Zimbabwe: Licensed vendors must close by 6:00 pm in city centers

The Zimbabwean government announced new operating hours for licensed vendors on Thursday, September 17, mandating a closure by 6:00 pm in city centers. This measure, which took effect immediately, applies to all 92 local authorities across the country and comes as authorities continue their campaign to reorganize informal trade.

Tafadzwa Muguti, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, clarified that sales in residential areas are permitted from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. In city centers, activities are restricted from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm, unless otherwise specified by a specific permit.

These hours outline the framework applied to registered vendors following the operation announced in early September in Harare. Minister Daniel Garwe stated that the removal of traders operating in undesignated locations would continue, asserting that the goal is not to eliminate informal sales but to relocate them to regulated spaces.

Simultaneously, the government has launched a 60-day formalization program in Harare. This initiative includes the establishment of 100 sales sites equipped with potable water, sanitation facilities, lighting, shelters, waste management, and storage areas. A satellite market is also set to be developed on the outskirts of the city center, and a Harare Vendors Council will participate in managing the sites and resolving disputes.

To reduce the cost of formalization, authorities have lowered the proposed monthly fees for designated markets from 100 to 45 US dollars. Daniel Garwe also announced a six-month grace period without payment for traders who join the official spaces.