Mbare Musika is Harare's busiest market, known for its vibrant trade in vegetables, clothes, hardware, and other goods. After a massive fire in late 2024 destroyed many stalls, the government built a new market area to help vendors restart their businesses. In 2025, rental fees for the new stalls became a hot topic as vendors and city officials debated affordable pricing.
Vegetable sellers usually earn small profits, and the new US$50 weekly stall fee quickly raised concerns. Clothing vendors at the flea market, dealing mainly in second-hand items, also found the US$300 fee too steep. Wholesale vendors were expected to pay the highest rates, while farmers had somewhat lower fees, aiming to encourage direct selling.
Some vendors suspected corruption, fearing politically connected individuals might unfairly acquire stalls to rent out at higher prices. Traders wanted transparency to ensure stalls went to those genuinely affected by the fire, maintaining fairness.
Harare City Council admitted facing challenges like revenue leakages from corruption among staff collecting fees. Vendors demanded improved governance, hoping the new market's formal structure would prevent such issues and allow fair rent collection.
Previous market projects like Sunshine Bazaar failed due to high rents and poor location. Authorities now hope the conveniently located Mbare Musika will attract traders into formal stalls if fees remain reasonable, reducing informal street trading.
Both vendors and city officials agree that successful management and fair rental pricing will ensure that Mbare Musika continues as Harare's vibrant trading hub. With continued dialogue and cooperation, the market can thrive, benefiting traders, customers, and the broader city economy.
Types of Stalls and Current Fees
The rebuilt market has different sections with various stall types. Initially, Harare City Council proposed monthly rentals as high as US$600 for wholesale stalls, US$300 for flea market spaces, US$200 for vegetable stalls, and US$150 for farmers' produce areas. Vendors also faced additional charges for toilets and vehicle parking. Previously, stalls cost about US$25 monthly, making the new fees seem extremely high.Vegetable sellers usually earn small profits, and the new US$50 weekly stall fee quickly raised concerns. Clothing vendors at the flea market, dealing mainly in second-hand items, also found the US$300 fee too steep. Wholesale vendors were expected to pay the highest rates, while farmers had somewhat lower fees, aiming to encourage direct selling.
Historical Changes in Fees
Historically, stall rentals in Mbare Musika were affordable, averaging around US$25 per month. Following the fire, the city initially announced high monthly fees of US$580, shocking vendors. After strong opposition, city authorities reconsidered and began discussions about lowering fees. By early 2025, council officials suggested reducing monthly stall fees to about US$65, a figure vendors found more reasonable.Vendors' Experiences and Reactions
For many vendors, the proposed fees threatened their livelihood, especially after they lost goods in the fire and took loans to restock. Traders like Decent Mukati and Idah Wilson expressed concerns about paying high rents after struggling financially. Vendors had already rebuilt temporary stalls themselves, feeling let down by authorities who promised support but provided little.Some vendors suspected corruption, fearing politically connected individuals might unfairly acquire stalls to rent out at higher prices. Traders wanted transparency to ensure stalls went to those genuinely affected by the fire, maintaining fairness.
City Authorities' Position
City officials justified higher fees by pointing to improved market facilities like concrete floors, security, and clean toilets. They said fees covered construction costs paid to contractors and maintenance expenses. Facing vendors' backlash, authorities like Harare's Mayor Jacob Mafume and President Emmerson Mnangagwa publicly supported reducing fees to more affordable levels. The President even paid the first month's rent for 1,700 traders, temporarily easing their burden.Payment Issues and Corruption Concerns
Corruption historically affected Mbare Musika, with "space barons" renting stalls illegally at higher prices. The new market aimed to tackle corruption through formal lease agreements and digital payment cards, reducing opportunities for illegal subletting. Still, vendors remained wary, having previously faced unofficial fees demanded by corrupt officials.Harare City Council admitted facing challenges like revenue leakages from corruption among staff collecting fees. Vendors demanded improved governance, hoping the new market's formal structure would prevent such issues and allow fair rent collection.
Formal vs. Informal Setups
The debate around Mbare Musika fees highlights tensions between formal markets and informal street trading. Formal markets provide security and facilities but at a cost, whereas informal traders avoid rents by selling on streets but face constant eviction threats. City planners want vendors to prefer formal setups, yet high fees often push traders back to the streets.Previous market projects like Sunshine Bazaar failed due to high rents and poor location. Authorities now hope the conveniently located Mbare Musika will attract traders into formal stalls if fees remain reasonable, reducing informal street trading.
Affordability and Moving Forward
Affordability remains the central issue for vendors at Mbare Musika. Authorities are working toward a balance, aiming to finalize stall rents at about US$50 to US$70 monthly, slightly above the old rates but far below initial proposals. Vendors remain cautiously optimistic, waiting to see if promises translate into fair and transparent practices.Both vendors and city officials agree that successful management and fair rental pricing will ensure that Mbare Musika continues as Harare's vibrant trading hub. With continued dialogue and cooperation, the market can thrive, benefiting traders, customers, and the broader city economy.
