Blitz on errant foreign businesses

SCORES of foreign owned businesses operating in sectors reserved for locals under the country’s Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment regulations risk losing operating licences after authorities launched a blitz to unmask the illegal activities.

Since the beginning of the month, the National Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Board (NIEEB) has deployed inspectors in Harare to verify compliance by businesses operating in reserved sectors, with further deployments to Gweru and Bulawayo set for this week.

In terms of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Regulations; businesses in areas such as transport (passenger buses, taxis, car hire), retail and wholesale, barbershops and saloons grain milling, estate agents, bakeries, tobacco processing, employment agencies and advertising agencies; are reserved for locals.

Foreigners who intend to operate in the sectors should apply for exemption from the responsible line ministry.

NIEEB chief executive Mr Rangu Nyamurundira said operating within the reserved sector without approval is an offence.

“NIEEB is acting in terms of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Regulations, which reserve certain sectors of the economy for Zimbabwean entrepreneurs. Section 9A (5) directs NIEEB to verify compliance of businesses in the reserved sector, including having sight of and making copies of any relevant documents for purpose of verification. Our clearly identifiable officers are now on the ground in Harare. We expect to be starting in Bulawayo and Gweru next (this) week and the other cities first week of October. Ultimately we must verify compliance across the country.”

Mr Nyamurandira warned the targeted businesses against obstructing NIEEB officers, saying such actions carry a prison term. He said the officers would compile reports for onward submission to the parent minister who can then institute proceedings to revoke operating licences. Mr Nyamurandira said the exercise has been conducted annually since 2014.