by Fungai Munetsi

Zimbabwe Chamber of Infomal Economy Associations conducted Stakeholders Engagement Meeting in Masvingo Territory on Formalisation of the informal Economy on the 14th January 2020. ZCIEA was represented by National President Lorraine Sibanda, SG Wisborn Malaya, Masvingo Territorial Committee led by President Tavengwa Mazhambe, Masvingo PWD Chair Moses Chitombo and Information officer Fungai Munetsi. The other Stakeholders who attended the meeting included representatives from Masvingo City Council, ZIMRA, Hevoi fm, freelance journalists, Councilors, Zimbabwe Council of churches, Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association. Mark Oxley represented Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).
The meeting was facilitated by Secretary General Wisborn Malaya who gave a background of Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Associations (ZCIEA). ZCIEA National President Lorraine Sibanda gave a presentation on 7 key thematic areas of the informal Economy Agenda which speaks or supports the Formalisation of the informal economy. The 7 key thematic areas for the Informal Economy Agenda are as follows:
1. Respect for and recognition of the informal economy
Objective: – To create an improved legal policy framework that recognizes and addresses the reality of the informal economy and those working in it.
2. Development of linkages between Informal Economy and Formal Businesses
Objective:- To develop a conducive business operating environment for the informal economy businesses and workers
3. Market access and infrastructure
Objective:- to establish secure market spaces and infrastructure for Informal Economy Businesses in both rural and urban areas
-to enable informal economy workers to access broader and profitable markets for their goods and services.
4. Formalisation
Objective: to provide access to economic freedom and social protection to Informal Economy businesses in order to provide sustainable jobs and income for Informal Economy workers.
5. Financial Inclusion
Objective: to improve the level of provision of financial services to informal economy businesses
6. Social Protection
Objective:- to provide affordable services in the form of pensions, medical aid and insurance to Informal Economy businesses people & workers
7. Devolution
Objective:- to empower local communities through decentralization of state administration and authority.

ZCIEA Secretary General encouraged Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to promote formalization strategy of the informal economy as a key driver to boost revenue collection for the country. This will have to be supported by tax incentives under financial inclusion. ZCIEA is also pushing for partnerships with Local Authorities throughout the country in order to promote decent operational and living standards for better livelihoods.

#RecogniseInformalEconomyWorkers

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