Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has placed regulatory reform, access to affordable finance, infrastructure development, human capital and economic resilience at the centre of its National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS) 2026-2030 as Government steps up efforts to lower the cost of doing business and improve the competitiveness of local enterprises.
The strategy, launched at the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) Summit in Bulawayo yesterday, seeks to address structural barriers that have historically constrained productivity, investment, innovation and business growth.
Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the strategy comes at a critical stage in Zimbabwe’s economic transformation and will complement the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) and the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP2).
“Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey. As we advance towards the attainment of Vision 2030 and the objectives set out in the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2),” he said.
The minister said the strategy was designed to create an environment where businesses can invest, innovate and compete effectively.
“The National Competitiveness Strategy (NCS) 2026-2030 represents our collective response to this national imperative.”
Minister Ndlovu said the strategy provides a coordinated framework for tackling competitiveness challenges and strengthening conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth.
“This strategy provides a comprehensive and coordinated framework for addressing the structural challenges that have historically constrained Zimbabwe’s competitiveness.
“Building on the foundations of economic stability and reform, it sets out a clear roadmap for strengthening the conditions necessary for sustainable economic growth and transformation.”
The strategy is built around four interconnected pillars: Stability and Governance, Finance and Markets, Infrastructure and Human Capital, and Resilience.
A major focus is regulatory reform, with Government acknowledging that complex regulations and compliance costs continue to hamper business growth, particularly among small and medium enterprises.
“A key priority under this Strategy is the creation of a more efficient, predictable and business-friendly regulatory environment.
“Excessive regulatory costs, complex administrative procedures and overlapping mandates have, over time, increased the cost of doing business and constrained enterprise growth, particularly among small and medium enterprises,” Minister Ndlovu said.
Government is positioning Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) as a key tool for improving the quality of regulation.
“The implementation of Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), which is part of the broader Ease of Doing Business Reforms that the Government continues to implement, therefore represents an important step towards ensuring that regulations are necessary, proportionate, evidence-based and supportive of economic development.
“Through this approach, the Government seeks to strengthen the quality of regulation while safeguarding the public interest and reducing unnecessary burdens on business.”
The strategy is also closely aligned to ZNIDP2, which focuses on industrialisation, value addition and beneficiation.
“The NCS is closely aligned with and complementary to the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2 (ZNIDP 2), 2026-2030.
“These include macroeconomic stability, access to affordable finance, efficient infrastructure, an enabling regulatory environment and a skilled and productive workforce. Together, the two policy instruments provide a coherent framework for building a more industrialised and resilient economy.”
NCC board chairperson Mrs Patience Chimuka said the strategy arrives at a critical time as the global economy faces geopolitical shifts, technological disruption and climate-related challenges.
“The NCS arrives at a critical juncture for our nation. The global economic landscape is increasingly volatile, shaped by geopolitical realignments, technological disruption, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
“At the same time, Africa is advancing regional economic integration through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), creating new opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and regional value chains.”
She said enhancing competitiveness was essential if Zimbabwe was to benefit from emerging regional and global opportunities.
Acting NCC chief executive director Mr Brighton Shayanewako said the strategy was informed by extensive research and consultation and moves beyond identifying problems to providing practical solutions.
“Our national competitiveness is a measure of our ability to foster a conducive business environment, one that encourages investment, innovation, and productivity.
“The NCS serves as our central guide for this mission, directly aligning with the goals of NDS 2 and ZNIDP 2 to transform our economy and attain an upper middle-income status by 2030.”
Minister Ndlovu urged all stakeholders to support implementation of the strategy.
“The successful implementation of this Strategy will require commitment, coordination and shared responsibility across Government, the private sector, labour, civil society and other stakeholders.
“Competitiveness is not the responsibility of any single institution; it is a national undertaking that requires collective action and a sustained focus on removing barriers to productivity, investment, innovation and growth.”
The NCC will conduct a formal mid-term review in 2028 to assess progress. Mrs Chimuka said the ultimate goal was to translate the strategy into measurable economic outcomes.
“A competitive Zimbabwe is not an abstract aspiration; it is a concrete outcome of deliberate, sustained, and collective action. The Board is confident that the NCS provides the blueprint for achieving this outcome.”
