What are the legal steps to lobby Parliament in Zimbabwe and report on meetings with ministers?

Thank you for your question. In the UK, if your company is planning to conduct policy advocacy or lobbying activities with MPs and ministry officials regarding draft legislation, you must comply with the Transparency of Lobbying, Non-Party Campaigning and Trade Union Administration Act 2014. Consultant lobbyists (those paid to lobby on behalf of others) are legally required to register with the Office of the Registrar of Consultant Lobbyists before starting any lobbying activity. Failure to register or providing inaccurate information is a breach of the law and can result in civil penalties of up to £7,500, or, in serious cases, criminal prosecution.​

Registration includes disclosing details about the lobbying activity, such as who is being lobbied, the subject matter, and the nature of your engagement. Registered lobbyists must also submit quarterly information returns and update their records regularly. Penalties apply not only for not registering but also for submitting late, incomplete, or false returns.​

For your campaign, if your activities fall under the definition of "consultant lobbying" (being paid to influence policy), registration is mandatory. If your advocacy is done in-house or not for payment, different rules may apply, but you should still ensure transparency and proper record-keeping. Penalties are enforced by the Office of the Registrar and can include fines, as well as reputational risks for non-compliance.​

If you need further guidance, I can provide a detailed summary in English or assist with preparing your compliance plan. Feel free to connect via WhatsApp for more tailored advice and ongoing support, and we can discuss how to proceed efficiently and affordably.