Harare, (New Ziana) – In a move aimed at restoring integrity and professional standards within the architectural sector, Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Principles of the Architects Amendment Bill, 2025, which aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and clamp down on unregistered practice.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, during a post-Cabinet media briefing. He said the Bill responds to growing concerns over the mushrooming of unregistered architectural practitioners, a development that has threatened the credibility of the profession.
“The architectural profession in Zimbabwe, like in other jurisdictions, is a specialised and merit-based field that demands professional rigour, ethical accountability, and adherence to statutory requirements outlined in the Architects Act [Chapter 27:01],” said Dr. Muswere.
He noted that the country has witnessed a surge in graduates and practitioners offering architectural services without registering with the Architects Council — a legal requirement under existing legislation. This has raised alarm within professional circles and among regulators, prompting the need for urgent legislative intervention.
“To address these issues,” Dr. Muswere explained, “the amendment aims to reinforce the Council’s authority, ensuring that only qualified and registered professionals undertake architectural work in Zimbabwe.”
Beyond enforcement, the proposed law introduces inclusivity by formally recognising professionals with architectural training who operate in adjacent disciplines. These include architectural technologists, technicians, draftsmen, interior architects, and landscape architects.
A structured roadmap will be put in place to facilitate the progression of such professionals into fully registered architects, based on merit and experience. “This amendment is not just punitive,” Dr. Muswere said.
“It provides a developmental pathway for those in lower professional tiers, while still preserving the high standards expected in the industry.” The Bill proposes deterrent penalties to curb non-compliance, giving more muscle to the Council in policing the industry.
In tandem with these measures, the Bill seeks to harmonise the issuance of operator’s licenses across local authorities, a move expected to close loopholes and eradicate regulatory inconsistencies.
Currently, local authorities apply differing standards when licensing architectural service providers — a practice that has contributed to the proliferation of informal and unregulated architectural operations.
Standardising these regulations will, according to the Cabinet, help “uphold the integrity and standards of the profession.” The Architects Amendment Bill, 2025, is expected to undergo further stakeholder consultations before being tabled in Parliament.
If passed, it will mark a significant step in professionalising the built environment sector in Zimbabwe and aligning it with global best practices
New Ziana
