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Sikhulekelani Moyo, [email protected]

ECONOMISTS have applauded the Government for the launch of the 2025 Economic Census saying that this is a positive milestone as globally, data and information is becoming a key input in decision-making and policy formulation.

On Monday, Zimbabwe National Statistic Agency, (ZimStat) launched the inaugural 2025 Economic Census in Bulawayo with the objective of producing comprehensive baseline statistics on the size and structure of the economy.

Zimstat

The statistics are key for evidence-based policy formulation, decision-making and strategic planning in addition to Gross Domestic Product compilation.

An economist, who is also the Lupane State University Business Clinic development manager Mr George Nhepera, said Economic Census will help to produce data which will be useful to policy makers, academics and the business community.

“The Economic Census is indeed a milestone achievement for the country, especially at a time when economic data and information is becoming a key input in decision making and policy formulation all over the world. 

“To the business world, availability of such data from the economic Census will help business leaders in thinking strategically when leading their companies and be able to compete aggressively in their respective markets and industries,” he said.

“To the academics and researchers at local universities, this will go a long way in testing their theories and hypotheses using available economic data for our country shown within each province and geographical region.”

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) president Mr Mike Kamungeremu said the Economic Census is a very welcome development.

Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t control it. The economic census will enable measurement, analysis and decision making. It will also help foster discipline towards milestone achievement and is also a mark of excellence. So, let’s get ‘Measure, Analyse and Decide’,” said Mr Kamungeremu.

Economic players have been relying on other sources of data which include the World Bank and African Development Bank to access information on the Zimbabwean economy.

ZimStat acting director general Mrs Mationesa Phiri said the Economic Census is a comprehensive exercise that is carried out with the aim of collecting detailed information on economic activities undertaken by various economic units in the country.

“Whereas the Population and Housing Census relates to the enumeration of people together with their demographic, social and economic characteristics, the Economic Census focuses on activities of business enterprises to produce various economic indicators.”

“The Economic Census aims to, among others, provide comprehensive baseline statistics on the size and structure of the economy, provide valuable insights into the geographical spread of economic activities and business establishments in the country, and generate key information for compiling Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”