By Business Reporter
Government emphasised its commitment in fostering a more inclusive and competitive economic landscape and reinforced the urgent need to integrate the informal sector into the mainstream economy.
The remarks were delivered by Public Service Labour and Social Welfare Deputy Minister, Mercy Dinha told delegates at the Business Environment Dialogue organised by the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) economic cluster, held in Harare on Tuesday.
“The business environment is the most important aspect of any enterprise,”.
Furthermore, “It is shaped by various forces, including suppliers, competitors, Government policies, and economic conditions. A holistic approach is crucial in addressing challenges and identifying sustainable solutions.” Dinha said.
The dialogue session, attended by various stakeholders from key sectors, provided a platform to introspect on economic challenges and propose policy recommendations.
Dinha also took the platform to announce that Government recently put in place measures to formalise the informal sector.
“Cabinet recently pronounced several measures to align the formal and informal sectors,”.
“These include the mandatory use of electronic money for all businesses and the introduction of a compulsory tax payment system to enhance compliance with tax laws.” She said.
The Government is also working towards reducing duplication of work among regulatory agencies, a move officials said will cut turnaround times and lower costs of doing business.
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was also a key discussion point at the meeting, with speakers highlighting its potential to boost regional trade and economic resilience.
The Deputy Minister, Dinha, highlighted that, “The full implementation of AfCFTA will help African countries increase their resilience to economic shocks and drive the deep reforms necessary for long-term growth.”
Stakeholders at the dialogue welcomed the Government’s efforts but also urged more engagement with small business owners to ensure that policies are practical and inclusive.
The TNF, established under the TNF Act of 2019, plays a crucial role in addressing socio-economic issues through dialogue between Government, business, and labour representatives.
As Zimbabwe works towards a more competitive economy, the focus remains on creating an environment where businesses—both formal and informal—can thrive while contributing to national development.