Story by Owen Mandovha
BUSINESS leaders and economic analysts have urged Treasury to review selected taxes and licensing fees in the forthcoming Mid-Term Policy Review, saying the measures would stimulate investment and ease the cost of doing business.
The calls come as Treasury’s strong revenue performance in the first half of the year has been attributed to improved tax administration and a series of reforms that have strengthened public finances.
While acknowledging the positive fiscal performance, industry players say some taxes and regulatory charges should now be reviewed to enhance business competitiveness.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Road Transporters Association representative Mr Simon Gambiza said licensing fees remain a major concern for transport operators.
“The sector views the licensing fees as high compared to the region, so to incentivise local operators we plead with Treasury to ensure licensing frameworks are flexible to promote business.”
Economic analyst Malone Gwadu credited Treasury’s leadership and its policy coordination with the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe for strengthening fiscal performance but said the Mid-Term Policy Review presents an opportunity to provide relief to businesses and workers.
“Credit to the leadership at Treasury in terms of spearheading this robust budget performance, and their coherence and understanding has been key in creating one of the most effective tax administration frameworks, manifested through the budget surplus. However, other taxes have outlived their purposes, like the IMTT, which everyone hopes Treasury will look at.”
Analysts also expect Treasury to revise the 2026 National Budget upwards from the initial US$9.7 billion allocation while maintaining the projected five percent economic growth target, supported by continued strong performance in the mining and agriculture sectors.
