Perceptions of policy makers and bureaucrats on the informal sector in Zimbabwe: A case of the informal metal manufacturing in Harare

Abstract

The informal sector in Zimbabwe has become the largest employer in the country and the major source of livelihoods for most of the people. The study focused on policy makers’ and bureaucrats’ perceptions on the informal sector together with what is actually happening on the ground in the sector. Evidence from a survey, key informant interviews, participant observation and secondary data showed that policy makers and bureaucrats appreciate and acknowledge the role and contributions from the sector though they think it is not organised and unsustainable. Some pointed that the country cannot operate under such a sector because it does not contribute to corporate tax.