Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Herald Correspondent
IN Mbare Ward 4, a quiet but profound transformation is underway.
Once defined by its bustling informal markets and makeshift workshops, the area is now spearheading efforts to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and formalise the informal sector—a cornerstone of President Mnangagwa’s economic strategy.
Policy and Partnerships: Laying the Foundation
The Government’s National Policy and Strategy for SMEs, supported by targeted infrastructure investments and regulatory reforms, is reshaping the business landscape for thousands of traders and manufacturers in Mbare. Notably, the City of Harare, through its Public-Private
Partnership (PPP) drive under the SMEs committee, has recently secured an investor to partner in upgrading the iconic Mupedzanhamo Flea Market. The planned upgrade aims to bring the market up to international standards, with proper parking, banking facilities, and modern sanitation—mirroring the recent transformation of Mbare Musika. This will ensure that both local traders and visitors can access the market with ease and dignity.
Councillor Boniface Kundai Maburutse highlighted the significance of these developments.
“We have managed to make sure that Mupedzanhamo Flea Market was restored after four years, and we made sure that people returned to their tables. There were people who wanted to take advantage of the closure, but through the ZANU PF Harare province chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa, we made sure that people returned to their tables and they are paying their taxes accordingly.”
Mbare Ward 4: A Thriving Hub of Home Industry
Mbare Ward 4 encompasses key economic zones including the CBD charter, Magaba, Mupedzanhamo, Siyaso Complex, Shawasha Grounds, and several high-density residential flats. With a residential population approaching 30,000 and an estimated 15,000 traders operating in its markets and home industries, the ward stands as a vibrant microcosm of Zimbabwe’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The area’s home industries are renowned for their diversity and resilience. From steel and metal fabrication to timber processing and electrical engineering, Mbare’s workshops supply goods not only to Harare but across Zimbabwe and the region.
Companies such as Chivaz Grinding Mills and Smart Engineering, both of which started in Mbare, now manufacture products ranging from grinding mills to high-voltage electric components for national distribution.
Formalisation and Infrastructure: Real Change on the Ground
The government’s push to formalise informal traders is yielding tangible results. At Shawasha Grounds, more than 350 cooperative members have received leases, and new sanitation facilities have been constructed by the traders themselves. The formalisation drive has also extended to the Siyaso Complex, where expired leases have been renewed, and to the Shawasha multipurpose cooperative, which operated informally for over two decades before being granted legal status.
Councillor Maburutse explained:
“We also have home industry in Shawasha Grounds. The vendors there are now registered; we formalised the home industry and now they are operating legally, paying their dues and contributing to the economy. All these years they were operating running from the authorities. It’s now Mupedzanhamo phase 2.”
Economic Impact: From Local Workshops to National Supply Chains
Mbare’s home industries are a vital engine for Zimbabwe’s economy. The steel and engineering sectors, in particular, have produced goods that support agriculture, construction, and even the nascent electric vehicle industry. The area’s businesses provide affordable products, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imports.
The government’s introduction of digital tax systems and presumptive tax schemes has led to a marked increase in revenue from new taxpayers, reflecting improved compliance and the growing contribution of formalised SMEs.
Despite these advances, Mbare Ward 4 faces significant hurdles. Chronic power outages disrupt production, while outdated sewer systems and overcrowded housing—originally designed for bachelors but now home to families—strain local infrastructure.
Ward 4 Secretary Mr Munyaradzi Chitendere noted:
“Mbare Ward 4 is the area with most businesses in Mbare; however, we are facing serious load-shedding, so we appeal to ZESA. Many of the houses in the ward were bachelor’s quarters, but now with the population, it’s overwhelming them and there is need for intervention.”
The Government has pledged continued support for SME empowerment, with over $2.5 billion invested in infrastructure and ongoing reforms to streamline business registration and access to finance. However, local leaders and business owners stress the need for further investment in energy, sanitation, and capacity building to sustain the momentum.
Adding to the ward’s significance, Rufaro Stadium—one of Zimbabwe’s most historic sporting venues—also sits within Ward 4, further cementing the area’s role as a focal point for both economic and cultural activity.
As Mbare Ward 4 continues its journey from informal trading hub to a model of SME empowerment and urban renewal, the partnership between government, private investors, and the local community will be crucial in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
