Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu [email protected]
VICE-PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi has assured the business community that Government is working to address tax and levy burdens identified as major obstacles to business growth, as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to create a more conducive investment climate.
Speaking yesterday during the Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Province National People’s Conference fundraising luncheon held at the Gwanda Tshitaudze Constituency Centre, Cde Mohadi urged the business community to be part of party structures and play an active role in influencing policies and decisions that shape the country’s development.
He said the input of the private sector is crucial in enhancing development in the country.
The event, which was held to raise US$150 000 towards the 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference scheduled for 12 to 17 October 2026, brought together stakeholders across various sectors and met the target.
“Zanu-PF, which is Government as well as the ruling party, was tasked to create a conducive environment for business to thrive and that’s why we have come up with a number of initiatives to ensure ease of doing business in Zimbabwe,” said VP Mohadi.
“We engaged and re-engaged and as a result investors came into the country. I have heard concerns raised by the private sector during this engagement over taxes and levies, which are high, thereby affecting business growth. We are seized with this matter, and fortnightly the Ministry of Finance comes with a list of some taxes and levies that can be scrapped or reduced. As we speak some have been reduced or totally removed,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the Government is also in the process of looking into the issue of high interest rates. He said companies need credit lines to operate but some are being choked by high interest rates.
He said Government was tackling this issue through Statutory Instruments under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
The Vice-President said Government recognises the role of the private sector in the attainment of Vision 2030, which fulfils the policy: “ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo/Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”.
In attendance was the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu who is also Zanu-PF
Matabeleland South provincial chairman, Minister of Environment, Climate and Wildlife Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, Deputy Minister Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Deputy Minister of
ICT, Postal and Courier Services Dingumuzi Phuti, political leaders, faith leaders, heads of Government departments and the business community.
The event coincided with a business policy engagement where members of the business community raised their concerns.
The 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference is scheduled for October 12–17, 2026, at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Mashonaland West Province under the theme: “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment Towards Vision 2030”.
VP Mohadi said the input of the private sector was crucial to the success of the conference.
“I call upon the business community to interest itself in the politics of the day because by doing so you can influence business of the day.
“The party is supreme and what Government does comes from the party. Therefore, you have to utilise the Zanu PF party platform. If you contribute to the party meaningfully, you can influence decisions, which will also help you as you work,” he said.
VP Mohadi, however, raised concern over low corporate social responsibility activities by the business community in the province. He said roads have been heavily damaged in the province because of haulage trucks moving to mines but little is being done by mining companies to maintain the roads. He also raised a concern over environmental degradation caused by mining activities in the province.
“We appreciate the development, which comes with your investment as we see employment creation and infrastructure development but there is also a need for us to work together. You can’t expect Government to rehabilitate these roads or fix other damages that you would have caused during your operations,” he said.
Cde Mangaliso Ndlovu said the fundraising and business policy engagement was held to ensure that views from the private sector are included in the resolutions that will be submitted at the National People’s Conference.
“Today the party is meeting the business community as we are building momentum to hold the National People’s Conference. In the past we have been going with resolutions that capture the views of the party, but we have been leaving out the business community.
“We want to develop this year’s resolutions with your input. If possible, let’s hold these engagements regularly,” he said.
— @DubeMatutu
