Zimbabwe is set to institutionalize regulatory impact assessment across its public sector, a strategic move aimed at attracting investment, stimulating enterprise, and enhancing national competitiveness. The announcement was made by Vice President Dr. Kembo Mohadi at the second edition of the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) Summit in Bulawayo. This new approach will require ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to take greater responsibility for ensuring that regulations facilitate, rather than constrain, economic activity.
The government acknowledges that traditional regulatory approaches are insufficient in an environment characterized by rapid technological, geopolitical, and environmental changes. The initiative is part of broader efforts to consolidate reforms under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), which was launched in November 2025 as a framework guiding the nation towards Vision 2030. The 2026 National Budget also recognizes the NCC’s role in coordinating the implementation of Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) across MDAs, providing quality assurance, and technical oversight to ensure new regulations are evidence-based, cost-effective, and competitiveness-enhancing.
Key Players Involved
- Vice President Dr. Kembo Mohadi: Announced the regulatory overhaul and emphasized the need for modern approaches to regulation.
- National Competitiveness Commission (NCC): Tasked with coordinating the implementation of regulatory impact assessments and ensuring quality assurance.
- Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs): Will be required to ensure regulations facilitate economic activity.
Event Timeline
- September 18, 2026: Vice President Dr. Kembo Mohadi announced the regulatory overhaul at the NCC Summit in Bulawayo.
- November 2025: Launch of the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2), under which the current reforms are being consolidated.
