Government has abolished the Road Access Fee saying the levy had become redundant following the nationwide rollout of Zimbabwe’s tollgate system.
The removal of the levy was effected through Statutory Instrument 113 of 2026, gazetted on July 24, marking the latest measure aimed at lowering the cost of doing business and simplifying the country’s transport regulatory framework.
Announcing the development, Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Felix Mhona, said the reform is in line with Government efforts to eliminate unnecessary statutory charges and improve Zimbabwe’s competitiveness.
“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.
Minister Mhona said the move follows a directive by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for ministries to review taxes, licences, permits and statutory fees that increase the cost of doing business.
He said the review targeted charges administered by the Central Vehicle Registry (CVR), Road Motor Transportation (RMT) and the Vehicle Inspectorate Department (VID), resulting in the removal of duplicate fees and permit requirements.
The minister said the Road Access Fee, introduced in 2009 before Zimbabwe established a nationwide tollgate network, had become redundant following the rollout of ZINARA toll plazas, leaving motorists effectively paying twice for road access.
“The Road Access Fee was introduced in 2009, at a time when Zimbabwe did not yet have a national road tolling system. With the subsequent rollout of ZINARA toll gates across the national road network, the fee became duplicative, resulting in motorists being charged twice for the same service,” he said.
Government expects the reform to lower transport operating costs, improve regulatory efficiency and enhance Zimbabwe’s competitiveness as an investment destination.
Minister Mhona said the ministry would continue reviewing transport regulations to support economic growth while maintaining safety and compliance.
“The Ministry remains firmly committed to creating a modern, efficient and business-friendly transport regulatory framework. I therefore urge all drivers, vehicle owners and transport operators to comply fully with road transport regulations and to take advantage of the revised, streamlined fee structure now in place,” he said.
