Online Reporter
Nelson Gahadza, Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) has officially launched the E-Regulations Portal, a digital platform designed to provide transparent access to investment-related administrative procedures across various sectors in Zimbabwe.
According to Zida, the platform streamlines access to official information, enhancing business predictability, reducing bureaucratic complexity, and supporting the ease of doing business.
Speaking at the launch, Zida chief executive Mr Tafadzwa Chinamo described the portal as a tool that will document, organise, and publish government regulations, administrative procedures, and requirements for public access by investors, businesses, and citizens.
“The portal is designed to improve the transparency, accessibility, and efficiency of investment-related administrative procedures in Zimbabwe. It represents a significant step towards enhancing the ease of doing business and positioning our country as a competitive investment destination,” he said.
Mr Chinamo added that the portal empowers users with the knowledge needed to navigate regulatory frameworks efficiently, fostering greater confidence and encouraging increased investment and economic participation.
“Today signifies far more than the unveiling of a digital platform; it marks a fundamental shift in how we, as a Government and as a nation, approach the emerging environment,” he said.
The portal was officially launched by Dr Martin Rushwaya, Chief Secretary to the Office of the President and Cabinet. Mr Chinamo noted that data-gathering and onboarding of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will continue beyond the launch.
“We therefore urge all remaining MDAs to actively and urgently join the consultation effort, which is central to improving our business and investment environment. Moreover, the e-regulation support will not be an end in itself, but it is the foundation. The next step of this initiative will focus on streamlining and simplifying the procedures, and through methodical review and collaboration, we will identify opportunities to eliminate redundancies and shorten turnaround times,” he said.
To date, 21 MDAs and local authorities have already joined the platform, enabling 62 procedures to be completed digitally. Mr Chinamo added that this ongoing work will ultimately lead to the development of an online investment model and integrated digital platforms, allowing businesses to complete all essential registration and licensing procedures in a seamless, efficient, and resilient manner.
“This vision is bold, yet entirely achievable, and it is backed by the leadership at a high level of Government, under the stewardship of an expert in the business, President Mnangagwa,” he said.
Dr Rushwaya said the initiative is part of the Government’s broader efforts to use technology as a catalyst for economic transformation and improvement.
“This marks another key milestone in our nation’s digital transformation but is a powerful demonstration and reaffirmation of our committed commitment to building a modern, transparent, and investor-friendly environment in Zimbabwe,” he said.
He noted that the ease of doing business is part of a broader and comprehensive reform and modernisation agenda being implemented by the Government, aimed at ensuring public sector institutions, systems, and processes are responsive to both local and international business demands. Dr Rushwaya emphasised that the portal is a key component that not only meets investor needs but also elevates the integrity of the public sector.
“As a Government, we fully appreciate that the structure and function of the country’s business climate, particularly the utility, credibility, and efficiency of its administrative procedures, are key determinants of its ability to attract and retain meaningful and long-term cash flow. Without doubt, this platform is a strategic tool to achieve this imperative,” he said.
He said that the portal consolidates and codifies investment-related procedures into a single, accessible, and interactive digital ecosystem that aligns Zimbabwe’s practices with international benchmarks while improving accountability across Government actors.
UN Resident Co-ordinator Mr Edward Matthew Kallon said the initiative is critical in aligning Zimbabwe’s economic strategies with global investment facilitation standards.
“It is a critical milestone that Zimbabwe is undertaking; it’s a journey to improve efficiency and effectiveness in doing good,” he said.
Mr Kallon added that the focus should be on trade over aid, opportunities over dependency, and investment over assistance — and Zimbabwe is indeed on course.
European Union representative Maria Comet Homo said the EU’s ultimate goal is to assist Zimbabwe in creating a thriving environment that attracts investment, stimulates job creation, and drives sustainable economic growth.
“The e-regulations portal is a powerful tool that will provide investors with easy access to information on regulations, procedures, and requirements for doing business in Zimbabwe. This will not only improve the ease of doing business but also increase transparency, reducing the complexity and uncertainty that can often deter investment,” she said.
She added that for companies looking to invest in Zimbabwe, the EU receives many requests, and the portal will be a valuable resource, providing the information needed to make informed decisions and navigate the investment process with confidence.
