ZIMBABWE has eliminated or significantly reduced 96 regulatory fees in the livestock, dairy and stockfeed sectors to enhance ease of doing business, according to a review by the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industry (CZI).
As part of reforms to improve the business environment, Government is implementing strategic regulatory and licensing changes to eliminate unjustifiable costs that have long stifled growth and investment. The improved conditions are expected to attract investment, encourage formalisation and bolster competitiveness.
This follows President Mnangagwa’s directive last year for a comprehensive review of licences, permits, levies and fees by the first quarter of 2026 to cut costs and improve ease of doing business. The reforms primarily target agriculture, tourism, transport and wholesale/retail sectors.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy, contributing at least 12 percent of GDP and providing livelihoods for 60-70 percent of the population, particularly in rural areas. It supplies roughly 60 percent of raw materials for manufacturing and generates about 30 percent of export earnings, led by tobacco.
CZI noted that of the 96 fees reviewed, 34 were eliminated entirely while 45 others were cut by between 13 percent and 99 percent. AMA farm registration now costs a symbolic US$1 flat fee, replacing the previous sliding scale of US$1-US$5. Registration certificate fees have been abolished for smallholders, while medium and large‑scale operators now pay a simplified US$50 flat rate.
The cost to enter the dairy value chain has dropped sharply, with processor licences reduced from US$350 to US$50. Livestock feed manufacturers now pay US$20 for registration, down from US$150-US$250. Livestock transit fees have been overhauled, falling from US$10 per animal to US$5 per herd. Import permits for livestock genetics have been cut from US$100 to US$20.
Export‑related barriers have also been dismantled. Dairy export registration fees fell from US$900 to US$10, meat export licences from US$500 to US$100, and standard agricultural export permits from US$70 to US$10.
CZI said the review addressed long‑standing complaints about fragmented licensing. Previously, a single dairy farmer required up to 25 permits from 12 agencies.
“Beyond the costs, these excessive requirements made it incredibly difficult and time‑consuming for operators to obtain the necessary legal documentation. This bureaucratic lag often tempted businesses to operate outside the law simply to survive,” economic analyst Carlos Tadya explained.
The impact is felt across all sub‑sectors. In dairy and livestock farming, nearly half of all regulations were scrapped. Stockfeed and processing saw fewer eliminations but the most significant cost reductions. At least 12 regulations that previously cost upwards of US$400 each have been struck off.
Government has moved away from charging fees based on turnover percentages without limits. Three major regulations now carry capped maximum charges. Zinwa recorded the highest number of eliminations with 10, followed by local authorities (eight) and EMA (seven). Veterinary services saw no eliminations, but eight charges were cut by at least 75 percent. Only 17 regulations remain unchanged, while just one — somatic cell count testing — saw a cost increase.
The reforms extend beyond agriculture. Tourism and hospitality fees have been overhauled, with cuts of up to 50 percent across high‑value categories. Five‑star hotel registration dropped from US$5 250 to US$2 000. Aircraft registration fell from US$500-US$1 000 to US$20. Guesthouse fees were cut from US$500 to US$150, while restaurants and travel agencies dropped from US$305 to US$100. External operators now pay US$1 500, down from US$3 000.
Analysts note that the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa has moved from policy pronouncements to decisive action, dismantling decades of bureaucratic red tape. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the reforms are designed to de‑risk the investment landscape and propel productivity.
By slashing punitive fees and eliminating redundant licensing requirements, particularly in agribusiness and tourism, Government is actively lowering the cost of production and strengthening competitiveness.-grald
