Govt to cut more fees, licences

Zimbabwe is reviewing licence and permit fees across 12 economic sectors to streamline regulation, cut business costs and support formalisation and growth (image source)

The government has launched a cross-sector review to reduce levies, fees, licences and permit costs across 12 key economic sectors, pledging streamlined regulatory requirements intended to lower the cost of doing business and spur formal investment and job creation. The initiative targets agriculture, retail, tourism, transport, energy, manufacturing and financial services, among others, and follows a July 2025 reform roadmap. Officials say the review will consolidate overlapping permits, eliminate duplication and introduce a single licensing model in some subsectors to reduce administrative burdens cited by investors and local firms. Cabinet has already approved initial measures cutting licence and permit fees for retailers and wholesalers as a first step, and Treasury officials have said more detailed sectoral cuts will be published once stakeholder consultations conclude.

Private-sector reaction is broadly positive but cautious. The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) welcomed the move, describing it as a long-overdue correction to fragmented levies that raised operating costs and discouraged formalisation. “This should lower entry barriers for small traders and help formal businesses compete,” said CZR president Dr. Denford Mutashu. However, critics warn reforms must be matched by better service delivery and transparent implementation. Small businesses say fee reductions must not be offset by new charges or opaque compliance regimes that survive the reform process. Economists note that fee cuts are only one element of competitiveness; access to foreign currency, predictable tax policy and infrastructure also matter.

Zimbabwe’s business environment has long been burdened by a multiplicity of licences and levies imposed by local and national agencies. Past reform efforts produced piecemeal gains, but the current programme aims for simultaneous, cross-sector adjustments informed by stakeholder input and comparative regional benchmarks. Cabinet has instructed line ministries to map existing fees and propose harmonised schedules. The process will include a review of bank charges and other financial-sector costs, and the Treasury says harmonisation could be implemented through legislative amendments and administrative directives where necessary.

“Reducing fragmented levies will increase competitiveness and promote inclusive growth.” — CZR statement.

Stakeholders expect detailed fee schedules and timelines within the next quarter. Observers will watch whether reductions are enacted administratively or require parliamentary approval, and whether implementation yields tangible cost relief for SMEs and price competitiveness for exporters.