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Michelle Moyo, [email protected]

ECONOMISTS have commended Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) for its pro-active approach to data collection, as the agency prepares to conduct its first economic census. The landmark initiative will provide a comprehensive picture of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, informing policy decisions and driving economic growth.

With the census data, policymakers and stakeholders will be better equipped to address key challenges and harness opportunities for sustainable development.

Lupane State University institutional business analyst, Ms Shynet Chivasa said the economic census conducted by ZimStat will offer numerous benefits, including the provision of accurate and reliable data for informed economic policy decisions and enable policymakers to make informed decisions that promote economic growth, development and stability.

“This census will also enhance understanding of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, identifying areas for growth, challenges and opportunities. “Additionally, it will improve monitoring and evaluation of economic development programmes, empowering businesses, investors and researchers with data-driven insights,” she said.

She added that in terms of performance expectations, the census aims to achieve comprehensive coverage of all economic sectors, ensuring the collection of accurate and reliable data. This will provide a complete picture of Zimbabwe’s economic landscape, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions.

“The results are expected to be released promptly, with data disaggregated by region, industry and other relevant categories and also identify key trends, challenges and opportunities, providing a solid foundation for evidence-based policymaking, “ said Ms Chivasa.

Ms Chivasa further stated that the opportunities presented by this census are vast, including the potential for attracting foreign investment, identifying new economic opportunities and growth areas, improving resource allocation and prioritisation and enhancing collaboration between Government, businesses and stakeholders.

Ultimately, the census will enable data-driven decision-making, leading to sustainable economic development in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of all information collected during the economic census.

The agency recognises the sensitive nature of the data and has implemented robust measures to ensure its protection. All data collected will be anonymised and aggregated to prevent the identification of individual businesses or entities.

Additionally, ZimStat has established a secure data management system, with access restricted to authorised personnel only. The agency is bound by the Statistics Act and other relevant laws, which guarantee the confidentiality of statistical information.

Therefore, respondents can have confidence that their information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and used solely for statistical purposes. Economist, Dr Prosper Chitambara weighed in saying the economic census will give citizens a picture of the structure of the economy and how much it is contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The economic census provides valuable insights into the contribution of each region to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This information enables the Government to make informed decisions about resource allocation, directing support to areas that require it most.

By identifying regions with lower economic performance, the Government can implement targeted interventions to stimulate growth and development,” he said. Dr Chitambara further outlined that accurate economic data is essential for businesses looking to invest in international markets.

Economic expert, Mr George Nhepera, said the economic census will give them real performance of the economy, especially in terms of their Gross domestic product (GDP).

“This is a very important economic measure on which decisions such as taxes, external debt and financial deepening depend, including poverty alleviation.”

Mr Nhepera highlighted that the country is currently facing the twin challenges of high unemployment, inequality and poverty which can only be addressed by massive economic growth.

“The census should disaggregate data in terms of provinces so that we can come up with targeted policies meant to leapfrog each province so that no one is left behind in our inclusive economic strategy,” said Mr Nhepera.

Mr Nhepera noted that foreigners with their investment only come when they see prospects of economic growth in a country, hence this census will seek to showcase such a reality on the ground.

“Now that we have a stable currency in the form of our local currency, the Zig, we should continue working well in attracting investment in our country.”

Bulawayo businessman and economic analyst, Mr Morris Mpala, said the economic census will have a significant impact, as it will provide the size of the sector, and areas of operation, and identify inadequacies.

This will enable innovative interventions, such as improving safe working conditions, promoting financial literacy and inclusion, and providing funding tailored to the needs analysis based on the data collected.

“Data gives areas of interventions and any glaring gaps for interventions be it financial in this case that will also guided which areas need stimulus for growth.

Zimstats is a professional institution governed by international best practices he every data information will be handling with utmost care , good faith and confidentiality, said Mr Mpala. — @Lo7246Lovelyn