Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has issued a clarion call for Zimbabwe to embrace a 24-hour economy. The minister’s proposition, unveiled at the 4th Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference in Bulawayo, challenges the traditional nine-to-five work culture and points to unused overnight electricity as a golden opportunity for growth.
Professor Ncube did not mince his words as he critiqued the current standard of productivity. He highlighted a pattern of inefficiency that hinders the economy from reaching its full potential.
“We essentially operate an eight-hour economy, do we not?” Professor Ncube questioned the conference attendees. “By half-past four in the afternoon, everyone is heading home. We arrive at the office at 8am and often take a two-hour lunch break. This is not how we maximise our output.”
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Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube Calls For 24-Hour Economy In Zimbabwe
A central pillar of the Minister’s argument is the significant surplus of electrical power available during nocturnal hours, which he states is currently going to waste while the nation sleeps. This, he contends, provides a perfect foundation for industries to expand operations into the night, boosting production and creating new shift patterns for workers.
“We must move towards a 24-hour economy,” Professor Ncube stated emphatically. “Overnight, there is more electricity available because domestic consumption drops. This is a clear and obvious opportunity that we are not seizing. Other nations have successfully implemented this model; there is no reason why we cannot do the same.”
While the formal policy is yet to be debated and legislated, the spirit of a 24-hour economy is already alive and well on the streets of major cities. In direct contrast to the legal wrangles with local authorities, a vibrant and unofficial night-time trading scene has flourished in Bulawayo, Harare, and Gweru.
As municipal officers clock off, the city centres transform. Vendors capitalise on the influx of long-distance bus passengers, setting up impromptu stalls selling everything from food to clothing. For many, particularly middle-aged women supporting families, this informal market is a vital lifeline. It is reported that earning around US$50 (approximately ZAR 950) per night is considered a good take, especially without the overheads of rent or formal utility bills.
The ecosystem also benefits taxi drivers, who find a steady stream of customers ferrying people to and from bus ranks. This organic, citizen-led adoption of night-time commerce demonstrates a clear public appetite for extended economic hours.
Sporting Sector Sees Evening Light
The proposal has been met with optimism from some quarters of the formal entertainment industry. Godwin Dube, Chairperson of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Cricket Association, believes sporting events are a perfect fit for the new model.
“It is a very noble idea to have matches across various sporting disciplines played under lights in the evening,” said Dube. “We are in the entertainment industry. Many people cannot attend afternoon games due to work commitments. Hosting evening functions, be it football, cricket, or rugby, can benefit the industry massively.”
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Dube did, however, sound a note of caution, emphasising that reliable infrastructure would be key.
“Proper dialogue is needed to ensure that charges are favourable and there is a guarantee of power throughout. You cannot have any surprises during the games.”
Despite this potential, the formal sector largely remains a sleeping giant after dark, with significant opportunities in healthcare, family entertainment, and regulated retail yet to be fully explored.
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The post Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube Calls For A 24-Hour Economy In Zimbabwe appeared first on iHarare News.
