Zim finally reduces repetitive licensing fees; ease of doing business shored up
Business Reporter
THE government has announced a wide range of policy decisions, underscoring its drive to strengthen food security, promote enterprise growth, and enhance the ease of doing business.
In a move aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, the Cabinet has approved a review of licences, permits, levies and fees across the transport sector.
This was announced by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere in a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare this Tuesday.
“Cabinet considered and approved the review of licences, permits, levies, and fees in the transport sector in line with the earlier Cabinet decision of 29 July, 2025, which approved the implementation of a raft of business reforms in twelve sectors of the economy. The review process is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness, and enhancing the growth of the Zimbabwean economy,” he said.
“Cabinet streamlined regulatory overlaps and duplications, rationalised licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees, and lowered unjustifiably high levies and fees for the following transport sub-sectors: passenger transport; haulage and cargo; taxi services; and other transport services in tobacco transportation and boating services.
“Cabinet also reviewed cross-cutting licences, permits, levies and fees that have a significant impact beyond the transport sector and relate to the following: vehicle registration by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR); vehicle licencing by the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (ZINARA); vehicle change of ownership by CVR, ZINARA and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA); parking fees and related traffic management fees by Local Authorities. The reviewed Licences, Permits, Levies and Fees will be subjected to further refinements. However, Cabinet directed that the US$23 000 duty on transit fuel payable to ZIMRA be immediately scrapped. The relevant Statutory Instrument will be repealed accordingly.”
According to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Professor Mthuli Ncube, the reforms will streamline processes for passenger, cargo, and taxi services.
In the agriculture sector, Cabinet received an update on the 2024–2025 summer crops marketing and the 2025 winter production programmes.
Turning to climate preparedness, Cabinet noted the 2025–2026 seasonal rainfall forecast, which projects a delayed and erratic start, with initial dry conditions in October–November for northern provinces, while southern and western regions may experience normal to above-normal rains.
Cabinet also reviewed priority projects under the second 100-day cycle of 2025, including the commencement of the Hauna Fruits and Vegetable Processing Plant in Mutasa, distribution of dairy livestock to 24 beneficiaries, disbursement of funds to 31 MSMEs across 10 provinces, and the rollout of food processing and metal fabrication facilities for small businesses nationwide.
On the international front, the Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent visits to the Vatican, China, and Eswatini, as well as Vice President Chiwenga’s visit to India, highlighting that these engagements are set to deepen bilateral relations, attract new investment, and support key pillars of the National Development Strategy One.
In tourism, preparations are at an advanced stage for the 18th Sanganai/Hlanganani/Kumbanayi World Tourism Expo to be held in Mutare from September 10 to September 12.
“In keeping with the national devolution agenda, the 2025 edition will be the first in the Expo’s 18-year history to be hosted in Manicaland Province and the venue will be the recently renovated Mutare Sports Club. The decision decentralises tourism benefits and strengthens the visibility and inclusivity of provincial tourism benefits. The event will be held under the theme “Devolving Sustainable Tourism Development-Our Future”,” Dr Muswere noted.
“To date, 83 companies from 20 countries have confirmed their participation as buyers and exhibitors. The countries include Botswana, Ghana Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, China, South Korea, India, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. In addition to these international participants, 12 local companies will be engaging directly with these international buyers and exchanging knowledge, products, and services to foster business linkages and investment opportunities. Overall, the Expo will feature a total of 420 exhibitors representing both domestic and international tourism stakeholders.”
Other issues discussed during this week’s cabinet session include approval of a Memorandum of Understanding with South Africa to strengthen cooperation in social development, including substance abuse rehabilitation, child protection, sustainable livelihoods, and social welfare services for vulnerable groups as well as an update on the Implementation of the Ban on Alluvial Mining on Banks of Degraded Rivers.
