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The Zimbabwean government has unveiled a sweeping review of business licences and regulatory fees aimed at reducing the cost of doing business and attracting more investment into the country.
At a media briefing in Harare, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Jenfan Muswere said cabinet approved the overhaul of licences, permits, levies, and fees in the retail and wholesale sectors, following a Cabinet decision of 29 July 2025.
“The review process is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness, and enhancing the growth of the Zimbabwean economy,” Muswere said. “Cabinet approved the consolidation of fragmented licensing requirements into a single licence, the streamlining of duplicative permits, the removal of unnecessary levies, and the reduction of high fees for selected wholesale and major retail sub-sectors, including supermarkets, groceries, butcheries, clothing, and furniture shops.”
Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion Minister Mthuli Ncube explained that the review targets excessive licensing procedures that have long burdened businesses.
“Our analysis shows that this will improve profitability for businesses and, in turn, support growth. It will also encourage better compliance with the law,” Ncube said.
The government noted significant disparities in fees across local authorities, with some areas charging exorbitant rates that discourage business investment. “To establish a shop in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe Rural District Council, for instance, one has to pay up to US$4,200, while in Mazowe it’s over US$1,000, yet in Muzarabani it’s just US$20. Such inconsistencies have deterred businesses from registering formally,” Ncube said.
Under the reforms, multiple licences will be consolidated into single permits. For example, shop owners will no longer require separate licences for bakery or fast-food operations — a single shopping licence will cover all activities.
A major change will be in liquor licensing, with the wholesale application fee expected to drop from around US$1,080 to US$20, bringing Zimbabwe in line with regional standards and easing the financial burden on entrepreneurs.
“These reforms are designed to make it easier to do business in Zimbabwe, attract investment, and create opportunities for growth and employment,” Ncube added.
The review forms part of the government’s broader effort to streamline the regulatory environment across twelve key sectors of the economy and foster a business-friendly climate.
