Tanaka Chare
The government has launched a six-month review of taxes, levies, and permits in the agriculture sector to reduce overlapping charges and make commercial farming more affordable for producers.
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister, Dr Jenfan Muswere, pointed out how the charges were placing a heavy burden on small-scale farmers and agro-processors.
“The system required farmers to pay multiple fees for services such as livestock movement permits, veterinary inspections, and product certification, often from different departments. These charges have placed a heavy burden on small-scale farmers and agro producers.”
Dr Muswere explained that the review was ordered by His Excellency as part of broader reforms to improve the ease of business in the agriculture sector.
“President Mnangagwa ordered the review as part of broader reforms to improve the ease of doing business in the agriculture sector. The government the changes will help attract more investments and strengthen the country’s food systems.”
He also confirmed that similar reviews will be carried out in other sectors in the coming months.
The focus on agriculture, a cornerstone of the economy, reflects the government’s commitment to alleviating financial burdens that have historically hampered productivity and sustainability.
Farmers and agro-processors have long complained of high and duplicated regulatory costs, especially in the beef value chain.
Under the new reform, the government is expected to consolidate these fees and reduce the overall burden on farmers and agribusinesses. Many of the current charges are levied annually, creating significant compliance costs for new entrants and smaller operators.
Dr Muswere went on to say, “in fulfilment of His Excellency and the cabinet directive, the approved review of licences, permits and levies, and other fees, subject to further refinements in the agriculture sector, focusing on livestock, dairy farming and stockfeed. This is in line with ongoing ease-of-doing-business reforms, which aim to reduce the cost of doing business and enhance growth in the Zimbabwean economy.”
