Online Reporter
Zimpapers Business Hub
REFORMS that are being undertaken by the Second Republic are breaking down entrenched barriers to investment and reshaping the national business landscape, in line with the Government’s developmental thrust.
The Government, guided by President Mnangagwa’s directive to accelerate the ease of doing business, is rolling out far-reaching reforms aimed at streamlining processes and reducing costs across key economic sectors.
At the heart of this transformative agenda is a comprehensive review of levies, fees, licences and permits spanning 12 strategic sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism and financial services.
The move is part of a wider drive to consolidate fiscal stability, narrow current account deficits and position Zimbabwe on a trajectory towards upper middle-income status by 2030.
In line with Cabinet’s decision of July 29, 2025, reviews have since been conducted for the tourism and agriculture sectors.
For years, excessive and overlapping regulatory requirements have hamstrung the growth of enterprises.
Businesses often had to wait for months to secure multiple permits.
Officials say the ongoing reforms will not only reduce bureaucratic delays, but will also drastically cut operational costs, making Zimbabwe more competitive on the regional and global stages.
A major milestone came in 2024 with the launch of the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida)’s electronic DIY licensing portal, a revolutionary step in investor-focused digitalisation.
The platform has already slashed licence turnaround times from 30 days to under a week.
Zida’s statistics show a steady rise in investment licences issued from 2022 through the first quarter of 2025, a clear signal of growing investor confidence from both traditional and emerging markets.
Economic analyst Mr George Nhepera said the reforms mark a turning point.
“The market has been looking forward to such deregulation reforms, which represent significant cuts on levies, licences and fees for all economic sectors,” said Mr Nhepera.
“No doubt, this will positively impact economic growth and ease of doing business in our country. Worldwide, it has been observed that excessive regulation of the business sector by government is a great impediment to efforts towards attracting international investment into developing countries.”
Ms Alice Chikonzi, co-director at Tagrite & Chikonzi Consultancy, underscored the impact of cutting red tape.
“By addressing these bottlenecks, the Government is showing commitment to building a predictable and transparent investment climate. This is the kind of certainty investors look for before committing capital.”
Economic analyst Ms Ruvimbo Ndlovu said investor sentiment hinges on consistency.
“Investor confidence thrives where there is clarity and consistency. These reforms are helping to restore trust in Zimbabwe as a viable investment destination. If sustained, they will accelerate industrial expansion and position Zimbabwe favourably within the region.”
Since the advent of the Second Republic, the Government has undertaken bold steps to align domestic systems with regional and continental frameworks such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while driving digitalisation and institutional reform.
The reforms have also resulted in the implementation of flagship infrastructure projects around the country.
The rehabilitation of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls highway is gaining momentum, with five contractors engaged in upgrading this critical economic corridor.
Other mega projects, including upgrades at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, and the ongoing construction of interchanges and irrigation schemes linked to major dams, are unlocking access to markets and transforming service delivery across provinces.
Zimbabwe’s re-engagement thrust has opened new diplomatic and trade avenues, attracting growing interest from bilateral and multilateral partners.
President Mnangagwa has vowed to consolidate investor confidence, deepen financial markets and ensure reforms deliver tangible benefits to communities.
The proposed National Trade Act is expected to become an anchor for policy coherence and credibility.
Competition and Tariff Commission assistant director (tariffs) Ms Cecilia Mashava said what motivated the crafting of the policy is the realisation that the country did not have a formal policy to guide tariff
setting, review and implementation process.
“So, without a policy that provides guidance, we find that the country can arbitrarily adjust tariffs that can affect other sectors of the economy. So, this is trying to ensure that the tariff instrument is used as a tool for economic transformation,” she said.
“Any tariff adjustments that are made should be done following thorough assessment and the final outcomes should work towards development of our economy and enhancement of consumer welfare in the country.”
Economist Mr Stevenson Dlamini described the reduction in charges as critical for the nation’s industrialisation journey.
“So, when we are looking at this policy, essentially, it is the gyroscope that will hold the ship steady and charter a clear way towards an industrialised, empowered and prosperous nation.”
Mr Dlamini added that the new law will harmonise trade policy with national development blueprints such as the current NDS1 (National Development Strategy 1), the upcoming NDS2 and the Zimbabwe Industrial Development Policy.
“This creates credibility not only in the local markets, but also signals to the international world that Zimbabwe is committed to a predictable, transparent and aligned policy with the regional trade policy,” he said.
Analysts believed the elimination of bureaucracy and modernisation of systems will smoothen Zimbabwe’s journey towards an upper middle-income economy.
