Calls grow to reduce Zimbabwe passport costs

Published: 3 hours ago

The government's decision to slash selected regulatory fees, particularly in the agriculture sector, has been welcomed as a move that could improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe and boost the economic well-being of ordinary citizens.

According to the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), a total of 96 regulations affecting livestock farming, livestock processing, dairy farming, dairy processing, and stockfeed manufacturing were reviewed. Of these, 34 regulations were eliminated, with 20 removed for being duplications. Only 17 regulations remained unchanged, while just one saw an increase in costs. The rest were reduced by between 13% and 19%, the industry representative body said.

Economic analysts, including FBC Securities, expect the benefits of these regulatory reviews to gradually ripple through the economy. "The ongoing government-led reviews of the cost of doing business are expected to ease structural cost pressures on companies, potentially enhancing profitability and stimulating greater capital market activity," FBC noted. "However, the impact is likely to materialise gradually, with benefits more visible over the medium to long term rather than immediately."

The sector-wide reforms followed strong representations from CZI and other industry bodies, which highlighted that high regulatory fees were a significant barrier to attracting investment to Zimbabwe.

While the move is lauded, experts urge the government to extend the review to fees that directly affect ordinary citizens, such as the cost of obtaining a passport. Currently, Zimbabweans must pay US$170 for an ordinary passport and US$270 for an emergency travel document, both of which include a US$20 QR code fee and must be paid exclusively in foreign currency.

Passports are critical for Zimbabweans who often travel to neighbouring countries to access essential services, including healthcare, due to the country's economic hardships. Critics say the government has provided little explanation for the high fees, fueling speculation that private interests may be benefiting from contracts to produce the documents.

Observers argue that reducing passport costs would demonstrate the government's commitment to regulatory reform and provide tangible relief to ordinary Zimbabweans, urging authorities to act as a matter of urgency.
- The Standard

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