Zimbabwe Targets Retail Sector for Regulatory Reforms

Senior Business Reporter

Bulawayo-Following successful regulatory reforms in agriculture, government is now turning its focus to the retail sector to boost competitiveness and attract investment, an official said on Tuesday.

Economic adviser with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Finance, Prof. Ashok Chakravati, said that authorities are crafting a package of regulatory reforms specifically for retailers.

The goal, he explained, is to stimulate growth and development within the sector.

Government recently announced sweeping reforms to business regulation in the livestock, dairy and stockfeed sectors drastically cutting costs and scrapping multiple fees in a move to boost investment and competitiveness.

The reforms were part of the Second Republic`s broad `Ease of doing business and Regulatory Fees Reform Programme’, which is anchored on President Mnangagwa`s vision of building a morden economy under the mantra `Zimbabwe Is Open For Business`.

“Government is currently consolidating regulatory reform measures for the retail sector. This sector encompasses not only supermarkets but also includes small traders, the informal sector, and those operating in areas like Magaba.

“We invite anyone with ideas on how to better integrate street traders and small vendors into a simplified, low-cost system, similar to successful models in the Far East, to come forward,” he said.

Chakravati, however said, they were seeking specific and actionable proposals rather than vague ideas.

“However, we are looking for specific and concrete proposals, not just general concepts. We already have a broad understanding of the issues, but we need detailed suggestions on how the Harare City Council should license small traders.

“For instance, what should the licensing fee be? Should there be a token system? What forms, if any, need to be completed? If you have a specific proposal, I encourage you to come and discuss it with me. I will consider submitting it to the committee responsible for reviewing the regulatory reforms in the retail sector, ”he explained.

In an intewrview on the sidelines of the recently held Zimbabwe Economic Development Conference(ZEDCON 2025),Finance and Investment Promotion Deputy Minister, David Mnangagwa also hinted at more reforms designed to reduce operational costs and regulatory burdens for businesses, especially in key sectors such as agriculture.

“In terms of fees that have become an impediment to the ease of doing business, I think last week we saw an announcement around the agriculture sector, particularly the livestock and dairy sector.

“You will see a few more as the instruments actually come out, but they will be broad-based to make sure that there’s a greater ease of doing business and it becomes cheaper to do business,” he noted.

The regulatory reforms being implemented by government are expected to remove duplication, reduce costs and simplify compliance.

They are also designed to make all sectors of the economy more competitive, spur development and job creation, and promote rural development while positioning Zimbabwe as a leader in regulator reforms on the continent.