THE proposed new National Trade Tariff Policy is expected to be a game-changer for Zimbabwe’s industrialisation agenda, offering a robust legal framework to support strategic policy interventions to accelerate economic growth and attract local and international investment. This was revealed during the National Trade Tariff Validation Workshop hosted by the Competition and Tariff Commission (CTC) in Bulawayo on Tuesday, held under the theme “Harnessing Trade Tariff Policy for Industrialisation”. Speaking at the workshop, CTC assistant director for tariffs Ms Cecelia Mashava said the new National Trade Tariff Policy would provide a structured, transparent and predictable tariff system designed to protect domestic industries while ensuring compliance with regional and international trade obligations.
“It is important for us as a country to have a National Trade Tariff Policy and it comes at a time when the Government has crafted policies that are growing the economy,” she said. “The role of tariff policy also provides a structured framework to protect, nurture and grow domestic industries while balancing trade commitments,” she added. Among its provisions, the Act will rationalise Zimbabwe’s tariff structure and introduce a comprehensive tariff review every five years to ensure alignment with evolving economic realities and global trade standards.
The initiative is part of the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025) resolutions. The Second Republic has underscored its commitment to providing policy support that integrates the national economy more competitively into regional and global markets such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa. Experts have stressed the importance of striking the right balance between industry support and consumer welfare.
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Ms Mashava further explained the importance of tariff liberalisation under international trade agreements. “We are signing trade agreements so that we have market access, so that we can import our raw materials duty-free.
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