76% of Zim businesses unregistered: ZIMSTAT

Out of the 204,798 business establishments surveyed across the country:

87.9% were micro-enterprises, the smallest units of economic activity.
Only 18.9% of these micro-businesses are formally registered.
Sole proprietorships dominate the sector, accounting for a staggering 89.4% of all businesses.
Wholesale and Retail Trade emerged as the most common economic activity, representing 73.13% of enterprises.
87% of businesses are located in urban areas, with Bulawayo leading on formality — 40.4% of businesses there are registered, well above the national average.

Invest in the informal sector – Kelteve Distinction Technologies

ZimNow Report
A 2023 Economic Census by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) has revealed that Zimbabwe’s economy is overwhelmingly informal, with over 76% of business establishments operating without formal registration.

ZimStat Chairperson John Mafararika described the census as a “landmark operation” that provides critical insights for policy formulation, planning, and private sector engagement.

“The Economic Census allows government, investors, and stakeholders to tailor interventions and unlock value from the informal economy,” Mafararika said.

Unbanked Millionaires and the Informal Paradox

The census findings strongly correlate with recent revelations from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.

Speaking before Parliament, ZIMRA Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa Shoko disclosed that many wealthy individuals operate informally, avoiding banking systems and frustrating revenue collection efforts.

https://zimbabwenow.co.zw/articles/15500/zimra-chief-lifts-lid-on-unbanked-millionaires-

The ZimStat and ZIMRA insights paint a clear picture: Zimbabwe’s economic future hinges on how the country formalizes, regulates, and supports its vast informal sector.

The U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe just got exposed as part of a $1M+ taxpayer-funded global pool party — $130K for a fancy pool cover in Harare alone. A tale of hypocrisy, and diplomatic decadence.