The Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), in its role as the representative voice of business, is inviting stakeholders across Bulawayo to participate in a structured consultation on the Ease of Doing Business within the city.

This initiative is aimed at gathering practical, experience-based input from the private sector to inform a formal submission by ZNCC to the Bulawayo City Council (BCC). The objective is to ensure that regulatory frameworks, service delivery processes, and cost structures are responsive to the realities faced by businesses on the ground.

Bulawayo remains a key industrial and commercial hub with significant potential for investment and growth. However, stakeholders continue to face challenges relating to the cost and timelines of building plan approvals, delays in licensing processes, and inconsistencies in the implementation of statutory instruments. In addition, affordability constraints have, in some cases, created gaps in compliance, allowing informality to persist while placing compliant businesses at a disadvantage.

Addressing these challenges is critical to unlocking investment, improving competitiveness, and supporting the sustainable expansion of the city.

Why Your Input Matters

Your participation will contribute directly to:

• Identifying key bottlenecks affecting business operations
• Improving efficiency and transparency in local authority processes
• Enhancing affordability and compliance systems
• Strengthening investment conditions within Bulawayo
• Shaping policy recommendations aligned with national development priorities

This process builds on ongoing efforts by Government agencies, key parastatals, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), and other regulatory authorities to improve the operating environment. ZNCC seeks to complement these efforts by ensuring that local authority systems are aligned and responsive to business needs.

Key Areas of Focus

• Building plan approvals (costs and timelines)
• Licensing processes and delays
• Implementation of statutory instruments
• Cost of compliance and affordability
• Regulatory gaps and informality
• Impact on investment and city expansion

Submit Your Input

Stakeholders are encouraged to share their experiences and recommendations through the official survey:

https://forms.gle/cPg9gAwof4baT7jE9

The survey is structured, confidential, and designed to capture practical insights that will inform targeted reforms.

Conclusion

ZNCC remains committed to advancing a business-friendly environment that supports inclusive growth, competitiveness, and investment. Your voice is critical in shaping a more efficient and enabling business landscape in Bulawayo.

All stakeholders are encouraged to participate.