The Zimbabwean government has approved a fresh round of licence fee reductions across 13 economic sectors as part of the ongoing Mop-Up Review exercise. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube confirmed the move, which aims to lower business costs and consolidate fragmented regulatory requirements in agriculture, education, transport, and sports, following an initial reform phase launched in July 2025.
Regulatory Overhaul and Economic Impact
The latest cabinet decision targets the residual sectors left out of the initial regulatory review. According to Minister Mthuli Ncube, the government intends to streamline duplicated and overlapping permits, remove unnecessary levies, and lower fees that were deemed “unjustifiably high.” This initiative is an extension of a broader program launched last year to simplify the regulatory environment for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger industries alike.
Did you know?
The government is establishing a “One Stop Shop” facility specifically to simplify the process of vehicle change of ownership, aiming to reduce the administrative burden on motorists.
Specific Fee Reductions by Sector
The reforms introduce direct financial relief across various industries, particularly in the agricultural and sporting sectors. Official government data outlines the following adjustments:
- Agriculture: Registration and application fees for industrial hemp have been reduced, alongside cuts to medicinal cannabis research permit costs.
- Sports and Recreation: The Sport and Recreation Commission’s 6% gate takings levy is slashed by 50%.
- Football: The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) levy on gross match-day income is reduced by 50%, while the Premier Soccer League levy drops from 10% to 4% of net match-day income.
- Local Authorities: Venue hire levies are reduced to 10% of total gross attendance, and outdoor advertising fees are now capped at US$2.50 per square metre.
- Public Services: Cemetery entry fees have been abolished entirely.
While many fees have been lowered, the government noted that certain costs remain fixed. Fees for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, including ZIMSEC annual affiliation and examination costs, will remain at current levels. Similarly, vehicle change of ownership fees remain unchanged, despite the planned operational improvements.
Keep a close watch on the official government gazette for the detailed schedule of these fee changes. Understanding which specific permits are now consolidated can save your business significant administrative time and capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sectors are affected by the latest licence fee reductions?
The review covers agriculture, education, transport, sport, and the natural stone export subsector.
Have all school-related fees been reduced?
No. The government has clarified that Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education fees, including ZIMSEC affiliation and examination fees, remain at their current levels.
What happens to the 6% gate takings levy for sports?
The Sport and Recreation Commission’s 6% gate takings levy has been reduced by 50%, effectively halving the cost for organizers.
Is the vehicle change of ownership fee changing?
The fee remains unchanged, but the government is creating a new “One Stop Shop” facility to streamline the process for vehicle owners.
Are these reforms impacting your business operations? Share your experience with the new regulatory processes in the comments section below or subscribe to our weekly policy newsletter for updates on government fee schedules.
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