Governments in Southern Africa have been accused of stalling economy growth through legislation that impedes on business growth through restrictions and bans.
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa Competition Commission chief executive George Lipimile said governments are at the fore front of discouraging competition, which is meant to evoke business growth.
“Governments have been the biggest drivers of uncompetitive business environments across the region .Rather they are the ones who are at the forefront of stifling competition ,said Lipimile.
Zimbabwe has off-late instituted an import ban in an attempt to protect local products from competition from outside its borders.
“Competition has been stifled by Governments mostly due to imposition of bans on certain products, excessive licences required to start a business and the amounts required for someone to start a business.”
Lipimile went on to note that competition authorities are not there to injure business transactions but have a duty to make sure business transactions sail through in a competitive manner.
The import ban on foreign products in Zimbabwe sparked riots and protests in Bietbridge border post.
Lipimile went on to sight that the import ban enacted by Zimbabwe might not have a "direct impact" contradicting claims sighted by local economists that in the long run, the ban will have an effect on overall trade.
- Herald
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