List of licences, permits & certificates slashed or removed in ongoing review of business regulations
The government has announced sweeping reforms in the agriculture sector, scrapping or slashing more than 20 permits, levies and certificates that had long been a burden to farmers and agribusinesses.
The measures, unveiled on 10 September 2025, are aimed at cutting compliance costs, boosting investment, and encouraging job creation in the livestock, dairy and stockfeed sectors.
Permits and fees cut across the board
In a press statement, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Investment Promotion said the reforms were part of a wider Ease of Doing Business programme.
The ministry stated:
“The Government of Zimbabwe is undertaking comprehensive Ease of Doing Business and Regulatory Fees Reforms across all sectors of the economy. This is in line with the vision of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, under the mantra ‘Zimbabwe is Open for Business’.”
Here is a breakdown of the key changes:
| Category | Previous Fee | New Fee | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMA farm registration | – | US$1 | New flat fee |
| Small/medium farmers certificate | US$50 | Abolished | Scrapped |
| Dairy processor registration | US$350 annually | US$50 once-off | Reduced |
| Feed manufacturing registration | US$150–US$250 | US$20 | Reduced |
| Livestock movement clearance | US$10 per animal | US$5 per herd | Reduced |
| Livestock genetics import permit | US$100 | US$20 | Reduced |
| Dairy export permit | US$900 | US$10 | Reduced |
| Meat export registration | US$500 | US$100 | Reduced |
| Agricultural export permit | US$70 | US$10 | Reduced |
| Health certificate | US$300 | US$100 | Reduced |
| Abattoir establishment fee | US$350 | US$50 | Reduced |
| Veterinary abattoir registration | US$600 | US$100 | Reduced |
| Food handler health certificate | Mandatory | Scrapped | Removed |
| EMA effluent disposal | US$800 | US$100 | Reduced |
| ZINWA water abstraction fees | Payable | Scrapped | Removed |
| Groundwater permit | – | US$10 | Introduced |
| EIA licence | 1.5% of project value | 0.05% (capped at US$100,000) | Reduced |
| AMA livestock levy | Mandatory | Scrapped | Removed |
| Biosafety permit | Mandatory | Scrapped | Removed |
| CBCA certificate | Mandatory | Scrapped | Removed |
Import, export and compliance eased
The reforms will not only cut costs but also simplify processes for farmers and agribusiness operators.
Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube explained:
“These measures will lower the cost of doing business, especially for small and medium enterprises. They will encourage investment and exports in high-potential value chains. They will also create jobs and stimulate rural development.”
“Lower costs and more opportunities”
The ministry also confirmed that these reforms are just the first phase, starting with agriculture.
Future reforms will target other critical sectors, including transport, tourism and retail.
Professor Ncube concluded:
“Government remains committed to creating a modern, efficient and business-friendly regulatory system that drives inclusive growth and positions Zimbabwe as an upper middle-income society by 2030.”
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Zimbabwe Slashes Over 20 Permits, Licences And Levies In Business Reform Drive: Full List appeared first on iHarare News.
