Online Reporter
TO operate a supermarket in the country, an investor must secure a total of 25 permits, possibly from as many Government departments.
To run a second one, the investor will have to redo the process in respect to that branch, making 25 applications to as many offices and waiting for authorities to run the papers through the mill.
The Environmental Management Agency, Zimbabwe Music Rights Association, Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, Liquor Licensing Board, Agricultural Marketing Authority of Zimbabwe, Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority and the local council etcetera.
This excludes insurance, the National Social Security Authority and the like.
The same routine applies to other sectors of the economy as well, apart from retail.
The steps are too numerous, the process too cumbersome and long to the extent they discourage investment.
Fortunately, that rigmarole will soon be history as the President has ordered a review of the processes which will end in a streamlined framework which is easier, quicker, less time-consuming and less expensive.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere said after the Tuesday Cabinet meeting that 12 sectors have been prioritised for realignment over the next six months.
“Cabinet considered and approved the review of levies, licences, fees and permits on business by ministries, departments and agencies of Government,” he said.
“The President, at the beginning of the year, highlighted the high level of levies, licences, fees and permits, raising the cost of doing business in Zimbabwe. The President directed a review of levies, licences, fees and permits across 12 sectors, namely: health; agriculture; retail; tourism; transport; energy; manufacturing; broadcasting; telecommunications; liquor; construction; and financial services. The study established, among other things, that some of the regulators require a single business to obtain multiple fragmented licences or permits, adding unnecessary complexities and administrative burdens.”
We regret that investors had to endure this tortuous process before they could pour their money into this economy. Perhaps, all of us had gotten used to doing a wrong thing all these years that it became right.
It takes boldness, foresight and a gifted mind, to take on established traditions like the Government has decided. Yes, there have been complaints in the past over the impossible regulatory requirements for investing in our country, but we must give credit to the Retailers Association of Zimbabwe for raising the matter once again in September last year.
Given that this was not the first time that business had complained over the difficult investment protocols with nothing being done in response, we give credit to the Second Republic for listening and acting.
That the process is time-bound and specific — reviewing 12 industries over six months — is important.
After the 12 sectors are reviewed by December, authorities will focus on specific others, over a specified period and the realignment proceeds across the economy to its logical conclusion.
We expect a thorough and balanced review which effectively responds to industry’s observations while ensuring that order is maintained and more investment is attracted and retained.
derick.khumalo