Story by Online Reporter
THE Government has set January 31 as the deadline for foreign nationals operating businesses in reserved sectors of the economy to submit plans to regularise their operations in line with Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025.
Under the regulations, foreign-owned businesses are required to gradually transfer ownership to locals by ceding at least 75 percent of their shareholding within the next three years, with the remaining 25 percent to be relinquished thereafter to achieve full compliance.
In a statement, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said affected operators must submit their regularisation plans at any of the Ministry’s provincial offices across the country.
“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce wishes to remind all stakeholders regarding the Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025 (SI 215 of 2025) on the Reserved Sector Regulations. All foreigners operating in the Reserved Sectors must submit Regularisation Plans by the 31st of January 2026 at any Ministry of Industry and Commerce office in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare, Chinhoyi, Gweru, Bindura, Marondera, Gwanda and Lupane.
“The Ministry also advises stakeholders that on submitting the Regularisation Plans, a valid proof of payment for the Standards Development Fund (SDF) Levy is a pre-requisite. SDF Levies can now be paid at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce offices at Mukwati Building to enable the ease of doing business,” read the statement in part.
Government said the measures are part of broader efforts to safeguard local participation in key sectors of the economy and expand access to economic opportunities for Zimbabweans.
The reserved sectors include barber shops and hair salons, retail trading, passenger and haulage transport services, pharmaceuticals, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, among others.
Authorities emphasised that the policy is not intended to deter investment, but to promote inclusive economic growth by empowering local entrepreneurs and ensuring meaningful Zimbabwean participation in strategic sectors.
Government has urged all affected businesses to comply within the stipulated timeframe, warning that failure to do so may result in penalties under the law.
Meanwhile, The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has expressed support for the reserved sector policy support legislation.
“These regulations seek to preserve specific economic spaces for Zimbabwean citizens while ensuring that foreign investment is channelled toward high-impact, capital-intensive industrialisation,” CZR president Mr Denford Mutashu said.
CZR also welcomed the introduction of minimum investment and employment thresholds for foreign investors seeking to operate in selected sectors.
Under the new framework, foreign players in retail and wholesale trade must employ at least 200 people and invest a minimum of US$20 million. In grain milling, the threshold is US$25 million and 50 employees, while haulage and logistics require US$10 million and 100 workers.
The CZR also welcomed the directive compelling manufacturers to channel their products through locally owned wholesale and retail networks, saying the measure would bolster indigenous enterprises and foster a more competitive and equitable marketplace.
“This provision directly empowers local traders and ensures that value chains benefit Zimbabwean businesses instead of being dominated by foreign interests,” Mr Mutashu added.
