Baseline survey on the state of informality in the cultural and creative sectors in Zimbabwe

The study was conducted through a partnership between the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), under the latter’s “Regional Creatives for Development” initiative intended to promote artistic freedom and foster decent work in the cultural and creative sectors. The study was motivated by a determination to close the gaps in the patchy evidence relating to the level of informality in the cultural and creative sectors in Zimbabwe. It explores the elements of decent work that are prevalent in the informal economy, namely labour rights; employment opportunities; social security and social dialogue; adequate earnings and productive work; working time, safety and health; and equal opportunity and treatment in employment. In addition, the study broadly categorizes the drivers of informality: the macroeconomic context, the regulatory framework, public institutions and enforcement mechanisms, micro-level determinants and attractiveness to informality. Finally it offers recommendations for relevant stakeholders in the culture and creative economy in the country to build a more resilient sector and transition towards formality.