Johnson Progress

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion has unveiled sweeping reforms to cut costs and simplify regulations in the livestock, dairy, and stockfeed sectors.

According to Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, the reforms aim to lower the cost of doing business, encourage exports, create jobs, and support rural development.

The government has reduced various fees, including:

1.*AMA Farm Registration*: Now a flat fee of $1, down from multiple permits

2.*Dairy Processor Registration*: Cut from $350 annually to a one-time fee of $50

3.*Livestock Movement Clearance*: Reduced to $5 per herd, down from $10 per animal

4.*Import Permit for Genetics*: Slashed from $100 to $20.

5.*Export Registration for Dairy Products*: Cut from $900 to $10

6.*Local Health Certificate Fee*: Reduced from $300 to $100.

7.*Abattoir Establishment Fee*: Slashed from $350 to $50

 

The government has also abolished several levies and permits, including:

1.*Livestock Development Levy*: Scrapped to reduce costs for farmers.

2.*Cattle Levy*: Abolished to support the livestock industry.

3.*Biosafety Permit*: Removed to ease regulatory burdens

4.*Biotechnology Import License*: Abolished, previously costing $1,100

5.*CBCA Certificate*: Scrapped to simplify export processes

6.*Borehole/Water Abstraction Fees*: Removed to support farmers and reduce costs.

 

Professor Ncube emphasized that these reforms are part of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” initiative.

 

“The initiative seeks to enhance the investment climate, encourage domestic production, and attract foreign direct investment,” he said.

 

The reforms are expected to create jobs, stimulate rural development, and improve competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

 

The government plans to extend these reforms to other sectors, including tourism, transport, and retail.

 

“Subsequent phases will extend to Tourism, Transport, Retail, and other strategic sectors, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s business environment is simplified, affordable, and aligned with Vision 2030,” Professor Ncube said.

 

The ultimate goal is to position Zimbabwe as an upper-middle-income society by 2030.