The
2024
Citizens’
Perceptions
and
Expectations
Survey
conducted
by
Sivio
Institute
found
that
only
37%
of
respondents
were
formally
employed,
while
30%
were
self-employed
and
28%
were
unemployed.
Among
those
working,
36%
were
in
the
informal
sector,
compared
to
just
20%
in
the
private
sector
and
20%
in
government
jobs.
The
sample
size
was
1,272
respondents
across
Zimbabwe.
“Young
people
are
the
most
affected,”
the
report
states,
noting
that
unemployment
is
highest
among
Zimbabweans
aged
18-35.
Agriculture
remains
the
country’s
biggest
employer,
accounting
for
15%
of
jobs,
followed
by
education
(11%)
and
construction
(11%).
However,
manufacturing,
which
has
traditionally
been
a
key
sector,
now
accounts
for
just
2%
of
employment.
Income
levels
also
remain
low.
The
majority
(71%)
of
those
employed
earn
between
US$51
and
US$500
per
month,
while
4%
reported
having
no
income
at
all.
Employment
creation
was
ranked
as
the
top
national
priority
by
62%
of
respondents,
followed
by
healthcare
improvement
(37%)
and
price
stabilisation
(34%).
Despite
this,
only
5%
of
respondents
felt
the
government
had
made
significant
progress
in
creating
jobs
since
the
2023
elections.
“We
need
stable
jobs
and
industries
that
function
properly,”
said
one
respondent.
“Without
that,
nothing
will
improve.”
As
Zimbabweans
continue
to
face
economic
hardship,
the
report
suggests
that
government
policies
will
be
judged
primarily
on
their
ability
to
create
sustainable
employment
opportunities.