URBAN METALWORK IN ZIMBABWE: A LOOK INTO INFORMAL EMPLOYMENT PATTERNS

Abstract

The informal sector has become a central component of Zimbabwe’s economic survival strategy, particularly during times of economic distress. This study investigates employment trends in Zimbabwe’s urban informal metal industry, highlighting how structural economic changes have influenced the growth and dynamics of informal employment. During the Economic Structural Adjustment Program (ESAP) of the 1990s, widespread retrenchments in both the public and private sectors pushed many workers into informal economic activities. Similarly, the prolonged economic and political crises of the 2000s—marked by hyperinflation, a shrinking formal job market, and collapsing wages—further intensified this shift toward informal livelihoods.

Today, the informal sector is estimated to be the largest employer in Zimbabwe, playing a critical role in income generation and poverty alleviation. This paper focuses specifically on the urban metalwork industry—a significant and often overlooked subset of the informal sector. Using primary data collected under an International Development Research Centre (IDRC)-sponsored project, the study explores the characteristics, challenges, and employment patterns within this sector. The research aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of how individuals adapt to economic hardships through informal metalwork activities and the socio-economic implications thereof.

In light of the sector's growing importance, the Government of Zimbabwe has made efforts to recognize and support informal enterprises. Policy shifts such as the proposed decriminalization of informal mining and increased financial inclusion initiatives reflect this new direction. These changes underscore the need for evidence-based policies that accurately reflect the realities of informal employment.

By examining employment behaviors, demographics, and income strategies within the urban informal metal industry, this paper contributes to the broader discourse on informal sector development in Zimbabwe. The findings are intended to inform policymakers and development practitioners aiming to support sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth