The Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) has launched a high-level initiative to embed Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) capabilities within key policy institutions. This strategic move aims to overhaul the nation’s business landscape, making it easier and more cost-effective to operate in Zimbabwe.
As the country moves further into 2026, the government is rolling out a series of legal instruments designed to solidify business reforms. CZI’s RIA framework is expected to be the cornerstone of these efforts, ensuring that new laws are grounded in evidence rather than mere bureaucracy.
A Collaborative Push for Competitiveness
The initiative brings together a powerful coalition of state and private actors, including:
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Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion
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Ministry of Industry and Commerce
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National Competitiveness Commission (NCC)
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Competition and Tariff Commission
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National Economic Consultative Forum
By leading the development of the RIA implementation framework, CZI aims to create a “shared goal” of a competitive regulatory environment that benefits all sectors, from mining and tourism to retail and agriculture.
Breaking Down the RIA Methodology
During a recent inception meeting supported by technical partners Genesis Analytics, stakeholders focused on mapping out how to identify and eliminate “red tape.”
Emma Green, an economist with Genesis Analytics, highlighted that the programme will spend the coming months scrutinizing various regulations to streamline the investment climate. According to CZI, the success of the RIA depends on two critical pillars:
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Baseline Understanding: Establishing a clear picture of the current regulatory hurdles before implementing changes.
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Accurate Problem Identification: Ensuring that regulations solve actual market inefficiencies rather than creating new ones.
“This marks a significant step toward evidence-based policymaking and smarter regulation that supports growth and competitiveness,” CZI stated.
Economic Outlook: Stability Breeds Growth
The drive for regulatory reform comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s economy is projected to maintain a strong upward trajectory. Treasury officials attribute this positive momentum to:
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Prudent Fiscal Management: Creating a stable environment for business-friendly reforms.
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Strategic Investment: Targeted growth in the energy, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors.
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Policy Consistency: A firm monetary policy that has provided the foundation for long-term industrial planning.
By fostering early stakeholder engagement and prioritizing “smarter” regulation, Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a more attractive destination for both local and foreign capital.
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