By Liberty Mutamba
GWANDA — Government is actively reviewing and reducing the tax and levy burden on businesses as part of ongoing efforts to foster an environment conducive to investment and broader economic growth, Vice-President Kembo Mohadi has said.
Speaking at a fundraising luncheon for the Zanu PF Matabeleland South Provincial National People’s Conference, held at the Gwanda Tshitaudze Constituency Centre, VP Mohadi acknowledged that the administration had taken note of mounting concerns raised by the private sector regarding high taxes, levies, and interest rates.
The event—which surpassed its target of raising US$150,000 towards the upcoming 23rd Zanu PF National People’s Conference—was held in tandem with a business policy engagement that afforded local entrepreneurs a platform to highlight operational challenges.
“Zanu PF, as both the ruling party and the Government, is tasked with creating a conducive environment for business to thrive, which is why we have introduced several initiatives to enhance the ease of doing business in Zimbabwe,” VP Mohadi said.
He highlighted that the Government has been systematically reviewing taxes and levies, noting that several have already been reduced or repealed entirely.
“We have engaged and re-engaged, and as a result, investors have come into the country. I have heard the concerns raised by the private sector during this engagement regarding high taxes and levies that hinder business growth. We are actively seized with the matter, and fortnightly the Ministry of Finance presents a list of levies and taxes that can be scrapped or reduced. As we speak, some have been lowered, while others have been removed altogether,” he added.
VP Mohadi further noted that high interest rates—which continue to restrict access to affordable credit required for company expansion and sustainability—are being addressed through Statutory Instruments under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion.
Emphasising that the private sector remains vital to attaining the nation’s Vision 2030 targets, the Vice-President urged business leaders to take an active interest in political and policy-making processes to help shape the economic environment.
“I call upon the business community to interest itself in the politics of the day because, by doing so, you can influence the business climate,” he said. “The party is supreme, and Government policy originates from the party. Therefore, you must utilise the Zanu PF platform. If you contribute meaningfully, you can influence decisions that ultimately benefit your operations.”
Turning to corporate social responsibility, VP Mohadi challenged commercial enterprises—particularly mining companies—to step up support for host communities. He expressed dismay over the poor state of roads in Matabeleland South, pointing out that heavy haulage trucks servicing mines contribute significantly to road damage while operators do little to rehabilitate the infrastructure. He also voiced concern over widespread environmental degradation.
“We appreciate the development that comes with your investments, including job creation and infrastructure development, but we must work together. You cannot expect the Government to rehabilitate roads or repair damage caused during your operations,” VP Mohadi warned.
Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Industry and Commerce—who doubles as the Zanu PF Matabeleland South provincial chairman— Mangaliso Ndlovu, said the engagement was designed to ensure private sector concerns feed directly into the resolutions for the forthcoming conference.
He acknowledged that, historically, resolutions were formulated primarily through party structures with limited private sector input.
“We want to draft this year’s resolutions with your direct input, and if possible, hold these engagements on a regular basis,” Minister Ndlovu said.
The 23rd Zanu-PF National People’s Conference is scheduled to take place from October 12 to 17, 2026, at the Chinhoyi University of Technology in Mashonaland West Province under the theme, “From Resolutions to Results: Consolidating Economic Development and Deepening Empowerment Towards Vision 2030.”
