Norman Dururu
GWERU Urban legislator Josiah Makombe has commended the Second Republic for creating an enabling business environment through measures aimed at reducing licenses, levies, tariffs, and taxes.
Makombe said the reforms have encouraged indigenous entrepreneurs to venture into business and invest in various sectors of the economy.
He was speaking on the sidelines of the official commissioning of his family business, Padanga Chillspot’s US$90,000, 250-seat conference centre in Gweru.
“I want to appreciate the environment that has been created by the Second Republic, which enables indigenous people to participate,” said the legislator.
“We have seen the Government introduce measures to promote ease of doing business, such as reducing licenses. Some levies are being removed completely so those in business can survive.”
Makombe said the high cost of licenses, levies, and taxes had previously affected the viability of businesses, with some entrepreneurs struggling to realise meaningful returns on their investments.
“Those who were in business were not taking much home after significant investment, while others tried to avoid paying certain statutory obligations to keep more profit,” he said.
“But with these measures being put in place by the Second Republic, we as businesspeople are now motivated to invest.”
Makombe said the improved business environment has given entrepreneurs confidence that they can recoup their investments and generate profits.
“Although it is not enough, we are happy that the Government is taking action, and we expect them to do more so that we move beyond the colonial era, when only whites were expected to run these businesses,” he said.
He said indigenous businesspeople are eager to contribute to the country’s economic development but need the Government to continue creating an environment conducive to investment.
“We need the support of Government, not in terms of money, but by putting in place an environment that can also give us the latitude to venture into that kind of business and produce results,” he said.
Makombe said the mantra, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, should inspire citizens who want to contribute to national development by taking advantage of available economic opportunities.
Meanwhile, Government has completed a comprehensive review of licences, permits, levies and fees across 13 priority sectors, including a mop-up review covering the period from August 2025 to August 2026.
The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Mthuli Ncube, this week presented the Implementation Progress Report, together with the review of e-hailing transport services, both of which were approved by Cabinet during its 29th meeting.
The sectors covered by the reviews include agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, transport, wholesale and retail, energy, broadcasting, telecommunications, construction, banking and financial services, health and mining.
“The review of approved licences, permits, levies and fees is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of doing business, strengthening the competitiveness of the economy, improving public service delivery and advancing Government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development,” Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Soda Zhemu said during a post-Cabinet media briefing.
