BRRA Reports Major Gains in Streamlining Business Licensing

By Daily News Reporter 

 The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) has announced its significant progress in advancing regulatory reforms aimed at creating a more conducive business environment in Zambia.

Speaking to journalists in Lusaka Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) Board Chairperson Mr. Dominic Kapalu highlighted key achievements recorded in 2025, including monitoring activities conducted across five provinces to assess regulatory practices and address challenges affecting the private sector.

The Agency undertook nine monitoring exercises involving chambers of commerce and industry, private businesses, sector associations and local authorities. The engagements resulted in the resolution of disputes between local authorities and businesses, particularly concerning goods in transit and the introduction or adjustment of charges without stakeholder consultation.

Mr Kapalu stated that findings from the monitoring activities have informed targeted reforms and policy adjustments designed to simplify procedures, reduce compliance costs and promote enterprise growth.

He also said that as part of the implementation of the Border Management and Trade Facilitation Act No. 8 of 2025, BRRA participated in the coordinated border management process, which led to the withdrawal of local authorities from operating at border points.

The collection of fees at entry and exit points has since been delegated to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). The move is intended to enhance efficiency, accountability and uniformity in revenue collection, while reducing delays and facilitating smoother trade flows.

BRRA also conducted a comprehensive review of the Regulatory Services Centres (RSCs), commonly known as one-stop shops, with support from the European Union under the Technical Assistance Project on an Inclusive Regulatory Environment Conducive to Business and Investment in Zambia.

The review assessed the effectiveness of RSCs, identified operational challenges and evaluated inter-agency coordination. Among the key recommendations was the adoption of a hybrid service delivery model integrating physical and digital platforms to improve accessibility and efficiency.

The Agency reported growth in the use of its electronic registry (e-registry), which provides up-to-date regulatory information to businesses and investors. In 2025, the platform recorded 190,869 visits, representing a 45 percent increase compared to 2024.

Mr Kapalu noted that the increase reflects growing confidence in digital regulatory platforms and underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance transparency and service delivery.

BRRA acknowledged the role of strategic partnerships in advancing its mandate, particularly through collaboration with the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), which facilitates engagement between government and the private sector.

The Agency also received technical and financial support from cooperating partners, including the World Bank through the Zambia Agribusiness Trade Project (ZATP II), the African Development Bank through the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project and the European Union.

Mr Kapalu further recommended several regulatory agencies for implementing reforms aimed at simplifying compliance.

The Ministry of Energy was recognised for the Energy Single Licensing System (ESLS), through which the Energy Regulation Board issued 474 licences and 100 construction permits in 2025, translating into approximately K67.2 billion in pledged investments.

The Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) for introducing the Single-Disc Road Certificate, integrating road tax, vehicle fitness and insurance into one disc.

And the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) was also recognised for reducing environmental assessment fees and shortening review timelines following the enactment of Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2026.

He added  that BRRA has reaffirmed its commitment to finalising and implementing ongoing reforms aimed at reducing regulatory burdens, enhancing service delivery and strengthening investor confidence to support economic growth and job creation.