Story by Owen Mandovha
GOVERNMENT has extended its ease of doing business reforms to the mining sector, targeting lower costs, improved competitiveness and increased investment.
The measures were announced during Tuesday’s post-Cabinet briefing in Harare, as authorities move to streamline regulatory processes across key sectors of the economy.
Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu said Cabinet had approved a review of licences, permits, levies and fees in the mining sector, presented by Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Honourable Professor Mthuli Ncube.
“The review process is aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness, enhancing the viability of enterprises, and enabling the growth of the Zimbabwean economy,” said Honourable Ndlovu.
“Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removal of unnecessary levies and fees, and reduction of unjustifiably high charges in the mining sector.”
The reforms align with a Cabinet decision of July 29, 2025, which set in motion broader business reforms across 12 sectors.
Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Professor Ncube also underscored the need to incentivise mineral beneficiation as part of value addition efforts.
Meanwhile, Cabinet approved the Environment Management Bill, which seeks to tighten enforcement through stiffer penalties in response to rising environmental degradation in mining areas.
The 66th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair, held in Bulawayo, also came under review, with Government describing the event as a success.
“The total number of exhibitors increased from 795 in 2025 to 812 in 2026, with 98 being first-time exhibitors. Private sector participation accounted for 61 percent, while Government entities made up 39 percent,” Honourable Ndlovu said.
He added that the Rural Industrialisation and Economic Empowerment Indaba highlighted strategies to strengthen linkages between large industry and micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly in agro-processing and mineral beneficiation.
A US$1 million Youth Economic Empowerment Fund was also launched to support youth-led enterprises.
Separately, Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Honourable Monica Mutsvangwa, briefed Cabinet on nine infrastructure projects under development, including the Gazaland Workspace in Harare, which is nearing completion.
