Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE – The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) says that preparations for the country’s first economic census, scheduled for next year, are on track, following the successful completion of the mapping exercise.
This critical groundwork is a precursor to the upcoming listing exercise, which aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the nation’s economic landscape.
ZIMSTAT Director General Tafadzwa Bandama outlined the scope and significance of the economic census during a recent briefing.
“The agency is undertaking this economic census, which is the first of its kind in the country, as we aim to establish a business register that will help us understand the number of companies operating in Zimbabwe. Given that a significant portion of our economy is informal, we need to accurately assess the structure of the economy,” Bandama stated.
Current estimates suggest that approximately 65 percent of Zimbabwe’s economic activity occurs in the informal sector. However, the upcoming census aims to provide definitive data on this and other sectors, allowing for more informed policymaking.
“After this survey, we will have a clearer picture of the true structure of the economy,” Bandama explained.
The mapping exercise, which has now been completed, involved identifying and geographically plotting all economic units across the country. This foundational step is vital for ensuring that every business, from small informal enterprises to large corporations, is included in the census.
Following the mapping phase, ZIMSTAT will transition to the listing exercise, where enumerators will gather detailed information about the businesses in designated areas.
“The next steps will involve listing the companies in the enumeration areas. After listing, we will carry out input and output surveys beginning in 2025. Initially, in April, we will focus on collecting data related to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the informal sector. Then in 2026, we will turn our attention to collecting data on larger corporations,” said Bandama.
In addition to the economic census, ZIMSTAT is also conducting a Household Budget Survey, which is halfway through and expected to be completed by 2026. This survey aims to provide insights into household expenditure patterns and living standards across the country, further enriching the data landscape for policymakers and stakeholders.
Bandama said ZIMSTAT was committed to modernising its operations to align with international best practices.
“We are working on modernising ZIMSTAT to ensure it meets international standards. Our goal is to create a conducive environment for producing reliable statistics that inspire confidence among stakeholders. This modernisation effort is crucial for fulfilling our mandate and meeting the expectations of our users,” she stated.
The drive to enhance ZIMSTAT’s capabilities includes improving human resources and investing in technology that facilitates efficient data collection and analysis. By adopting modern methodologies, ZIMSTAT aims to improve the accuracy and relevance of the statistics it produces, which are essential for effective governance and economic planning.
The upcoming economic census represents a significant milestone for Zimbabwe, providing a foundational dataset that will inform economic policies and development strategies for years to come. As the country seeks to navigate its economic challenges, accurate and comprehensive data will be crucial in identifying opportunities for growth and areas needing intervention.
By engaging with various stakeholders and ensuring transparency throughout the process, the agency aims to build trust and collaboration in the collection and utilisation of statistical information.
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