The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has introduced a senior-level programme aimed at strengthening Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) capacity across major policy-making institutions. The initiative is intended to reshape Zimbabwe’s regulatory environment by reducing compliance costs and simplifying the process of doing business.

As Zimbabwe advances into 2026, Government has begun implementing a range of statutory instruments to entrench ongoing business reforms. CZI believes the RIA framework will play a central role in this process by ensuring that new regulations are informed by data and economic analysis rather than administrative procedures alone.

Public–Private Collaboration to Boost Competitiveness

The programme is anchored on cooperation between government and the private sector, drawing participation from key institutions that include the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, the National Competitiveness Commission, the Competition and Tariff Commission, and the National Economic Consultative Forum.

Through spearheading the RIA implementation process, CZI seeks to align stakeholders around a common objective of building a predictable and competitive regulatory system that supports growth across sectors such as mining, tourism, retail, and agriculture.

Implementing the RIA Framework

At an inception workshop facilitated by technical advisors Genesis Analytics, participants examined practical approaches to reviewing and reforming existing regulations, with a focus on reducing unnecessary administrative barriers.

Genesis Analytics economist Emma Green noted that the initiative will involve a detailed review of current regulatory frameworks over the coming months to improve the overall investment climate. CZI emphasised that the effectiveness of RIA will depend on two key foundations: first, developing a comprehensive understanding of existing regulatory constraints; and second, clearly defining the problems regulations are intended to address to avoid unintended market distortions.

CZI described the initiative as an important move toward evidence-driven policymaking and a more efficient regulatory system that enhances economic competitiveness.

Economic Context and Growth Prospects

The regulatory reform drive coincides with positive economic projections for Zimbabwe. Treasury officials have linked the outlook to disciplined fiscal policies, sustained investment in priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing and agriculture, and consistent monetary measures that support long-term industrial development.

By encouraging early consultation with stakeholders and focusing on effective, data-based regulation, Zimbabwe is strengthening its appeal as a destination for both domestic and international investment.

Presidential Special Advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara has called for unity across ZANU PF structures while distributing Presidential Empowerment Funds.

The Presidential Advisor has traversed several provinces disbursing the empowerment funds, delivering a consistent message of loyalty to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and unity within ZANU PF.

The drive culminated in a large-scale Nyanga Empowerment Rally yesterday, where the link between party loyalty and community development was clearly demonstrated.

The rally, attended by provincial party leaders and local communities, served as a platform for the ceremonial disbursement of funds from the Presidential Empowerment Fund.

Tungwarara, who is also a Central Committee nominee, presented financial allocations to the local community, framing the initiative as a direct outcome of organisational cohesion.

He stated that such empowerment programmes foster unity among party members by creating a single accord and shared direction.

“Empowerment brings unity among party members,” he said.

“When we stand together under one banner and one leadership, development follows. We must move with one accord and one direction.”

His remarks echoed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s recent calls for party members to strictly adhere to the party constitution and hierarchy.

The campaign explicitly links material empowerment to political consolidation, urging members to remain disciplined and aligned with party structures.

Provincial Chairman Tawanda Mukodza emphasised that the party’s 2026 agenda is more vigorous than in previous years, leaving no room for complacency among members.

The unity being advocated is defined as unwavering alignment with President Mnangagwa’s leadership and expand Zanu-PF’s influence in Manicaland.

The Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) has released the November 2025 Ordinary Level examination results today, Friday, 16 January 2026.

Candidates can access their results online from the ZIMSEC results portal at https://results.zimsec.co.zw/ using the details provided on their Statement of Entry. The portal will automatically direct candidates to their respective regions where they can view their results. The online portal will remain open for five days, after which candidates will be required to collect their results from their respective examination centres.

Heads of Examination Centres have been advised to collect the official results from their Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Provincial Directors starting Monday, 19 January 2026.

ZIMSEC reported that a total of 209 810 candidates sat for five or more subjects in the November 2025 Ordinary Level examinations. Of these, 73 978 candidates achieved five or more subjects with a Grade C or better, resulting in a national pass rate of 35.26 percent.

This marks an improvement from the November 2024 examinations, where 199 669 candidates wrote five or more subjects and 66 130 passed, producing a national pass rate of 33.12 percent. The 2025 results therefore show an increase of 2.14 percentage points in the overall national pass rate.

ZIMSEC said the improvement reflects continued efforts to enhance teaching and learning outcomes across the country.