The Zimbabwean government has announced a fresh wave of reductions in business licence fees across 13 sectors, as part of ongoing efforts to make the country more business-friendly. The measures, approved by Cabinet under the Mop-Up Review of Licences, Permits, Levies and Fees, target ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that were not included in the initial phase of reforms.
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube told journalists that the review now covers outstanding areas such as agriculture, education, transport, sport and natural stone export. He said the goal is to complete a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory framework by addressing sectors left out when the first 13 priority sectors were approved on July 29, 2025.
Among the key changes, the Agricultural Marketing Authority and the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe will reduce fees related to industrial hemp registration and licensing. School affiliation fees and examination fees remain unchanged, while a new One Stop Shop will be created to simplify vehicle change of ownership. The Sport and Recreation Commission’s gate takings levy will be cut by 50%, and the Zimbabwe Football Association’s match-day revenue levy will also be halved. The Premier Soccer League levy drops from 10% to 4% of net match-day income.
Local authorities will see the outdoor advertising cap set at US$2.50 per square metre, and cemetery entry fees will be abolished. The government says a detailed schedule of all reduced or abolished fees will be published soon.
These reforms are part of a broader programme launched last year to lower business licensing costs, consolidate overlapping permits, eliminate duplicate charges and cap fees for small and medium enterprises. The latest round is expected to ease the financial burden on businesses and encourage formalisation across key sectors.
