SPEAKER of Parliament Jacob Mudenda has urged businesses and investors to submit proactive proposals to the local government instead of waiting for State-led initiatives, as “bureaucracy blocks”.
This comes as businesses and investors continue to complain about government policies that they consider anti-business, such as increased taxation, regulation, restrictive forex measures and corruption.
During a panel discussion at the opening of the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) 2025 Annual Congress, Mudenda expressed dissatisfaction over businesses that are failing to realise their power and potential in driving innovation and growth.
He noted that this power included pushing for new laws that support and promote development.
However, business membership organisations continue to submit recommendations, which have not been taken on board.
ZNCC opened its annual congress on Wednesday, which ends tomorrow. It is running under the theme Unlocking Business Potential Through Policy Partnerships and Productivity.
“Now, if you are interested in having a little forward investment in the local authority areas, you must come up with a proposal for the Provincial Council Act or the Devolution Act,” Mudenda said.
“All of you here as businesspeople have that responsibility. Your corporate lawyers must come up with proposed legislation to govern you.”
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He said there was no need for businesses to inform the local government where they wanted to invest.
“In any case, you cannot invest in the air. All investment in Zimbabwe takes place in local government areas, in local authorities. As Parliament, we have taken the initiative to engage local authorities to come up with some deals on certain areas of legislation and once the Bill is ready, we take it to the Attorney-General for clinical cleansing, and then the minister is supposed to take over the deal,” Mudenda said.
“You don’t have to wait for the government because Zimbabwe is yours; it’s not for the government. It is for the people of Zimbabwe, including the businesspeople.”
He said this was to make the environment more conducive for more investment.
“Bureaucracy blocks development projects… Kill the bureaucracy,” Mudenda said.
He added that some businesses were complicit in their failures, by failing to produce financial statements.
Mudenda called for professionalism and accountability in all professionals to enhance development and accountability in their respective departments.
ZNCC president Tapiwa Karoro said the chamber would continue facilitating development programmes to boost the country.
“Despite facing economic headwinds, Zimbabwe remains full of untapped promise. Our nation consists of 60% of arable land which is still underutilised, a youthful population with over 62% under the age of 35 and a growing diaspora remittance inflow that exceeded US$1,8 billion in 2024,” he said.
“These are not just statistics; they are indicators of immense latent potential waiting to be unlocked. Regarding policy consistency and clarity, these are the backdrop of investor confidence.
“As ZNCC, we commit to efforts by the government to streamline investment approvals through the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency and the strides towards currency stability.”
Tafadzwa Muguti, secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, urged businesses to engage in capacity building, a key component for growth in the business and the economy.
He also urged local authorities to recognise devolution, becoming accountable for their actions.
