KADOMA SLASHES LICENSE FEES

The City of Kadoma has taken a significant step to boost economic growth by reducing business license fees by almost 50%. The move is expected to stimulate small business growth, particularly among women and youth operators, and make the city more attractive to investors. The reduction in fees was part of the city's efforts to improve the ease of doing business and create a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.

This was revealed during the addendum full council meeting held on January 6, where the council reviewed and approved significant reductions in license fees for various businesses. General dealers (groceries) will now pay $218, down from $500, hardware businesses will pay $187, down from $500, and kitchenware businesses will pay $76, down from $500, with immediate effect. This decision was guided by a recent directive from Cabinet aimed at easing the cost of doing business, as outlined in the Shop Licenses Act (14:17).

Speaking soon after the full council meeting, Kadoma Mayor Nigel Ruzario said, "We are committed to creating a conducive business environment in Kadoma, and this decision to slash business license fees by almost 50% is a significant step in that direction. We believe that by reducing the cost of doing business, we can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and improve the livelihoods of our citizens."

The new fee structure is a welcome relief for many small businesses in Kadoma. Under the new rates, small shops will now pay $200 a year, down from $400, while hawkers will pay $58, down from $115. This reduction is expected to benefit hundreds of small businesses, allowing them to allocate more resources to growth and development.

The City of Kadoma's decision is in line with the government's broader efforts to promote economic recovery and growth. Government has been implementing reforms to improve the business environment, including reducing bureaucratic hurdles and simplifying licensing processes .