Source: National Trade Policy awaits Cabinet approval – herald
Tapiwanashe Mangwiro
Zimbabwe has completed drafting a new National Trade Tariff Policy, designed to strategically nurture domestic industries for regional and global market competitiveness, which now awaits Cabinet approval, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Rajeshkumar Modi said.
The policy, already validated by industry stakeholders, was highlighted as a key component of Zimbabwe’s plan to move towards a more performance-driven and competitive industrial sector.
Speaking at the inaugural National Tariff and Competition Conference 2025, Minister Modi emphasised that the draft policy represents a shift in strategy, where future State support for manufacturers would be strictly conditional.
“The article in the draft National Trade Tariff Policy awaits Cabinet approval,” Deputy Minister Modi stated. “Support from industry will be targeted, time-bound and performance orientated, fostering competitiveness rather than independence.”
He elaborated that the intended tariff measures would be calibrated to protect infant industries while simultaneously pressuring them to improve.
“Tariff measures will therefore protect firms while encouraging them to scale up efficiency, invest in technology and prepare for export-driven growth under AfCFTA, COMESA and SADC.”
This announcement frames the pending policy as a central tool in the Government’s broader plan to deepen industrialisation. The deputy minister positioned the conference as a vital platform for dialogue on how to strengthen Zimbabwe’s competition landscape and harness opportunities in continental markets.
The proposed tariff framework dovetails with other ongoing extensive doing-business reforms aimed at creating a more transparent and competitive business environment.
Deputy Minister Modi confirmed that the amendment of the Competition Act is currently underway to modernise the framework, strengthen deterrence against anti-competitive conduct and improve market control tools.
“A fair market ensures the businesses’ success on the merit of innovation and efficiency, not through a buildup of dominance, manipulation of the market, or anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions,” he asserted.
Further complementing these efforts is the review of the national fees and licensing framework, intended to eliminate duplication, remove bureaucratic barriers, and reduce the compliance burden on businesses.
This comprehensive policy push comes amid positive economic indicators.
Deputy Modi revealed that the industrial sector, including construction, contributed 31,8 percent to gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, while manufacturing accounted for 15,3 percent, with the respective figures projected to rise further by the end of 2025.
“Surely these figures reflect real progress, new jobs being created, emergence of new value chains, factories, innovation, and strengthening of existing value chains,” he said.
To lock in this momentum, the ministry is in the final stages of developing the Zimbabwe National Industrial Development Policy 2026-2030 (ZNIDP), to build a “thriving, advanced, diversified, and export-oriented industrial base.”
While the policy framework sets the direction, the Government is also banking on mega investment projects to underpin this growth. Deputy Minister Modi highlighted the transformative potential of the Chinese firm Dinson Iron and Steel Company’s Manhize steel plant, which he described as the largest integrated steel project on the continent.
“This strategic investment strengthens the upstream and downstream value chains, catalyses industrial growth and positions Zimbabwe as a leading steel hub in the region,” he said.
With the draft National Trade Tariff Policy now heading to Cabinet, Zimbabwe’s industrial strategy is crystallising around a core principle: temporary, smart protection must be inextricably linked to a relentless drive for efficiency and export competitiveness.
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