Tinotenda Hove – The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has announced sweeping reductions in radio and television licence fees, a move set to ease the financial burden on households, businesses and vehicle owners across the country. The new tariff structure will take effect on 15 January 2026.

Under the revised system, business vehicle radio licences have been cut from US$200 to US$90 per year, representing one of the most substantial reductions. Private vehicle licences will now cost US$84 annually, down from the previous US$92.

Households stand to benefit even more from the new fees. The combined radio and television licence — previously pegged at US$100 per year — has been drastically reduced to just US$24. Urban home radio licences have similarly been slashed from US$40 to US$10 annually. Rural listeners, who were previously required to pay US$20, will now pay only US$5.

ZBC said the adjustment is part of its broader strategy to make public broadcasting more accessible while encouraging compliance with national licensing regulations. The corporation is expected to release further details on how the fee changes will be implemented ahead of the January rollout.