Private Sector Set To Table Position Paper To Government

For the first time, Zimbabwe’s private sector is preparing a single, consolidated position paper to present its challenges and solutions to government and parliament.

The move, confirmed by Tapiwa Karoro, president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), aims to strengthen the industry’s voice, which has long been divided, and push for reforms amid persistent economic pressures. Said Karoro:

“One of the resolutions that came up from our meeting was that ZNCC needed to actually spearhead and drive a business Omnibus Bill, paying particular attention to the areas that are affecting business and the private sector.

“So this is more a challenge to us, which collectively is not a ZNCC thing, but collectively as Business Member Organisations [BMOs], we have to take a step back and say, what is at our disposal to be able to influence, challenge, and drive change? And these are one of the avenues.”

Industry leaders said that past fragmented submissions had little impact on policy, even though there was agreement on key issues.

The new, consolidated position paper aims to give the government a clear roadmap, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reform, simpler taxes, and solutions to long-standing operational problems.

Sekai Kuvarika, CEO of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), called for bold and accelerated reforms, citing financial challenges such as outstanding government arrears, liquidity issues, and the 30% foreign currency surrender requirement.

These factors, she argued, have contributed to a drop in manufactured exports from US$119.9 million in H1 2024 to US$90.7 million in H1 2025.

Oswell Binha, chairman of the CEO Africa Roundtable (ART), stressed that the issue requires an economy-wide response.

With Business Member Organisations (BMOs) preparing a unified position paper, Zimbabwe’s private sector hopes a coordinated approach will prompt government action, boost business confidence, and create a more sustainable environment for growth.

More: Business Times

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