered youth with skills in communicating with impact, so their voices can be heard, contributions recognized, and rights guaranteed.
Together, we continue to push for a stronger future for informal economy youth workers across Africa.
The Chamber That Delivers


StreetNet Malawi Union for Informal Sector Association of Vendors and Marketeers in Zambia-AVEMA Zambia SAITA Media

10/04/2026

ZCIEA Stands in Solidarity with Vendors Affected by Tsh*taudze Market Fire

Press Statement

Date: 9 April 2026

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) expresses profound sadness and solidarity with the 36 vendors who lost their goods in the devastating fire that engulfed the front two rows of Tsh*taudze Market in Beitbridge on the night of 31 March 2026.
This tragic incident has severely impacted the livelihoods of hardworking informal traders who depend on their daily earnings to support their families and communities. As an organization representing workers and traders in the informal economy across Zimbabwe, we recognize the critical role these vendors play in sustaining the local economy and ensuring access to essential goods.

We call upon the relevant authorities, including local government and emergency services, to provide immediate assistance to the affected vendors. This includes support for recovery efforts, compensation for lost goods where possible, and implementation of measures to prevent such disasters in future.

ZCIEA commits to working closely with the vendors and all stakeholders to advocate for timely relief and meaningful interventions that will restore livelihoods and strengthen the resilience of the informal sector in Beitbridge and beyond.
To our members and all informal traders, we urge vigilance and cooperation in safeguarding our markets and places of trade. Together, we will overcome this setback and continue to build a vibrant and inclusive informal economy.

https://zciea.org.zw/2026/04/10/zciea-stands-in-solidarity-with-vendors-affected-by-tsh*taudze-market-fire/

10/04/2026

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) recently hosted a successful Community Engagement Forum on Research Findings at the YWCA in Gweru on March 25, 2026. The event was led by ZCIEA National President Lorraine and National PWD Chair Tavengwa Mazhambe, bringing together 50 informal economy workers and traders for a productive day of dialogue.
This forum aimed to bridge the gap between informal workers and key decision-makers, including representatives from Ministries and local authorities, through the presentation of important research findings and a policy brief. Participants actively discussed crucial topics such as the need for simplified and affordable formalisation processes, the negative impact of taxation on their businesses, and the criminalization of traders.
We were also honored to have representatives from the Ministry of Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development and 98.4 Midlands FM joining the discussions.
Together, we are working towards a more inclusive and supportive environment for Zimbabwe’s informal economy.

The Chamber That Delivers

StreetNet

09/04/2026

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) conducted a Community Engagement Forum on Research Findings at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo on the 24th of March, 2026. The forum was led by ZCIEA National President/ StreetNet International President Lorraine Ndlovu and National Women's Chair Josephine James. A total of 50 workers and traders from the informal economy participated in the engagement. This one-day forum aimed at bridging the gap between informal workers and decision-makers such as Ministries and local authorities through the presentation of research findings and a policy brief. Workers and traders actively engaged in discussions, addressing key issues including simplified and affordable formalisation, taxation which negatively impacts their businesses, and the criminalization of traders.

The Chamber That Delivers

26/03/2026

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) conducted a Community Engagement Forum on Research Findings at Chikanga Hall in Mutare on the 20th of March, 2026.. The forum was led by ZCIEA Treasurer General Nomore Sigauke and National Organiser Benita Goneso. A total of 50 workers and traders from the informal economy participated in the engagement.

This one-day forum aimed at bridging the gap between informal workers and decision-makers such as Ministries and local authorities through the presentation of research findings and a policy brief. Workers and traders actively engaged in discussions, addressing key issues including simplified and affordable formalisation, taxation which negatively impacts their businesses, and the criminalization of traders.

Mr. Nelson Sango, Business Cooperative Development Officer in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, delivered an insightful presentation and actively engaged with workers and traders in the informal economy on issues affecting their workplaces and businesses. He encouraged them to formalise their enterprises.

ZCIEA members acknowledge and appreciate the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development for its commitment to engaging communities and organizations in promoting the growth of workers and traders in the informal economy. However, they also urged the Government to provide incentives, such as simplified and affordable tax and registration processes, to further promote formalisation.
During the forum, ZCIEA raised awareness and encouraged the effective participation of workers in the public input process for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

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Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev. Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation VISET StreetNet Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zimbabwe Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organisation Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare

25/03/2026

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA) conducted a Community Engagement Forum to present Research Findings in the Chitungwiza Territory on 19 March 2026. The forum was led by ZCIEA National President and StreetNet International President, Lorraine Ndlovu, along with Secretary General Wisborn Malaya. A total of 50 workers and traders from the informal economy participated in the engagement.

This one-day forum was aimed at bridging the gap between informal workers and decision-makers such as Members of Parliament and councilors/ local authorities through the presentation of research findings and a policy brief on Promoting Formalisation and Mitigating Risks in
the Informal Economy. Workers and traders actively engaged in discussions, addressing key issues including taxation, which negatively impacts their businesses, and the criminalization of traders.

During the forum, ZCIEA raised awareness and encouraged the effective participation of workers in the public input process for the Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.

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fans Solidarity Center StreetNet Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation VISET Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Zimbabwe Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Organisation Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Dev.

19/03/2026

19/03/2026

Wisborn Malaya is Secretary General of the Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations - ZCIEA and
a long-standing member of the IFWEA Executive Committee (EC). He is also a Champion of Worker Education! He shares his thoughts and experiences as a key driver of unfied change in the informal economy.
👉 https://ifwea.org/champions-of-worker-education/wisborn-malaya/

30/01/2026

The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations, in partnership with Women in Informal Employment: Globalising and Organising, is currently hosting a Stakeholders Meeting in Karoi. The agenda for the meeting is as follows: discussing the issue of vendor license fees with the Karoi Town Council. The purpose of the meeting is to present the 2024/25 ZCIEA/WIEGO research on the challenges and opportunities faced by street vendors in Karoi. Additionally, we aim to engage our key stakeholders on issues affecting them and to strengthen dialogue and collaboration between the Council and ZCIEA.

The Karoi Town Council is represented by Community and Housing Director Mr. Usavi, Public Relations Officer Ms. Sandra Kashoma, and Mrs. Mabheka, the Municipality Police Chief Security Officer.

A total of 59 workers and traders from the informal economy (ZCIEA members) and the following market representatives are in attendance: Mr. Chairman of Salaz Market, Secretary of Karoi Flea Market and Chair of OK Pamakuva Fruit and Vegetables Market

The Chamber That Delivers

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all ZCIEA members partners and their families. Merry Christmas to all Zimbabweans. Merry Christmas to all Africans and the entire world. Let peace prevail among us in the days of our living.