By Jeremiah Gora
The Second Republic has, in a major policy shift aimed at improving Zimbabwe’s ease of doing business and reducing the cost burden on motorists, abolished the Road Access Fee, a charge that the Government says became unnecessary following the introduction of the national road tolling system.
The removal of the fee was announced by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Advocate Felix Tapiwa Mhona, after the gazetting of Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026 on 24 July 2026, officially giving legal effect to the measure.
The decision follows a directive issued by President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the first Cabinet meeting of 2026, instructing all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to review taxes, licences, permits and regulatory fees to eliminate unnecessary costs, simplify regulations and improve Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
“During the first Cabinet meeting of 2026, His Excellency the President, Cde Dr. E.D. Mnangagwa, directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to finalise the review of taxes, licences, permits and regulatory fees charged across Government,” said Minister Mhona.
He said the directive forms part of the broader national effort to eliminate excessive administrative costs, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s economic competitiveness by enhancing the ease of doing business.
Minister Mhona said Cabinet had already approved the rationalisation of fees charged by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), Road Motor Transportation (RMT) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), resulting in the removal of duplicated regulatory requirements and overlapping charges.
“I am pleased to advise the nation that Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026 was gazetted on 24 July 2026, giving legal effect to the removal of the Road Access Fee. This milestone aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business and promoting economic competitiveness,” he said.
The Road Access Fee was introduced in 2009 before Zimbabwe established a nationwide toll gate system.
However, the subsequent rollout of ZINARA toll gates meant motorists were effectively paying twice for access to the country’s road network.
“The fee became duplicative, resulting in motorists being charged twice for the same service. This duplication imposed unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on transport operators and the travelling public,” Minister Mhona said.
He said the Ministry remains committed to building a modern, efficient and business-friendly transport regulatory framework while urging motorists and transport operators to continue complying with road transport regulations and to take advantage of the streamlined fee structure now in force.
The removal of the Road Access Fee is expected to reduce operating costs for motorists and transport operators while supporting the Government’s broader economic reform agenda aimed at improving the business environment.
