The government has removed the road access fee as part of measures to reduce unnecessary charges and improve the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe.
The development was announced by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Felix Mhona, who said the move follows a directive by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the first Cabinet meeting of 2026 to review taxes, licences, permits and regulatory fees charged by the government.
“The review was aimed at eliminating excessive administrative costs, streamlining regulatory processes and improving Zimbabwe’s economic competitiveness,” said Minister Mhona.
He said the Cabinet had also reviewed fees charged by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), Road Motor Transportation (RMT) and Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), with a focus on removing unjustifiable and duplicated charges.
The minister announced that Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026, gazetted on 24 July 2026, has given legal effect to the removal of the road access fee.
“I am pleased to advise the nation that Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026 was gazetted on 24 July 2026, giving legal effect to the removal of the Road Access Fee,” Minister Mhona said.
The road access fee was introduced in 2009, before Zimbabwe had a national road tolling system. However, the subsequent introduction of ZINARA toll gates resulted in motorists effectively paying twice for road access.
Minister Mhona said the duplication created unnecessary financial and administrative burdens for transport operators and the travelling public.
“The road access fee was introduced in 2009, at a time when Zimbabwe did not yet have a national road tolling system. With the subsequent rollout of ZINARA toll gates across the national road network, the fee became duplicative, resulting in motorists being charged twice for the same service,” he said.
He said the government remains committed to creating a modern and business-friendly transport regulatory framework.
“I therefore urge all drivers, vehicle owners and transport operators to comply fully with road transport regulations and to take advantage of the revised, streamlined fee structure now in place,” Minister Mhona said.