VETTING AND VALIDATION EXERCISE IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE

The Business Regulatory Review Agency, with support from the World Bank Group and in collaboration with Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, undertook a validation and vetting exercise of business laws, regulations and ensuing licenses, permits, certificates and authorisations under the mandate of local authorities in Southern Province.

The exercise, which was conducted in two (02) phases, took place in Livingstone from 21st to 25th February, 2022. The first phase involved validating and vetting business regulations and licenses under eight (08) Local Authorities namely Chikankata, Mazabuka, Monze, Pemba, Gwembe, Namwala, Choma and Livingstone. The second phase involved five (05) Local Authorities namely Zimba, Kalomo, Kazungula, Sinazongwe and Siavonga.

During the workshop, the World Bank held a virtual sensitisation session for all the thirteen (13) Local Authorities on Good Regulatory Practices. The World Bank introduced the concept of Risk Based Regulation to the local authorities which they could consider employing as they come up with business regulations.

The exercise is a fulfilment of Section 8 of the Business Regulatory Act 3 of 2014 and is aimed at insuring that licenses, permits, certificates and authorisations have legal effect, validity and enforceability in so far as business activities are concerned.

The e-Registry is a database aimed at providing easy access to exhaustive information about business regulatory frameworks including formalities that businesses have to comply with in order to obtain a licence, permit, certification or authorisation in Zambia.