Mbare Musika market has just gotten a big upgrade. A brand new trading facility called the Smart Market has been built to make things cleaner, safer, and more convenient for sellers and buyers. The market is set to officially open this Friday, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa in
The new market facility is designed to tackle the long-standing challenges that informal traders in Mbare Musika have faced. In response to recent social media speculation, officials have confirmed that rental prices for vendors will be set at an affordable $120 per month, making the facility accessible to local entrepreneurs.
Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe praised the project as a milestone in urban development, underscoring its role in formalizing informal trade. “This Smart Market is proof of the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of our people. With proper sanitation, security, and financial support systems, we are empowering vendors to operate in a dignified and sustainable environment,” Garwe stated.
Harare Mayor Jacob Mafumeemphasized the transformative impact of the new facility, asserting that it would bring much-needed order and efficiency to one of Zimbabwe’s busiest trading hubs. “For years, vendors have struggled with inadequate facilities, but this Smart Market changes that. With reliable water supply, clean toilets, waste management, and CCTV surveillance, we are setting a new standard for markets in Zimbabwe,” Mafume noted.
The Smart Market is equipped with an impressive 120,000 liters of water sourced from drilled boreholes, ensuring a consistent supply for vendors and maintaining hygiene standards. The facility also boasts a dedicated waste management system, CCTV cameras, and physical security personnel to guarantee safety for traders and shoppers alike.
To facilitate customer convenience, the market offers secure parking and vetted carrying assistants to help shoppers transport their goods. In a bid to further support vendors, the facility includes a micro-lending service aimed at providing financial assistance to small-scale traders. Furthermore, a washing bay has been introduced to allow vendors to clean their produce before sale, thus enhancing hygiene.
This revitalization of Mbare Musika comes in the wake of a devastating fire in April 2023 that destroyed significant portions of the trading hub, impacting the livelihoods of thousands. President Mnangagwa had characterized the fire as a tragic blow to the community and subsequently pledged swift reconstruction efforts.
“The destruction of Mbare Musika is not just a loss of infrastructure but a severe setback for our hardworking vendors who depend on this market daily,” Mnangagwa remarked at the time, emphasizing the need for immediate measures to restore and improve the trading center.
The initiative has garnered praise from various political figures, including South Africa’s opposition leader Julius Malema of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Malema commended Zimbabwe’s modernization efforts in informal trading spaces, stating, “This is the kind of progressive urban development Africa needs. When governments invest in proper infrastructure for informal traders, they’re not just building markets—they’re building dignity, economic stability, and true economic freedom for the people.”
As the Smart Market prepares to open its doors, it is expected to serve as a model for other trading spaces across the nation, ushering in a new era of organized, safe, and efficient informal trade in Zimbabwe.
