FOREIGN OPERATORS GIVEN JANUARY 31 ULTIMATUM TO REGULARISE RESERVED SECTOR BUSINESSES

Knowledge Muneri

January 04, 2026

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The government has set January 31 as the deadline for foreign nationals operating businesses in reserved sectors of the economy to submit plans to regularize their operations in line with Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025. Under the regulations, foreign-owned businesses are required to gradually transfer ownership to locals by ceding at least 75% of their shareholding within the next three years, with the remaining 25% to be relinquished thereafter to achieve full compliance.

In a statement, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce said affected operators must submit their regularization plans at any of the Ministry's provincial offices across the country. "The Ministry of Industry and Commerce wishes to remind all stakeholders regarding the Statutory Instrument 215 of 2025 (SI 215 of 2025) on the Reserved Sector Regulations. All foreigners operating in the Reserved Sectors must submit Regularization Plans by January 31, 2026, at any Ministry of Industry and Commerce office in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo, Mutare, Chinhoyi, Gweru, Bindura, Marondera, Gwanda, and Lupane," the statement read. Follow & Share Our WhatsApp Channel

The Ministry also advised stakeholders that a valid proof of payment for the Standards Development Fund (SDF) Levy is a prerequisite when submitting the Regularization Plans. SDF Levies can now be paid at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce offices at Mukwati Building to enable the ease of doing business.

The government emphasized that the measures are part of broader efforts to safeguard local participation in key sectors of the economy and expand access to economic opportunities for Zimbabweans. The reserved sectors include barber shops and hair salons, retail trading, passenger and haulage transport services, pharmaceuticals, artisanal and small-scale gold mining, among others.

The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) has expressed support for the reserved sector policy support legislation. "These regulations seek to preserve specific economic spaces for Zimbabwean citizens while ensuring that foreign investment is channeled toward high-impact, capital-intensive industrialization," CZR president Mr. Denford Mutashu said.