Business Regulatory Review Agency

25/05/2026

24/05/2026

MEDIA, A STRATEGIC PARTNER IN ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) says the media is a strategic partner in educating businesses and citizens on regulatory reforms.

Officially opening a media workshop in Ndola, BRRA Executive Director, Sharon Sichilongo said when journalists clearly communicate regulatory changes and reforms, businesses become more informed and empowered to make better decisions.

Mrs. Sichilongo said a well-informed media is critical as it promotes transparency and accountability by facilitating the flow of accurate and timely information between institutions and the public.

She commended the media for their strategic role noting that they are able to amplify stakeholder concerns and feedback, thereby contributing to more inclusive and responsive policymaking and economic transformation.

Mrs. Sichilongo further said, the media helps to raise awareness of the opportunities created through business reforms, including improved access to services, investment opportunities, and a more conducive business environment.

She said BRRA has decided to partner with the media because a well-informed media directly contributes to improving the ease of doing business in the country.

22/05/2026

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BRRA RECORDS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN REGULATORY REFORMS DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 2026

22nd May 2026 - The Board of the Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) is pleased to note the significant progress recorded during the first quarter of 2026 in advancing regulatory reforms aimed at improving Zambia’s business environment and reducing the cost of doing business.
The Board Chairperson, Mr. Dominic Kapalu, said the Agency’s achievements demonstrate Government’s continued commitment to creating a more predictable, transparent and business-friendly regulatory framework that supports investment, enterprise growth and job creation.

“The progress recorded during the first quarter reflects the importance of sustained engagement with local authorities, regulatory agencies and the private sector in addressing longstanding regulatory bottlenecks affecting businesses across the country,” the Chairperson said.

During the first quarter of 2026, BRRA intensified its district-level monitoring and stakeholder engagement activities aimed at resolving regulatory disputes, harmonising business levies and improving regulatory coordination.

Among the notable achievements was the successful facilitation of the resolution of the long-standing sugarcane levy dispute between Mazabuka Municipal Council and Zambia Sugar Plc. Through BRRA-facilitated dialogue, the parties agreed on a revised levy structure that balances local revenue mobilisation with the operational sustainability of the sugar industry. The agreement is expected to improve regulatory certainty and strengthen collaboration between the private sector and local authorities.

In Luangwa District, BRRA facilitated consensus among the Local Authority, the Department of Fisheries and the Zambia Revenue Authority on the need to harmonise fish-related charges affecting traders. A multi-institutional technical committee was subsequently established to identify overlapping charges in Luangwa District and develop a harmonised framework aimed at reducing compliance costs and regulatory duplication.

The Agency also recorded encouraging progress in Petauke District following earlier interventions prompted by concerns raised by the business community. Petauke Town Council implemented a number of corrective measures, including the alignment of business levies with statutory requirements, improved stakeholder consultations, reductions in transport allocation fees and parking charges, and increased efficiency in processing of business permits and certificates. The Council further introduced significant relief measures on property rates, including remissions for the 2024, 2025 and 2026 financial years.

The Board Chairperson further noted that BRRA’s monitoring activities in Monze District highlighted the need for continued national reforms to address excessive licensing requirements, high compliance costs and duplicative regulatory obligations affecting businesses, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises.

The Chairperson further welcomed Cabinet approval of wide-ranging reforms aimed at reducing the cost of doing business across key sectors of the economy. These reforms are anchored on the Presidential Directives issued during the 2025 Private Sector Day and include the introduction of a single consolidated business levy under local authorities, rationalisation of tourism sector licensing through a single omnibus licence, and reforms to the property rating system to make it more business friendly.
Additional reforms approved by Cabinet include:
1. Simplification and digitalisation of investor permit processes;
2. Reduction and harmonisation of property rates;
3. Major reductions in honey production and export fees in the apiculture sector;
4. Streamlining of licensing and registration requirements in the construction sector; and
5. Strengthened coordination among regulatory institutions to reduce duplication and improve service delivery.
The Board Chairperson commended the Government, cooperating institutions, local authorities and the private sector for their continued collaboration in driving regulatory reforms.

“BRRA remains committed to promoting smart regulation that safeguards public interest while supporting economic growth, competitiveness and investment. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that approved reforms translate into tangible improvements for businesses and citizens,” the Chairperson said.

The Agency further reaffirmed its commitment to sustained monitoring and oversight to ensure timely implementation of agreed reforms and to address persistent structural regulatory challenges affecting the business environment.
Issued by:
Original Signed:

Masiye Mulenga (Mrs)
Senior Public Relations Officer
Business Regulatory Review Agency
[email protected]

21/05/2026

The media has been recognised as an indispensable partner in advancing awareness, accountability, transparency and public understanding of regulatory reforms.

Speaking in Kitwe during a media workshop for Kitwe based reporters, the Business Regulatory Review Agency’s Executive Director, Sharon Sichilongo said the media, occupies a strategic position in shaping public understanding and discourse around policy and regulatory matters.

Mrs. Sichilongo said the workshop was organised in order to deepen understanding of BRRA’s mandate, the regulatory reform agenda, and the broader economic significance of business regulation among the media.

She highlighted that the quality of information disseminated to the public, contributes significantly to public trust and stakeholder participation. Mrs. Sichilongo added that it is therefore important to continue strengthening the capacity of media practitioners to effectively understand and communicate regulatory issues in a manner that is simplified, accurate, and relatable to citizens and businesses.

She encouraged the media to continue engaging with BRRA, seeking clarification where necessary, and providing constructive feedback that can contribute to improved policy implementation and communication.

The media workshop was held with support from the African Development Bank through the Lobito Corridor Trade Facilitation Project being implemented by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry.

20/05/2026

CAMINEX DAY 2
See highlights for CAMINEX Day 2.

19/05/2026

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) exhibiting at the 67th Edition of the Copperbelt Agriculture, Mining, Industrial and Networking Expo (CAMINEX), one of Zambia’s leading trade and investment exhibitions that brings together local and international businesses, investors, industry leaders and policymakers to promote networking, innovation and economic growth.

The Expo, which officially opened today, 19th May 2026, and runs until 21st May 2026 at the Kitwe Showgrounds, is being held under the theme: “Collaboration for Growth: Developing Talent, Trust & Trade.” The theme underscores the importance of partnerships, innovation and stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable economic development and facilitating trade and investment opportunities.

BRRA is exhibiting under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. Come and learn more about the Agency’s services, interact with staff and gain insight into the various programmes being implemented to support business growth and improve the business regulatory environment.

BRRA, Promoting a Conducive Business Regulatory Environment.

16/05/2026

BRRA APPLAUDS CHIPOKA MULENGA FOR DRIVING BUSINESS REFORMS

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) has praised outgoing Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Hon. Chipoka Mulenga for his role in advancing regulatory reforms and improving Zambia’s business environment.

Speaking during a farewell held in honour of the outgoing Minister, BRRA Executive Director Sharon Sichilongo said the Minister’s leadership and support had greatly contributed to strengthening institutional collaboration and promoting private sector growth.

Mrs. Sichilongo, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of statutory bodies under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, said Mr. Mulenga’s tenure was marked by efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business in Zambia.

She noted that BRRA remained grateful for the confidence and encouragement the Minister consistently placed in the Agency during his time in office.

Mrs. Sichilongo further credited the outgoing Minister for championing Cabinet approval of several business licensing reforms across sectors such as tourism, local government regulation, property rates, apiculture and construction. She said the reforms had left a lasting impact on Zambia’s business environment.

And Mrs. Sichilongo wished Mr. Mulenga continued success, good health and God’s blessings as he transitions to the next phase of national service.

BRRA, Promoting a Conducive Business Regulatory Environment

15/05/2026

Take time to read the March BRRA Online Newsletter and gain insight into the Agency’s activities and ongoing efforts to enhance the business regulatory environment. To read the Newsletter, follow this link.....
https://vdkgbblnfbzjdgvafyxm.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/news-pdfs/1778653455610-4o32c4.pdf

04/05/2026

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. The Agency was established under the Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014 as amended by the Business Regulatory (Amendment) Act, No. 14 of 2018. The mandate of the Agency is to ensure an efficient, cost-effective and accessible business licensing system.

To interact with us, inbox us/ send an email to [email protected]/ call +260 211 25916/visit https://www.brra.org.zm or visit us on Plot No. 2251, Fairley Road Ridgeway, Lusaka.

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) is a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry. The Agency was established through an Act of Parliament, the Business Regulatory Act, No. 3 of 2014 and became fully operational in January 2016. The establishment of BRRA presents an...

28/04/2026

Happy KK Day.

Celebrating a legacy that continues to inspire peace and unity in Zambia.

One Zambia, One Nation.