CZR applauds Cabinet for business-friendly levy reforms

Published: 2 hours ago

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has applauded the Government's decision to review and streamline levies within the retail and wholesale sectors, describing the move as a progressive step toward improving the ease and cost of doing business in Zimbabwe.

CZR president, Dr Denford Mutashu, said the Cabinet's reforms reflect strong political will to remove long-standing structural bottlenecks that have hindered formal business growth.

"The Cabinet's decision, made under the framework of the 29 July 2025 business reforms covering twelve key economic sectors, demonstrates strong political will to remove structural bottlenecks that have long burdened formal businesses, especially retailers and wholesalers," said Dr Mutashu.

He said for years, businesses have struggled with multiple fragmented licences, overlapping permits, and high levies imposed by various regulatory bodies and local authorities - factors that increased operational costs and stifled growth.

To address these challenges, Cabinet approved several key measures including the consolidation of fragmented licensing requirements into a single licence, the removal of unnecessary fees, and the reduction of high levies for major sub-sectors such as supermarkets, butcheries, and clothing and furniture shops.

Among the major changes, the liquor licence application fee was slashed from US$1 080 to US$20 across all sectors. The Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) permit for trading in veterinary products - previously pegged at US$200 - was scrapped, while the US$703 bakery licence fee charged by local authorities was also removed.

Cabinet further capped local authority fees to ensure uniformity and fairness nationwide.

Cross-cutting licences and levies affecting broader sectors were also reviewed, including shop and business licences, Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) permits, fire compliance fees, environmental assessment consultation charges, and property change-of-use fees.

"The PRAZ regulatory licence on groceries and provisions, pegged at US$120, has been reduced to only US$20," Dr Mutashu noted. "The Health Report licence fee has been reduced by 50 percent, the NSSA elevator registration fee will drop from US$200 to US$20, and bank charges and transfer fees will also be reduced to promote banking."

Dr Mutashu said CZR is ready to work closely with the Government as the revised schedules are refined and officially gazetted.

"CZR extends its gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the entire Cabinet for their continued commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth, consistent with the mantra Leaving No One and No Place Behind," he said.

He urged all local authorities and regulatory agencies to align their frameworks with the Cabinet-approved reforms to ensure businesses benefit immediately.

"CZR reiterates its full support for all Government-driven economic transformation initiatives that prioritise cost reduction, competitiveness, and sustainable economic growth," Dr Mutashu added.
- the herald