02/02/2025
The situation is getting worse for supermarkets as illegal imports crumble the formal economy. This shows how much power the Zimbabwean citizenry has over its economy and how we have grabbed the economy and moved it to the informal sector, which reduces government fiscal power. Yet, the money will be in circulation outside of government control. It then lies with the general populace to decide which route to take on the way to do business.
Zimbabwe, being a peace-loving nation and having one of the biggest human capitals in Southern Africa, may yet mark a new dawn for the African market, which the social hub is dubbing the "people's market."
The "people's market" is a concept derived from deep economic understanding and realization of the current market product trends. We have come to the conclusion that it is of utmost importance that we realize the gaps that existed between formal markets and the general populace. As most large supermarkets and stores, from the dawn of independent Zimbabwe, served a particular class of people, which did not correlate to the entire population, the coming in of border-to-people kind of trade in Zimbabwe led to the rise of the informal market, which has taken Zimbabwe by storm.
The main problem with this particular market is its import base, which is, in most instances, somewhat illegal, undermining the economic potential of Zimbabwe. Through a peer-to-peer trading exchange, which reduces the government's ability to be a beneficiary of the trade due to multiple forms of corruption that run awash in our security personnel who man our borders and roads, these illegally obtained goods still find their way to Zimbabwe and flood the market, being cheaper without taxes, as well as having a competitive advantage, which takes over dwindling profits that are supposed to go to the major supermarkets.
In light of all this, the social hub also noted the joy that comes with this particular trade to the general populace of Zimbabwe, and seeing the Christmas specials, people were able to prepare due to the existence of this market. We do feel it then serves the people as a market, the "people's market." Thus, it is important that when regulations are to be applied in this industry, they should only be accompanied by local goods production. This will then mean the people's market will have a stake in the national cake for infrastructure development, as well as contribute to the general development of Zimbabwe.
This industry encompasses most of the Zimbabwean demography and is replicated in every town and city, giving it national coverage, as well as having the youth delegation of the population in active duty, as they are the most active in this sector. We also feel the market is expandable and flexible enough for the government to take part in and also influence the export of goods, as we have youths who are experienced in trading both locally and internationally, who lack quality Zimbabwean products to put to market.
Taking note is their immense use of online marketing, such as Facebook Market, as well as developing their own applications for trading internationally and locally. This means Zimbabwean youths are agile and ready to develop. Only the government can help its people and leave no one behind.
In this regard, I am proud to have been a participant at the first-ever youth strategic planning meeting held in Mutare, and for the first time, as youth, we had intergenerational conversations on the development of the Zimbabwe we want, and solutioned around having our large human capital build a Zimbabwe that is known for peace, trade, and a wealthy populace.
I look forward, with my social hub team, to lead the conversation on the document, and hope that by the 1st of March 2025, as we mark the end of the 64 days of Activism against climate change, we will be present at the launch of the national youth strategy.
What is your thought on Zimbabwe having a startup Act, meant to create a conducive and supportive environment to start a business in Zimbabwe?
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