Zimbabwe Government has unveiled fresh measures to reduce regulatory costs and simplify business operations.
Cabinet approved the changes during its 26th meeting as authorities intensify efforts to attract investment.
The reforms target licences, permits, levies and fees across several economic sectors.
They will also eliminate overlapping requirements and reduce charges considered excessively high.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda announced the measures in Harare.
“Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removed unnecessary levies and fees and lowered unjustifiably high residual levies and fees,” he said.
Government cuts hemp licensing costs
The new package includes major reductions affecting Zimbabwe’s emerging industrial and medicinal hemp industries.
The Agricultural Marketing Authority will lower registration fees for industrial hemp operators.
Meanwhile, the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe will reduce hemp application processing charges.
Government will also cut industrial hemp cannabis licence fees and medicinal cannabis research permit costs.
However, schools will not face changes to annual affiliation charges.
ZIMSEC affiliation and examination fees under the education ministry will also remain unchanged.
Furthermore, authorities will formalise tricycle registration and introduce licensing requirements for their riders.
Vehicle change-of-ownership charges will also remain unchanged across all categories.
“A One Stop Shop facility will be created to facilitate vehicle change of ownership, while the Sport and Recreation Commission six percent gate takings levy has been reduced by 50 percent,” said Dr Soda.
Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said cheaper hemp licences should encourage greater investment.
“We continue to address the ease of doing business in hemp production to drive investment in all sectors of the economy. MCAZ licences have been reduced from US$10 000 to US$1 000. Some fees were as high as US$50 000 and we have reduced them to US$15 000,” he said.
Mwenezi set for major development projects
Meanwhile, Cabinet reviewed preparations for the 2027 Independence Day celebrations in Mwenezi District.
Government has identified several projects designed to leave a lasting development legacy.
“Accordingly, Government identified various projects which will be implemented as part of the legacy projects for the 2027 Independence Celebrations. The projects include 13 stalled projects that need to be completed, 54 devolution projects and new legacy projects to be implemented in the host district, Mwenezi,” he said.
The programme includes a 16 000-seat stadium, changing rooms and new ablution facilities.
Authorities also plan 16 science laboratories and 39 satellite schools across the district.
They will additionally solarise and equip computer laboratories while restoring liberation war heritage sites.
Government will also develop Provincial and District Heroes Acres.
It will construct 10 houses for liberation struggle veterans and establish a Youth Service centre.
A Vocational Training Centre will also form part of the development programme.
Road infrastructure will receive significant attention during the preparations.
Projects include the 150-kilometre Rutenga-Boli-Sango Road and 45-kilometre Ngundu-Tanganda Road.
Government will also work on the 84.2-kilometre Rutenga-Zvishavane Road.
Meanwhile, authorities will continue upgrades along the Masvingo-Beitbridge and Makwi-Neshuro roads.
“In addition, Government, through the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and partners, will drill 105 boreholes, install 40 pumps, install 50 solar-powered water schemes, maintain 1 500 boreholes and, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, establish 21 Village Business Units,” he said.
Agriculture also featured prominently during the Cabinet meeting.
Maize production increased significantly during the 2026 season.
“The total maize area planted increased from 1 813 974 hectares in 2025 to 1 963 292 hectares in 2026, while total production increased from 2 203 556 metric tonnes to 2 685 021 metric tonnes, reflecting a growth of 17.1 percent,” he said.
Soyabean production also jumped 125 percent, reaching 119 067 metric tonnes.
“As at 29 July 2026, a record 355.9 million kilogrammes of tobacco had been sold at an average price of US$2.49 per kilogramme. Export performance remains strong compared to the corresponding period in 2025, with export volumes increasing by 40 percent from 91.3 million kilogrammes to 127.5 million kilogrammes,” said Dr Soda.
Cotton farmers will receive between US$0.35 and US$0.43 per kilogramme, depending on grade.
Farmers will continue receiving immediate payment after delivering their cotton.
However, payments remain subject to Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe foreign currency regulations.
Cabinet also approved the Principles of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Amendment Bill.
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