BRRA seeks Media help to boost Zambia's business environment

By Ennie Kishiki Mutepuka.

The Business Regulatory Review Agency (BRRA) is calling on the media to partner with them in promoting a conducive business environment in Zambia.

Speaking at a workshop for media practitioners, BRRA Executive Director, Sharon Sichilongo, emphasized the importance of collaboration in raising awareness of regulatory reforms and their impact on businesses and the economy.

Ms. Sichilongo, explained that BRRA was established to oversee and improve the quality of business regulations in Zambia, with the goal of reducing the cost of doing business and enhancing the country's competitiveness. 

She said the agency has established Regulatory Services Centres (RSCs) across the country to decentralize regulatory services and make it easier for businesses to access government services.

Ms. Sichilongo, mentioned that seven RSCs have been set up in Kitwe, Solwezi, Kabwe, Lusaka, Livingstone, Chipata, and Chinsali, providing businesses and the public with convenient access to multiple regulatory services under one roof. 

She said BRRA uses Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) to evaluate the potential effects of proposed regulations on businesses and the economy.

Ms. Sichilongo, said the media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding of regulatory issues and promoting informed public discourse.

 BRRA is working to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners to effectively communicate regulatory reforms and their implications.

A conducive business environment is essential for economic growth, industrialization, and poverty reduction. Zambia's aspirations for economic transformation require strong institutions, effective policies, and collaborative partnerships.

Regulatory reforms are not just administrative exercises, but strategic interventions aimed at improving livelihoods and national prosperity. 

She further called on the media to continue partnering with them in raising awareness on regulatory reforms and promoting informed public discourse on economic governance issues.

The agency recognizes the immense responsibility that rests upon the media as custodians of information and public discourse. 

She said an accurate, balanced, and well-informed reporting contributes significantly to public trust and stakeholder participation.

BRRA is committed to transparency, stakeholder engagement, and continuous collaboration with the media, adding that the agency believes that together, they can foster greater public understanding of regulatory reforms and contribute meaningfully to Zambia's economic growth and competitiveness.

The workshop is expected to provide an opportunity for meaningful interaction, knowledge sharing, and strengthened collaboration between BRRA and the media fraternity.

Ms. Sichilongo, said by working together, BRRA and the media can promote a better understanding of regulatory reforms and contribute to Zambia's economic growth and competitiveness. 

And speaking during the same training, BRRA Director Business Facilitation, David Banda, said the continuous sensitization and awareness program by BRRA have revealed that some of the stakeholders continue to struggle to fully understand BRRA's mandate due to its technical nature.