Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Writer
THE Hwange Local Board (HLB) has set aside land for the establishment of its first-ever home industry space, in response to a growing number of entrepreneurs operating backyard industries within the town.
In its latest newsletter, HLB Acting Director of Spatial Planning and Land Management, Mr Themba Sibanda, said a 4,000-square-metre parcel of land has been surveyed and pegged to accommodate small-scale entrepreneurs involved in activities such as carpentry, welding and leather-products manufacturing.
“We have witnessed a surge in backyard industries, which has resulted in increased noise and disorder in residential areas. This has necessitated the relocation and regulation of these operations by providing a designated space where they can operate in an orderly and managed environment,” said Mr Sibanda.
Although a large proportion of Hwange’s urban adult population is employed in the mining and energy sectors, a significant number of residents are self-employed, running backyard industries that include carpentry, welding, panel beating and related trades.
A home or cottage industry refers to a small-scale enterprise run from a person’s home, often using local skills, materials and family labour to produce goods or offer services such as sewing, baking and repairs, contributing significantly to livelihoods and local economies.
Mr Sibanda said the project has been catered for in the 2026 budget, with the local authority anticipating that the site will accommodate up to 35 entrepreneurs.
“The area will be properly fenced, electrified and serviced with ablution facilities to ensure a conducive working environment,” he said.
Government policy requires local authorities to provide decent and designated working spaces for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and informal traders, as part of broader efforts to formalise the informal economy, enhance productivity and increase contributions to the national fiscus and job creation.
As part of its drive to improve infrastructure for informal traders, HLB is also constructing a state-of-the-art flea market, although works stalled more than two years ago due to funding constraints. The project is being financed through the Devolution Fund.
Council has further identified strategic locations across its jurisdiction for the establishment of additional market stalls.
Zimbabwe’s MSME sector remains a major pillar of the economy, contributing over 60 percent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), employing approximately 4.8 million people and accounting for about 90 percent of businesses, underscoring its critical role in economic growth, value addition and employment creation.
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