BMOs to table position paper to Govt
LIVINGSTONE MARUFU
Zimbabwe’s private sector is for the first time preparing to present a united front to government and parliament, as Business Member Organisations (BMOs) consolidate their challenges and proposed solutions into a single position paper.
The move seeks to amplify industry’s voice, long fragmented, and push for meaningful reforms across wide-ranging issues, including persistent economic headwinds.
Tapiwa Karoro, president of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), confirmed the development to Business Times:
“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 noted that previous fragmented submissions had failed to influence policy effectively, despite broad consensus on key issues. The consolidated position paper aims to present a cohesive roadmap to government, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory reform, tax streamlining, and solutions to long-standing operational hurdles.
Sekai Kuvarika, CEO of the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI), stressed the urgency of reform:
“Zimbabwe requires bold and accelerated reforms.”
The paper will also address pressing financial challenges, including outstanding government arrears, liquidity constraints, and the punitive 30% foreign currency surrender requirement, which has contributed to a decline 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), called for a coordinated response:
“This is a national concern which requires an economy-wide approach,” Binha said.
With BMOs set to table a unified position paper, Zimbabwe’s private sector is hoping that a coordinated approach will finally prompt government action, strengthen business confidence, and build a sustainable, enabling environment for growth.
