Story by Memory Chamisa
THE opening of the new Mbare Musika Market in April 2025 has restored trading activities and improved working conditions for vendors in Harare, months after a devastating fire destroyed the former market and left thousands of traders without livelihoods.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially opened the modern market complex following Government intervention after the October fire, which wiped out stalls, stock and cash belonging to traders operating at the municipal facility.
Following the disaster, the President declared a state of disaster, triggering swift Government action despite the market falling under local authority jurisdiction. The intervention led to the construction of a secure and modern trading complex aimed at restoring order, safety and dignity for vendors.
Since opening, traders have welcomed the improved infrastructure, citing enhanced security, protection from weather elements and access to essential services.
Vendors said the new facility has addressed longstanding challenges, including exposure to rain and fire risks, while offering improved amenities such as banking services, police presence, food outlets and designated parking.
“I have come to appreciate the benefits of this complex, especially now that we are in the rainy season. I do not have to worry about my stock being drenched by the rains, nor do I have to worry about fire again. The new market hub is very convenient.
“There are a lot of services available from banks, police, food outlets and even car parking, you know you’re operating in a secure environment, which also attracts high end customers who want to be able to come and buy their goods without the usual hassle that was there in the old market. This is the best setup for my business. With the heat, I can work under a shade and I also have a stall that is well built and other amenities are nearby that I do not have to worry about leaving someone to watch over.
“I even noticed that it is one of the best from the others I have seen in my travels and sourcing market. Last year’s misfortune was a lesson that I will always remember. I never gave much thought on the premises that I operated on, hence when the fire broke out I lost so much. I’m grateful to the government and President for the help and this market hub as we now have a dignified place to operate from,” one beneficiary said.
The modern layout and secure environment have also attracted higher-end customers, traders said, improving business confidence and daily operations.
Although described as a temporary market, the complex has capacity to accommodate more than 3 000 traders. Government has since earmarked Tsiga Grounds for the construction of a permanent high-rise market complex designed to house up to 10 000 traders, as part of a broader urban renewal programme targeting the transformation of Mbare into a major economic hub.
The development forms part of ongoing Government efforts to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which play a central role in the national economy.
Authorities say the Mbare Musika intervention demonstrates Government’s commitment to rebuilding livelihoods, modernising urban trading spaces and creating safer, more organised markets for traders across the country.
