EDITORIAL COMMENT: Govt departments must reduce red tape

Cabinet has unanimously endorsed Nigerian billionaire, Aliko Dangote’s decision to invest in Zimbabwe’s critical sectors of the economy. In just two days after Dangote met President Robert Mugabe, his two Vice Presidents, Cdes Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko as well as government ministers to express his desire to invest in the country, cabinet came up with a decision.

Potential investors have in the past complained about too much bureaucracy and this week cabinet demonstrated that government is determined to ensure investment proposals are approved in the shortest possible time.

Dangote who is Africa’s richest man with a net worth of about $21,1 billion according to Forbes magazine — 2014, was in the country on Monday to seal some investment deals. He is interested in cement manufacturing, coal mining and thermal power station construction. Cabinet did not waste time in endorsing Dangote’s plans to invest in the country and as already alluded to, this is a confirmation that government is determined to reducing investors’ waiting time.

President Mugabe has already announced that government is prepared to listen to all investors’ concerns with a view to addressing them. He said the government is also committed to reducing the cost of doing business to the barest minimum.

The various structures of government should learn from cabinet and play their role in reducing the red tape that for years has been blamed for frustrating potential investors. The government has already pledged its commitment to making Zimbabwe an investment destination of choice by coming up with a number of investment incentives which must be complemented by speedy approval of investment projects.

Zimbabwe has most of resources that investors need such as minerals, gas and other such resources. The challenge to government is to create a conducive investment environment. It is pleasing to note that government also wants to rid the country of all anti-investment laws and soon a body will be established to spearhead the repealing of laws scaring away investors.

We, however, at this juncture want to warn the government not to confuse speeding up approval of investment projects and laxity. The government structures should continue to be thorough when scrutinising investment proposals to ensure the country is not shortchanged.

Zimbabwe and its people should continue to benefit from whatever investment comes into the country. The issue of building the Zimbabwean economy demands a shared vision regardless of one’s political party, religion, colour or creed. What is critical is to get Zimbabwe working so that industries that have been closed are opened and those that have scaled down production increase capacity.

It is this great challenge to revive our industries which must bring us together as Zimbabweans. It is incumbent upon each and every Zimbabwean to see to it that we bequeath to future generations a very vibrant economy and this is only possible if we pull in the same direction.

You Might Also Like

Comments