Online Reporter
Diana Nherera
The Zimbabwe National Organisation of Associations and Residents Trust (ZNOART) has lauded the Government for consolidating 11 local authority licences into a single unitary business license, to promote the ease of doing business.
The association also commended the capping of licensing fees at US$500 and their application on a sliding scale.
In a statement, the association’s national chairman, Mr Shepherd Shalvar Chikomba, said the measures will promote inclusivity and encourage small traders to formalise.
“ZNOART extends its heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa for his visionary leadership in driving Zimbabwe’s economic growth,” he said.
“We applaud the Government through the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion for streamlining and simplifying licensing procedures, a crucial step towards achieving Vision 2030.
“The reforms, part of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), will enhance Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks, promoting domestic investment and community development.
“The ministry’s wide-ranging reforms will cut red tape, promote transparency and boost business confidence. ZNOART welcomes these measures and urges local authorities to incorporate the reforms into their 2026 budgets and strategic plans.”
He called for alignment of by-laws, fee structures and operational frameworks to ensure uniformity countrywide.
Mr Chikomba said they were now waiting for the necessary legal amendments and urged local authorities to pass on savings from reduced licensing costs to residents through improved service delivery.
“ZNOART stands ready to partner with the Government to ensure a buy-in and ownership of the reforms, promoting community engagement and effective implementation,” he said.
