CZR President Calls for Faster Licensing Reforms

Itai Mazire

The President of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has paid tribute to the resilience of the country’s retail and wholesale sector, urging Government to expedite the long-awaited licensing reforms to ease the cost of doing business.

Speaking last night at the 11th Edition of the Retailers and Wholesalers Awards at the Harare International Conference Centre, Dr Mutashu said the sector had endured one of the most challenging periods in recent years but continued to demonstrate remarkable courage, creativity and dedication.

The event was graced by the First Lady, Amai Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, who was represented by the Deputy Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon Yeukai Simbanegavi.

In his address, the CZR President said the presence of the First Lady was an affirmation of her unwavering commitment to national development, consumer welfare and the empowerment of communities across Zimbabwe.

“We are privileged, deeply privileged, to have Her Excellency as our Guest of Honour this evening. Your presence inspires us, your advocacy guides us, and your commitment to community upliftment reminds us of the broader purpose of commerce — to serve the people,” said Dr Mutashu.

He commended the sponsors, among them Prevail International, NetOne, Food Lover’s Market, Supreme Brands, Saint Gobain, Delta Corporation, Tongaat Hulett, National Foods and Gain Cash & Carry, for supporting the sector throughout the year.

Turning to the state of the industry, Dr Mutashu said currency volatility in the early phase of the introduction of the ZiG had created turbulence for pricing models, stock replacement strategies and working capital planning, while businesses remained vulnerable to “rampant smuggling, counterfeit products and rising levels of informality”.

“These illicit products erode legitimate business revenues and threaten consumer safety,” he warned, noting that the proliferation of unregulated operators continued to distort the market.

Dr Mutashu acknowledged the stabilisation measures introduced by Government under the Second Republic, led by President Mnangagwa.

“The introduction of the ZiG currency, underpinned by strong monetary anchors and tight liquidity management, has restored significant stability to the market,” said Dr Mutashu.
“We have seen improvements in price predictability, increased confidence among both consumers and businesses, and a gradual return to structured transactions within the formal sector.”

He further applauded the State’s intensified anti-smuggling operations, saying strengthened inter-agency collaborations were beginning to curtail leakages and protect legitimate enterprises.

On regulatory reforms, Dr Mutashu welcomed the current Government process to harmonise and collapse multiple licences but cautioned that businesses needed to feel the impact sooner.

“We wholeheartedly support the rationalisation of licences. However, we now respectfully urge that the necessary amendments to legislation be expedited so that these progressive reforms transition from policy intention to full legal effect.”

The CZR is also participating in consultations on the upcoming National Retail and Wholesale Policy, which he described as a groundbreaking framework that will strengthen governance, enhance competitiveness and drive formalisation.

As the awards celebrated industry excellence, Dr Mutashu said each award winner represented a story of commitment, perseverance and contribution to national development.

“To all award winners, we say congratulations. Your achievements remind us that excellence is not an act but a culture.”

Looking ahead, he challenged the sector to embrace digital transformation, efficient supply chain systems, tighter quality assurance mechanisms and strong local content strategies.

“We must move forward together  united, determined and strengthened by the lessons of the past year  as we build a sector that is competitive, inclusive, ethical and fully aligned with Vision 2030,” said Dr Mutashu.

The ceremony drew senior Government officials, corporate leaders, retailers, wholesalers and members of the media.