Ease of doing business is,
well, everyone’s business.

SHAME MAKOSHORI

EVERYONE rightfully complains about the challenges of doing business in Zimbabwe but, individually, rarely introspect on their roles in this. While the government has failed to provide an enabling environment, all players must face up to their archaic ways of doing business which have complicated the ease of doing business in the country.

Granted, businesses have to navigate multiple layers of bureaucracy and corruption to secure requisite permits before setting up in Zimbabwe. Those with the patience to withstand these frustrations must be prepared to pay kickbacks and “facilitation fees” for access to powerful decision makers who strategically make themselves scarce to benefit from proceeds of this crime.

When Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote (net worth US$13,5 billion), decided to drop Zimbabwe out of several markets that his business was targeting from 2015, reports emerged that cronies of the ruling elite attempted to arm-twist him into paying a backhander to facilitate his entry. Over US$1 billion in potential investment was lost.

By the moment that investors go through the red tape and secure certificates of incorporation, they begin the difficult process of moving across offices to acquire many more expensively priced permits and licences.

When the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (Zida) was established, the idea was to house all key agencies that interface with investors to expedite registrations. But because the web of compliances cascades beyond the central government; investors have to move around Zimbabwe to file superfluous applications.

The cost of negotiating this maze has hurt the economy. A recent survey by Industrial Psychology Consultancy – a local HR consultancy outfit – says Zimbabwe is Africa’s second most expensive destination to do business. It cites these hurdles among the reasons for the high costs.

The cost of doing business has been worsened by the fact that, in coming up with prices, companies factor in all the troubles they have faced in registration.

Many foreign investors have trooped out because of the rigmarole. Home-grown enterprises too have joined the exodus. We have seen many firms controlled by Zimbabweans, especially in logistics, setting up shop in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia where the environment is stable and not subjected to governmental whim.

In 2015, the World Bank noticed these shortcomings and rolled out a series of interventions through the “Ease-of-Doing-Business Campaign”, which became central to efforts to improve the business environment.

This helped Zimbabwe set up a one-stop border facility at Chirundu. Working with authorities, the bank tried to reduce a litany of licences and fees to attract investment into local authorities. Sadly, delays in issuing permits, corruption and sheer incompetence in most of our urban councils continued to frustrate the effort.

Access to services has become a daily problem for business. A long-drawn acute power crisis is wreaking havoc. It is estimated that blackouts will cost industry US$4 billion this year, according to the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce.

But bureaucratic bungling is now common in the private sector too, including in banks. Even if banks approach you to take a loan, they still grill and frustrate you with a litany of yesteryear requirements that ought, by now, to have been taken care of by digitalisation. Many businesses throw in the towel instead of going through this.

Last week, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said banks are sitting on US$2,5 billion, which they could lend to business. But their archaic approach to landing and risk stands in the way of a vital lifeline for commerce and industry.

For the ease of doing business to improve, the government, the local authorities, banks, business and trade unions must all realise that the economy is our common master. A laser- focused unity of purpose by all the above is central to a thriving economy. Helping ease the burden of doing business should be everyone’s business.

In Conversation With Nyasha Zhou

Nyasha Zhou, a retired executive and CA, was the first black partner in a global firm in Zimbabwe. He used that opportunity to fight for more people of his colour to get into the profession. A public-spirited man, Nyasha played a key role in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe (Icaz) Centenary Book celebrating 100 years of the organisation’s phenomenal work. This episode is a master class for those focused on professional growth. One of Nyasha’s guiding principles is the “Touch of God ” – Do everything so well that he who looks down upon you will have no reason to complain.” Nyasha shares lessons from his successes and failures in this must watch episode which is available here…

Audience Responses

From the Nyasha Zhou episode, our community had this to say:

Milton Dzinodya:

I am an aspiring Chartered Accountant and until today, I have learnt that soft skills are the greater part of becoming one. Nyasha Zhou, what a level headed and a very humble man. I wish to be invited at the In Conversation with Trevor in future.

Nyasha Chakuma:

Its always value adding to sit and listen to Mr Zhou, you never leave the same. Thank you Trevor.

Time Mthokozisi Gumbo:

The way he makes reference to the books he has read. He’s a master reader! I am utterly inspired. Those community development initiatives – not all heroes wear caps! Siyabonga Malume Trevor for this dope show.

Coming Next: In Conversation with Victoria Nxumalo

Don’t miss the next episode with Founder and Executive Director Girls In STEM Trust Zimbabwe Victoria Nxumalo In Conversation with Trevor.

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