On 17 September 2026, Local Government Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti announced nationwide vending hours of 6 a.m.–6 p.m. in central business districts and 6 a.m.–8 p.m. in residential communities, reportedly taking immediate effect across 92 local authorities. The announcement followed the reported demolition of vending stalls during Operation Chenesa Harare. This development raises civic space concerns about whether vendors, through their associations and representative organisations, had a meaningful opportunity to participate in a decision directly affecting their members’ livelihoods.
Vendor associations are civil society actors that organise informal traders, represent their collective interests and engage public authorities. The nationwide directive raises questions about whether these associations were consulted and whether they have accessible channels to influence implementation, challenge enforcement practices and advocate for trading arrangements suited to local conditions. Its relevance to the enabling environment therefore centres on civil society’s ability to organise, participate in public decision-making and advocate for its members.