2025 economic census launched in Bulawayo
Providence Moyo
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) launched the 2025 Economic Census, the first of its kind in the country under the theme, ‘Counting Every Business, Shaping Economic Policies,’ earlier this week at Rainbow Hotel.
Guest of honour, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube said the government is committed to work with the agency to ensure the success of the census as it would be crucial for driving policies ahead of National Development Strategy (NDS) 2.
“The statistics are key for evidence based policy-formulation, decision- making and strategic planning in addition to Gross Domestic Product compilation. It is therefore paramount that an Economic Census be conducted for validation of the country’s achievements, at the same time, providing baseline statistical information for the successor National Development Strategy 2 running from 2026-2030. In keeping with the Devolution Agenda, the census will provide valuable insights into the geographical spread of both the business establishments and economic activities across the country.”
Speaking during the same event, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Judith Ncube told delegates that she was happy that Bulawayo is the launchpad of the census which is tipped to influence decision making in governmental structures.
“I am delighted that the launch of the country’s 2025 Economic Census is being held in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. Our expectation is that, in support of the Devolution agenda, statistics produced from the 2025 Economic Census, will be adequately disaggregated to enable decision- making at the lower ties of government.”
ZimStat Acting Director-General, Mrs Matiwonesa Phiri revealed that the census’ major activities will be carried out during 2024-2027 and that 2024 will be used for preparatory activities. Data collection for small establishments will be done in 2025, while data collection for medium and large establishments is billed for 2026. The report will be disseminated in 2027 and this will be done in three phases.
” Stage one will be for mapping of enumeration areas which involves identification of business locations where establishments are operating from. Stage two is about listing of all establishments which are operating in the country collecting names, addresses, contact details, main economic activities, turnover, employment and registration status. The final stage will be enumeration of establishments which entails usage of double enumeration approach for small businesses in 2025 and large co-operations in 2026.”
An Economic Census is a comprehensive systematic study conducted to collect detailed information of all economic activities. It enables different stakeholders that include Government, Private sector and Academia to understand the economic landscape of the country.
