BRRA Commits to Business Monitoring to Foster Conducive Business Environment
The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) has announced its continued vigilance in monitoring the business environment in the country.
BRRA Board Chairperson, Dominic Kapalu, affirmed the agency’s dedication to creating and sustaining a conducive atmosphere for businesses, particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
During a media briefing held on Tuesday, Mr. Kapalu emphasized the agency’s role in ensuring that entities, especially SMEs, do not face burdensome regulatory conditions.
He revealed that the agency has been actively engaging with the private sector and conducting quarterly monitoring visits to districts, where it collaborates with business associations and chambers of commerce.
Mr. Kapalu acknowledged the receipt of complaints from the private sector, particularly highlighting concerns related to harsh regulatory conditions that hinder business growth.
One significant observation during their inspections was the imposition of levies by some local authorities, posing a risk to the growth of small businesses.
Recognizing the need for business reforms to reduce the cost of doing business, Mr. Kapalu disclosed that the deployment of the electronic registry (E-Registry) has been a key initiative.
The E-Registry is a centralized database providing comprehensive information on licenses, permits, certificates, and regulations. As of December 31st, 2023, more than 500 business licenses from over 100 regulatory agencies and public bodies were published on the E-Registry.
Highlighting the purpose of the E-Registry, Mr. Kapalu explained, “The E-Registry is designed to provide easy access to exhaustive information about business licensing in the country.”
The portal recorded a total of 94,752 visits between January and December 2023, with the highest number of visits originating from Zambia, Netherlands, South Africa, UK, India, Zimbabwe, Germany, among other countries.
Despite the government’s commitment to embracing information and communication technologies (ICTs) in service delivery, Mr. Kapalu noted challenges faced by regulatory agencies in implementing effective ICT systems.
He emphasized the need for improved ICT infrastructure and platforms to enhance the delivery of regulatory services.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kapalu assured the public that the agency would continue working closely with the government to enhance the business environment.
He expressed gratitude for the government’s support, acknowledging its role in enabling the agency to continue providing essential services.
Source: ZANIS
