Opening A Healthcare Business In Zimbabwe: Part A - PHARMACY

Opinion By Shingi Swiswa (Pharmacologist)

Opening a pharmacy in Zimbabwe can be a worthwhile venture despite the economic challenges present. The demand for medicines has been on the rise lately. Several regulatory bodies are involved in the registration process thus the correct planning and execution is required for full compliance. Below is a short but detailed guide highlighting the necessary steps, documentation, and range of costs to consider:

Guide to Registering a Pharmacy in Zimbabwe
1. Company Registration. The first step is to register your business.
- Business Type: Register as a Private Limited Company (PLC); other forms like Private Business Corporations (PBCs) may be accepted if they prove that control and management is under a skilled professional such as a registered pharmacist.
- Ownership Requirement stipulated by law: At least 51% of the company must be owned by a registered pharmacist.
- Registration Authority: Registrar of Companies.
- Estimated Cost: USD 200–500 if using third parties but cheaper if one processes it on their own.

2. City Council Shop Licence
- Acquire a shop licence from the local city council to legally operate retail premises.
- Requirements: Premises must meet zoning and safety regulations for eligibility of a licence.
- Estimated Cost: Around USD 1,200, though this may vary by location.
- A food purveyors provision or clause may be added if the pharmacy stocks food items.
- Fire brigade licence for safety of the building are now popular.

3. Health Professions Authority (HPA) Registration
- Download and complete the application form from the [HPA website]( https://hpa.co.zw/downloads/ ).
- Submit the form along with the required registration fee.
- Arrange for an inspection of your premises by HPA officials.
- Inspection Timeline: Typically conducted within 2 weeks of application submission.
- Certificate Validity: 1 calendar year; must be displayed visibly on the premises.
- Estimated Cost: USD 350–1,000.

4. Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) Licensing
- Responsibilities: MCAZ regulates the safety and quality of medicines and medical devices.
- Application Process:
- Complete the MC-8 form available on the [MCAZ website](https://www.mcaz.co.zw/licensing-and-enforcement/licensing).
- Submit supporting documents, including proof of HPA registration.
- Undergo premises inspection by MCAZ officials.
- Estimated Cost: USD 4,000–6,000, depending on location and other factors.

5. Pharmacists Council of Zimbabwe (PCZ) Registration
- Purpose: Ensures pharmacists meet professional standards.
- Requirements:
- Submit proof of professional qualifications.
- If qualifications were obtained abroad, pass the Forensic Pharmacy Examination administered by MCAZ.
- Pay the required fees and provide necessary documentation.
- Estimated Cost: USD 200–300.

Key Overlooked Requirements
- Tax Clearance Certificates: Obtained from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for premises and skilled persons. Since a pharmacy business involves the sale of medicines and consumables, it is mandatory to obtain tax registration to submit VAT.
- City Council Approval: Letter/report confirming premises suitability.
- Display of Certificates: All licences and certificates must be displayed visibly within the pharmacy.
- Clear binding lease agreement.
- Data protection licence or insurance from dispensing software providers.

Estimated Total Startup Costs
(USD)
{} Company Registration {} 300–500 {}
{} Shop Licence {} 1,200 {}
{} HPA Registration {} 350–1,000 {}
{} MCAZ Licensing {} 4,000–6,000 {}
{} PCZ Registration {} 200–300 {}
{} Initial Stock and Inventory {} 15,000–30,000 {}
{} Premises Renovations and Equipment {} 5,000–12,000 {}
{} Total Estimated Cost {} 26,050–49,000 {}

NB: These are estimate costs thus may vary based on location, size of the pharmacy, and other factors. To help fund a pharmacy business project, one can explore options such as personal funds, contributions from family and friends, or accessing loan funds from banks or empowerment facilities. Location is crucial for the success or failure of a pharmacy business such as proximity to hospitals, high traffic areas and competing pharmacies. Several payment solutions should be available for clients ranging from contact to online to contactless options.

Recommendation: In order to ease the doing of business, the government should lower licensing fees to address high operational costs that are bedevilling many pharmacy owners.

Regulatory Bodies
- Health Professions Authority (HPA): (https://www.hpa.co.zw)
- Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ): (https://www.mcaz.co.zw)
- Pharmacists Council of Zimbabwe (PCZ): (https://www.pcz.co.zw)
-Postal and Telecommunication Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) https://www.potraz.gov.zw/
-Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) https://www.zimra.co.zw/


REFERENCES
1.Company Registrations; 10/04/2019; https://www.companyregistrations.co.zw/blog/how-to-register-a-pharmacy-in-zimbabwe; accessed 07/10/2025
2.Zimbabwe Companies Registry; 5 Steps On How To Register A Pharmacy In Zimbabwe; 20/06/2019; https://www.zimbabwecompaniesregistry.org/5-steps-on-how-to-register-a-pharmacy-in-zimbabwe/ ; accessed 07/10/2025
3.Health Professions Authority; 12/02/25 update; Health Professions Act, Chapter 27:19