Zimbabwe’s Cabinet has approved sweeping reductions in licenses, permits, levies and fees across key agricultural sub-sectors in a move aimed at lowering the cost of doing business and improving competitiveness.
Presenting the post-Cabinet briefing, Information Minister Zhemu Soda said the reforms target crops, horticulture, fisheries and fertilizer industries as part of broader economic restructuring.
The measures stem from a July 2025 Cabinet decision to implement business reforms across 12 sectors of the economy.
Among the key changes, contractor registration fees under the Agricultural Marketing Authority have been reduced from US$1,000 to US$250, while trader registration fees have also been lowered from US$1,200.
Environmental compliance costs have also been cut significantly, with effluent discharge fees reduced from US$27,000 to US$13,500. Pesticide registration fees have been halved from US$300 to US$150.
In a further boost to the fisheries sector, Cabinet removed value-added tax on fish and fish products. Wildlife lease fees were reduced from US$30,000 to US$15,000, while fish harvest fees of US$7.50 per tonne have been scrapped.
“These reforms are aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, increasing competitiveness and enhancing the viability of enterprises,” Soda said.
A comprehensive schedule of the revised fees is expected to be gazetted following further refinements.
