CRZ Welcomes Cabinet’s Move to Streamline Retail and Wholesale Licensing

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has applauded Cabinet’s approval of sweeping reforms to licences, permits, levies and fees in the retail and wholesale sector, describing the move as a major step towards improving the ease and cost of doing business in Zimbabwe.

The reforms, approved under the Government’s 29 July 2025 business reform framework covering twelve key economic sectors, aim to remove structural bottlenecks that have long weighed down formal businesses.

Cabinet approved the consolidation of fragmented licensing requirements into a single licence, the streamlining of duplicative and overlapping permits, and the removal or reduction of unnecessary levies and fees across major sub-sectors such as supermarkets, butcheries, clothing and furniture shops.

Among the key adjustments, the Liquor Licence application fee has been slashed to USD20 across all sectors — down from USD1,080 for wholesale liquor traders — while the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) permit fee of USD200 for veterinary products and the Local Authority bakery licence fee of USD703 have both been scrapped.

Cabinet also agreed to cap licence fees for all local authorities to promote uniformity nationwide.

Cross-cutting reviews were also made on several key regulatory fees. The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) licence fee for groceries and provisions has been reduced from USD120 to USD20, while the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) elevator registration fee has been cut from USD200 to USD20.

Other reductions include a 50% cut to the Health Report licence fee, and the lowering of bank charges and transfer fees to promote financial inclusion.

CZR President Dr Denford Mutashu commended Government for its “progressive and business-friendly decision,” saying it reflected strong political will to strengthen the formal economy.

“For years, the multiplicity of fragmented licences and overlapping permits imposed by different regulatory bodies has increased operational costs and constrained growth. This reform marks a decisive step toward a more competitive, business-friendly environment,” Dr Mutashu said.

He urged all local authorities and regulatory agencies to swiftly align their licensing frameworks with the Cabinet-approved reforms “to ensure immediate relief for operators on the ground.”

CZR also expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Cabinet for their commitment to creating a conducive environment for business growth, consistent with the national vision of “leaving no one and no place behind.”

The reviewed licences, permits and fees will undergo further refinements before being officially gazetted.