Mobile phones, informal markets and young urban entrepreneurs in Zimbabwe: An Exploratory Study. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsarwe, Stanley; Mare, Admire
• Is Part Of: Area development and policy. Volume 6:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 347
• Page End: 362
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: African youth -- connectivity -- emerging informal markets -- mobility -- mobile phones -- informal traders -- surveillance -- social networks and collective action; 非洲年轻人 -- 连通性 -- 新兴的非正规交易市场 -- 移动性 -- 移动电话 -- 非正规商人 -- 监测 -- 社会网络和集体行动; jóvenes africanos -- conectividad -- mercados informales emergentes -- movilidad -- teléfonos móviles -- comerciantes informales -- supervisión -- redes sociales -- y acción colectiva; африканская молодежь -- связь -- формирующиеся неформальные рынки -- мобильность -- мобильные телефоны -- неформальные торговцы -- наблюдение -- социальные сети и коллективные действия.; Regional planning -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Human geography -- BRIC countries -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Rural-urban relations -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23792949.2020.1790021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-2949

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study of the uses of mobile phones by Zimbabwean youths engaged in unregulated informal trading in Central Harare shows that mobiles create socio-culturally embedded virtual and non-virtual 'markets'. The study describes the novel and creative appropriations of mobile phones as informal traders navigate small-scale business opportunities. The theory of social networks and collective action was used to shed a light on how mobile phones help informal traders to create functional networks and virtual infrastructures through which reciprocal and mutual relations are established without the need for face-to-face contacts. The study demonstrates that these mobile virtual infrastructures not only create closely knit communities resembling traditional African 'collective cultures' but also help informal traders to access micro-credit, market intelligence among peers and mobile payments integrated with traditional banking platforms.