Informal trading and spatial competitiveness in African Cities: Does proximity and residential density matter in Bulawayo's Markets?

Informality has become more integral in the mainstream economies of many cities in the developing world. This is particularly so in African cities. Several studies have been commissioned and a stockpile of literature exists on the characteristics and contributions of the informal trading to national economies. However, little has been done in performing a Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-powered spatial correlation analysis of accessibility, population density, and spatial competitiveness to understand the influence of the locational behaviours of the informal traders in cities. This study investigates the geospatial dynamics of informal trade in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, through the lens of the theory of urban competitiveness. By analysing the relationship between market proximity, residential density, and spatial competitiveness, we explore how these factors influence informal trading locational preferences. Utilizing GIS, we mapped the distribution of informal markets relative to the Central Business District (CBD) and assessed accessibility, customer flows, and the willingness of traders to relocate. Our findings reveal that markets closer to the CBD attract higher foot traffic, yet many traders prefer the CBD despite regulatory pressures, as it offers greater customer access. The Distance Decay Factor (DDF) did not significantly influence enterprise location decisions; instead, factors such as transport hubs and residential density played a more critical role. The informal traders often prefer operating in environments where formal regulations are less stringent or rental space is absolutely free particularly in the residential zones. Continuous integration of GIS technologies into planning for informality remains critical in ensuring predictability and influence of the spatial dimension of urbanisation.