ZIDA to rollout e-regulation portal next month
ROBIN PHIRI
The Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) is set to roll out a new e-regulation portal by mid-July, marking a significant step in its ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and improve the ease of doing business in the country.
The digital platform is part of ZIDA’s broader strategy to streamline regulatory processes and attract both local and foreign investment. The portal will serve as a central hub offering step-by-step guidance on various business procedures, including sector-specific requirements such as establishing operations in the transport fuel industry.
It will provide users with direct access to critical information—application forms, fee structures, and procedural guidelines—helping to eliminate ambiguity and reduce the bureaucratic friction often encountered by investors.
“The first step is understanding the processes involved,” said ZIDA CEO, Tafadzwa Chinamo. “Many people are unaware of the requirements for setting up certain types of businesses. This portal will bring clarity and make the entire process more transparent and straightforward.”
A key objective of the initiative is to resolve challenges frequently faced by investors, particularly unexpected administrative hurdles at border posts or during regulatory compliance checks—issues often caused by a lack of readily available information. By making comprehensive, up-to-date guidelines available online, the portal aims to preempt such obstacles and facilitate smoother business operations.
In its second phase, the portal will allow users to complete all required procedures remotely, thereby eliminating the need for physical interaction with government offices. This transition to digital engagement is in line with international best practices and is expected to position Zimbabwe as a more attractive and investor-friendly destination.
The upcoming launch builds on the success of ZIDA’s earlier digital reform—the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) licensing portal—which has already processed 98.1% of investment applications and significantly reduced turnaround times, with most licenses now issued in under five days.
By adopting technology-driven solutions, ZIDA is demonstrating its commitment to building a modern, responsive, and investor-centric regulatory framework. The introduction of the e-regulation portal is anticipated to further improve Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in the global investment landscape.
