The High Court has handed Government a significant victory in the dispute over Zimbabwe’s grain import levy after dismissing an urgent application by the Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) seeking to halt the policy’s implementation.
In a ruling by the Commercial Division of the High Court, Justice Lucy Mungwari struck the matter off the urgent roll, finding that it did not warrant urgent consideration.
The challenge, mounted by GMAZ chairman Tafadzwa Musarara, targeted the grain levy framework introduced under Statutory Instrument 87 of 2025, which Government says is designed to support local farmers, expand irrigation infrastructure and reduce reliance on imports.
The ruling allows authorities to continue collecting the levy, which Treasury and agricultural stakeholders argue is critical to strengthening domestic grain production and food security.
Government says the levy has already generated about US$5.7 million, some of which is being channelled towards irrigation development and farmer support programmes.
The Indigenous Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (IGMAZ) welcomed the decision, saying it reinforces efforts to build a more self-sufficient agricultural sector and protect local producers from unfair competition posed by imports.
The judgment comes as policymakers intensify calls for measures aimed at reducing Zimbabwe’s growing import bill and boosting local production.
The Day Star(C)