A visit to Mbare Musika is more than a trip to a market; it is a masterclass in practical, unregulated entrepreneurship and a living showcase of the skills that power Zimbabwe’s informal economy. Beyond the vibrant chaos lies a highly efficient ecosystem where every individual is a multi-skilled expert, driving value from soil to sale. The Ministry of Skills Audit and Development recognizes this hub as a critical case study in the real-world application of the competencies we seek to formalize and champion nationwide.
The skills on display are a comprehensive value chain in action. Talk of agronomic expertise, where farmers expertly grade and sort produce based on quality and ripeness, then logistical prowess in transportation and storage to minimize post-harvest losses. At the market, strategic marketing, negotiation and dynamic pricing skills determine profitability, while others add value through processing (e.g., drying tomatoes, making peanut butter) and creative packaging. Furthermore, the market is a repository of indigenous knowledge skills, with specialists in traditional medicines demonstrating deep phytochemical knowledge and consultation skills.
The Ministry sees Mbare not just as a marketplace, but as a giant, open-air classroom and a testament to the Zimbabwean spirit of innovation. Our mission is to identify, validate and certify these innate skills and by bridging the gap between this informal genius and formal accreditation, we aim to empower these entrepreneurs with greater access to markets, finance and growth opportunities, ensuring that the hustle and brilliance of Mbare Musika becomes a fully recognized and empowered engine of our national economy.
Knowledge transfer Africa founder, Mr Charles Dhewa, speaks on what makes Mbare Musika unique.