Government Cuts Sports Levies, Hemp Fees And Scraps More Permits In Ease Of Doing Business Drive
The Government has extended its drive to reduce the cost of doing business by approving another round of fee and licence reforms, targeting sectors that were not covered during the first phase of the programme.
The latest measures affect agriculture, transport, education, sport and the natural stone export industry, with Cabinet approving the removal of duplicated licences, the elimination of selected levies and reductions in charges considered unnecessarily high.
Speaking during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Zhemu Soda said the reforms are aimed at simplifying regulations, cutting compliance costs and encouraging business growth.
He said Cabinet had approved the streamlining of overlapping licences and permits while removing unnecessary fees across the remaining sectors.
Also Read: Zimbabwe Slashes Vehicle Registration Costs By Up To 90% And Removes Duplicate Transport Fees
Industrial hemp operators and sports to benefit
Among the key changes, registration fees charged by the Agricultural Marketing Authority for industrial hemp will be reduced, while the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe’s application processing fee for industrial hemp will also be lowered.
The sports sector is also set to benefit from lower statutory charges.
The Sport and Recreation Commission’s six percent levy on gate takings has been cut to three percent, while the Zimbabwe Football Association’s six percent levy on gross match-day revenue has also been halved.
The Premier Soccer League levy has been reduced from 10 percent of net match-day income to four percent.
Local authorities will also charge less for hiring sports venues, with the venue hire levy dropping from 15 percent to 10 percent of total gross attendance.
In addition, outdoor advertising fees imposed by local authorities will now be capped at US$2.50 per square metre, while cemetery entry fees have been abolished.
Transport changes include one-stop ownership transfers
In the transport sector, Cabinet announced plans to formalise the registration of tricycles and introduce licensing requirements for riders.
Vehicle change of ownership fees will remain unchanged, but the Government plans to establish a one-stop shop to simplify the ownership transfer process.
In education, annual school affiliation fees, ZIMSEC affiliation charges and examination fees will remain at existing levels.
Minister Soda said the latest reforms will take effect once the necessary statutory instruments have been finalised.
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