The president of the Association of Vendors, Traders and Marketeers of Zambia (AVTMZ), Frederick Tembo, has called for a lasting solution to the issue of street vending to eliminate ongoing confusion among street vendors. Tembo expressed concern over mixed messages from government officials, which he says leave vendors uncertain about their rights and responsibilities.
Speaking in an interview on Friday, Tembo responded to recent remarks made by Local Government Minister Gift Sialubalo, who stated that street vendors should not be harassed. Tembo noted that while such statements appear supportive, they clash with the government’s continued stance that street vending is illegal. This contradiction, he said, leads to uncertainty and tension on the streets.
“It is very common for politicians to make statements that appease the masses when the country is nearing an election year,” Tembo said. “But what we need is not temporary assurances; we need a clear and consistent policy that addresses the reality of street vending and provides a way forward for the thousands of Zambians who depend on it for their livelihoods.”
Tembo stressed that street vending remains a critical source of income for many citizens, particularly in urban centres like Lusaka. He urged the government to engage with vendor associations to develop a permanent framework that balances the needs of vendors with the requirements of city planning and public order.
Meanwhile, Mporokoso PF Member of Parliament Brian Mundubile echoed the call for practical solutions. He suggested that the government consider allocating official trading spaces to vendors who currently have no designated trading areas within Lusaka town centre. Mundubile argued that simply driving vendors off the streets without providing alternatives would only exacerbate economic hardship and social unrest.
“We must acknowledge that many of these vendors are here out of necessity, not choice,” Mundubile said. “If the government is serious about addressing this issue, then it should work towards creating adequate trading spaces where vendors can operate legally and safely.”
The debate around street vending has long been a contentious issue in Zambia. While city authorities cite concerns over sanitation, congestion, and urban aesthetics, street vendors argue that they have limited employment options and rely on vending to support their families.
As the country approaches another election cycle, Tembo cautioned against politically motivated rhetoric that offers temporary relief but fails to address the root of the problem. He urged government leaders to demonstrate genuine commitment by working with stakeholders to craft a comprehensive and lasting solution.
For now, Zambia’s street vendors remain caught between legal prohibitions and political promises, hoping for a future where their role in the urban economy is recognised and supported with clear, actionable policies.