malvernmugadzikwa
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has completed mapping business establishments ahead of the 2025 Economic Census.
Zimbabwe will conduct its first-ever economic census to produce detailed baseline statistics on the size and structure of the economy, which is expected to enhance Government’s policy formulation and decision-making.
Results will be released in 2026.
ZimStat will use a high-tech data collection system — computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) — to collect, compile, evaluate, analyse and disseminate economic data from the census.
“The economic census entails the process of collecting, compiling, evaluating, analysing and disseminating economic data on all economic activities in the country. However, the economic census does not cover sectors like agriculture, forestry and fishing,” said ZimStat public relations manager Ms Mercy Chidemo.
“It does not also include public administration, compulsory social security activities, activities of embassies, other international organisations and activities of households as employers of domestic workers.”
The agency requires at least 4 000 enumerators and other personnel to conduct the census.
“The mapping of business establishments has been completed. It was undertaken during the period July 8 to August 31, 2024. The agency is currently training enumerators for the listing exercise. The listing exercise is expected to commence on September 16, 2024 (last week) and run until December 31, 2024,” added Ms Chidemo.
“The economic census is being conducted in four phases, namely mapping, listing, input-output survey and main data collection. For all these processes to be successful, around 4 000 enumerators will be required, and to date, about 1 100 enumerators have been recruited to undertake the mapping and listing exercises.”
The CAPI system, which proved to be efficient during the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Ms Chidemo said, will be used for the exercise.
The data will be crucial for policy formulation, evaluation and decision-making at provincial and national levels.
“The economic census is an important exercise as it provides comprehensive information on the size, structure and characteristics of the economy, including the number of businesses, employment and production.
“The census also facilitates a detailed analysis of various sectors of the economy to identify trends, challenges and growth opportunities.
‘‘It also supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of businesses and industries through informed policy decisions.”
Academics and researchers will also benefit from the information that will be gathered.
“The economic census aids businesses and entrepreneurs in understanding market conditions, identifying opportunities and making informed decisions.
“Data collected from the economic census will also enable the agency to compile a comprehensive directory of businesses operating in Zimbabwe, over and above being useful to academics and researchers,” Ms Chidemo said.
Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter