Meet Donbosco, a brilliant young engineer manufacturing steel products.

Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1 emphasises harnessing the capacity, capabilities, and resources of individuals like Donbosco in the informal sector.

It emphasises generating growth through domestic resource mobilisation and leveraging the country's competitive advantages.

Zimbabwe has one of the highest informal economy. Informality is linked to low productivity and a reduced tax base for development, while also undermining Donbosco's right to a clean and safe environment.

Zimbabwe's development strategy takes a bold and transformative step - facilitating the transition from the informal to the formal economy.

The transition will boost fiscal revenue, regularize employment, and foster sustainable economic growth.

The COVID-19 crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of informal workers and small businesses, highlighting the urgent need for this transition.

The Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare is developing a comprehensive policy to guide this shift to the formal economy.

UNDP, in partnership with ILO, provided essential support to the Ministry to better understand informality, conduct countrywide consultations, and craft the informal-to-formal economy strategy, aiming for inclusive and sustainable economic growth with decent work opportunities at its core.

The policy document offers a range of recommendations, including respecting rights, creating a more enabling environment for enterprises, expanding social protection systems, and ensuring a just green transition.

This strategy aligns with Zimbabwe's efforts to achieve SDG goals 8 and 5, contributing to sustainable cities and communities.

The strategy is currently under review and has been submitted for adoption by the cabinet.

UNDP and ILO's collaboration builds on their respective expertise in policy development, strengthening resilience and social justice, and promoting labor rights.