NEASA wishes to confirm that the draft Business Licensing Bill, 2025, which was published for comment last year, has been formally withdrawn by the Department of Small Business Development.

This withdrawal follows severe opposition from many stakeholders, including NEASA, against this controversial proposed business-hostile legislation.

Among the slew of defects, this Bill risked adding more regulation and red tape for entrepreneurs to run businesses and potentially granted wide discretionary powers over who should be granted a business license.

NEASA welcomes the withdrawal of this Bill.

This withdrawal serves as confirmation of the fact that employers and industry role players have the power to influence harmful, destructive policies and legislation arbitrarily enforced by government.

NEASA will continue to resist business-hostile legislation and lobby government for a business-friendly environment.