THE Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has applauded the Government’s commitment to strengthening energy and fuel infrastructure, including plans to upgrade the fuel pipeline capacity. This comes after Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressed the State of the Nation (SONA) on Tuesday, revealing that the country continues to enjoy adequate fuel supplies, benefiting from the upgrading of the Feruka pipeline capacity to three billion liters per annum.
In an interview with Newsonline reporter Prince Meke, CZR President Dr. Denford Mutashu said, “These reforms mark a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing drive to create a competitive, efficient, and business-friendly environment that promotes growth, formalization, and sustainability within Zimbabwe’s Retail and Wholesale landscape.” Dr. Mutashu highlighted that these initiatives are critical to addressing persistent energy and fuel supply challenges, which have long increased operational costs and disrupted supply chains.
“Reliable energy and transport systems will directly enhance business efficiency, price stability, and product availability across the country,” Dr. Mutashu said. He emphasized that the retail sector is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, providing employment and generating revenue. “Therefore, any improvements to the business environment will have a positive impact on the economy and the lives of Zimbabweans,” he added.
The CZR president emphasized the importance of timely implementation, predictable energy pricing, and inclusive participation of local businesses in infrastructure and power projects. “We encourage the Government to engage the private sector stakeholders in these processes to ensure shared growth,” he said. Dr. Mutashu also called for regular stakeholder engagements to discuss industry challenges and opportunities, promotion of partnerships between manufacturers and retailers, and fiscal incentives to attract investment.
The Confederation commends the Ministry for introducing wide-ranging reforms, including the consolidation of multiple licenses, reduction of fees, and harmonization of liquor licensing permits. These reforms include:
- Consolidation of eleven separate local authority licenses into a single unified license for shops with multiple business lines
- Removal of the bottle store license requirement where a bottle store operates within a licensed retail shop
- Combining retail and wholesale licenses into one to ease operations for mixed traders
- Merging of factory and retail licenses for integrated businesses under one premise
- Scrapping of the ZTA license requirement for supermarkets, now limited to tourist-designated entities
- A 50% reduction and capping of hotel, lodge, and other tourism-related business license fees at USD$500
- Capping of Change of Property Use fees at USD$1,000, down from as high as USD$3,500
- Reduction of effluent waste management fees from USD$575 to USD$200 annually
- Consolidation of PRAZ license fees into a single category ranging from USD$50–$120, applicable across all business branches
- Harmonization of liquor licensing permits across all local authorities
- Introduction of a flat RBZ Financial Services License fee of USD$20 annually, down from USD$1,867
- Elimination of the MCAZ permit to sell veterinary products due to duplication with the Department of Veterinary Services
These measures are expected to help prepare the industry for opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area while supporting Zimbabwe’s ambition to become a middle-income economy by 2030.
The CZR remains committed to partnering with the authorities to ensure these strategic investments translate into improved business confidence, reduced costs, and better consumer welfare in pursuit of Vision 2030.
