Mnangagwa orders completion of licence, levy review

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed Government to finalise the review of licences, permits, levies and fees during the first quarter of this year as part of efforts to improve the ease of doing business.

Addressing the first Cabinet sitting of the year at Munhumutapa Building in Harare yesterday, the President said the exercise aligns with the Second Republic's commitment to reform the business environment, attract investment and enhance service delivery.

The review, initiated last year at the President's instigation, covers multiple sectors including health, agriculture, retail, tourism, transport, energy, manufacturing, broadcasting, telecommunications, liquor, construction and financial services. Some sectors have already implemented revised rates.

"These impactful changes should be implemented through the timely release of the necessary Statutory Instruments. I am aware that notable headway is evident with reform measures having been completed in some sectors," President Mnangagwa said.

He urged ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to broaden engagement with industry players and other stakeholders, stressing that Government must remain receptive to citizens' views and recommendations.

"This is at the core of our ‘People-centred Government under our ruling party, Zanu-PF'," he said.

President Mnangagwa called for the spirit of patriotism, unity of purpose, hard work and resilience demonstrated during the implementation of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) to be carried forward into the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) period.

"The culture of results is now an embedded part of who we are, in the Second Republic and indeed as a people.

"It is, therefore, incumbent on this Cabinet to sustain the ongoing development momentum, towards a people-centred, multi-pronged and transformative economic growth," he said.

Highlighting the inter-connected nature of the economy, the President said growth in agriculture, mining, infrastructure development, energy, tourism and manufacturing must be leveraged through greater synergy and collaboration among Cabinet members.

"Our approach to the execution of duties and responsibilities must reflect the maturity of members and not petty competitiveness," he said.

On agriculture, President Mnangagwa expressed optimism about the current season due to favourable rainfall patterns, although he acknowledged that some areas may suffer crop losses because of excessive rains.

"We remain positive that this will bring about success in the agriculture sector, to bolster our national food security and agri-business. Regrettably, some areas may encounter crop losses due to heavy rains received," he said.

He directed Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka to prepare a comprehensive report for Cabinet consideration to ensure affected and vulnerable communities are adequately supported.

The President also underscored the importance of regional solidarity, noting that neighbouring countries including Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and northern South Africa have been affected by climate change-related disasters.

"Guided by the enduring spirit of SADC solidarity, my administration, under the ZIM-Aid framework, will continue to do its part towards mitigating the vulnerabilities of affected communities by mobilising relief supplies," he said.

President Mnangagwa urged motorists and citizens to exercise caution on the roads and heed warnings from the Civil Protection Unit and Meteorological Service Department.

"As we embark on our duties during the year, let us remain inspired by the hopes, aspirations and trust which Zimbabweans have placed on our ruling revolutionary mass party, Zanu-PF.

"The decisions we make, and the results we realise or lack thereof, impact the destiny of our motherland, Zimbabwe.

"Let us all remain guided by the principle of servant leadership and our national development philosophy ‘Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulelwe ngabanikazi balo'," he said.