Harare, 12 July 2025:  The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) remains firmly on course to meet its 2025 annual revenue target of USD $7.2 billion, having already achieved USD $3.21 billion in net collections by mid-year against a target of USD $3.13 billion, the Commissioner General, Ms. Regina Chinamasa, told Parliament yesterday.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Ms. Chinamasa outlined the Authority’s performance and key strategies being deployed to bolster revenue mobilisation.

The committee, chaired by Honourable Dr. Energy Mutodi, engaged the ZIMRA delegation on fiscal, operational, and policy implementation matters impacting national revenue collection.

Ms. Chinamasa attributed the positive performance to enhanced compliance and sustained implementation of strategic initiatives such as the Block Management System and post-clearance audits.

“We are witnessing encouraging compliance trends in the informal sector, thanks to the Block Management System introduced in 2024. Our regional kiosk facilities are empowering SMEs without access to digital platforms and ensuring inclusivity in our tax net,” she said.

She further noted that ZIMRA is targeting a tax-to-GDP ratio of 18% in 2025 although the recently released rebased GDP statistics for 2024 indicate a lower ratio for last year.  In line with sentiments from key development partners, tax collections should rise following the increase in GDP. 

However, she acknowledged that legacy debts of up to USD $800 million continue to constrain ZIMRA’s operational flexibility.

On customs operations, the Commissioner General reported that the deployment of drones at Beitbridge, Plumtree, and Forbes border posts had enhanced surveillance and yielded significant interceptions.

She also called for full integration of all border agencies into the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window to improve efficiency and reduce cargo and passenger dwell times.

Challenges highlighted during the session included funding constraints for digitalisation, legislative misalignment on wealth tax, and the urgent need to modernise customs infrastructure.

In his remarks, Honourable Dr. Energy Mutodi underscored the critical role of ZIMRA in national development and affirmed the Committee’s commitment to strengthening the Authority’s capacity.

“As a committee, we need to support and capacitate ZIMRA given its strategic role in the country’s revenue collection matrix. Our oversight role entails ensuring effective policy implementation at that entity, hence our vested interest,” said Dr. Mutodi.

The committee also resolved to undertake a nationwide tour of major border posts, beginning with Beitbridge, to gain firsthand insight into ZIMRA’s operations, infrastructure needs, and digitalisation efforts.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, (ZIMRA) held the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) stakeholders’ breakfast meeting at Holiday Inn Hotel, Bulawayo on April 24, 2025. The event was held under the theme, "Industrialisation: Crafting an Integrated Economic Landscape.

The ZIMRA annual event which seeks to create good rapport with its stakeholders was meant to discuss issues that relate to tax collection and to address clients’ pain points.

Addressing guests at the event, Vice Board Chairperson for ZIMRA, Mrs Josephime Matambo highlighted the need for ZIMRA and its stakeholders to continuously elevate the economy through creating synergies that improve the economic landscape.

“We keep looking forward hosting you each year as we have seen the need to engage you our stakeholders for industrial and economic development. We laud business for the hard work and continued effort you put in growing the industry and the economy,” said Mrs Matambo.

ZIMRA supports industry growth by streamlining tax administration, facilitating trade and providing advisory services to the government on fiscal and economic matters. ZIMRA exhibited under the theme, “Enhancing tax Compliance for sustainable industrial growth.”

In attendance at the breakfast meeting were ZIMRA Board members, Dr Ruth Ncube, Mr Bongani Khumalo, Mr Memory Nguwi and Dr Paradza Paradza, Acting Commissioner General Mr Misheck Govha, Executive Management, management and staff of ZIMRA, stakeholders, captains of industry and clients.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has demonstrated remarkable progress in revenue generation during the second half of 2024, surpassing its revenue target by 7.15%. The total net revenue reached ZWG 69.22 billion, bolstered by effective tax strategies, the stabilization of the exchange rate, and new policies enhancing compliance, particularly in Value Added Tax (VAT) collections. Notably, the introduction of the Fiscalisation Data Management System (FDMS) played a significant role in improving real-time data sharing with taxpayers, while efforts to combat transit fraud contributed to greater adherence to regulations.

As ZIMRA looks ahead to 2025, the outlook remains optimistic with a revenue target set at US$7.155 billion, aiming for a 17% increase from the previous year. This ambitious goal is supported by ongoing digitalization initiatives, administrative efficiencies, and strategic reforms to broaden the tax base and reduce evasion. ZIMRA also emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement, underlining its commitment to enhancing quality service delivery and fostering a collaborative environment with taxpayers for the continued economic growth of Zimbabwe.

Breakdown of Overall Performance

Click here for the full report.

By Inzwirashe C. Muwonwa

The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes has invited Zimbabwe to sign the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (MAAC). This is a significant achievement for the country in its quest to expand its domestic revenue base through the exchange of information (EOI).

Zimbabwe joined the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information in April 2023 and signed up to join the MAAC in March 2025. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) is the lead organization and has established an Exchange of Information Unit that became operational on January 1, 2024. The unit has gone through a rigorous process to join the MAAC, which included a questionnaire that scrutinizes the exchange of information in practice as well as the country’s legal framework to ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information and the protection of taxpayer data.

Currently, Zimbabwe has 19 agreements for the Elimination of Double Taxation with respect to Tax on Income and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion (DTAs) in force, which the EOI Unit uses to exchange information with other jurisdictions. This limits the unit, as several cross-border activities, such as transfer pricing and other forms of illicit financial flows, occur in countries with which Zimbabwe does not have bilateral agreements. Once ratified and in force, the MAAC will become a solution, allowing for the exchange of information with the 150 countries that have signed and ratified the instrument.

The MAAC provides for all possible forms of administrative cooperation between the parties in the assessment and collection of taxes, particularly aimed at combating tax avoidance and evasion. It was developed jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe in 1988 and amended by Protocol in 2010. It is currently the most comprehensive multilateral instrument available for all forms of tax cooperation to tackle tax evasion and avoidance.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) recently hosted the Southern Africa Inter-Revenue Games tournament, where Zambia and Lesotho dominated by winning most of the medals.

Held from April 18 to April 20, 2025, the tournament featured competing teams in various sports, including soccer, netball, volleyball, pool, darts, chess, basketball, table tennis, tug of war, and athletics.

SAIRAG Eswathini vs Lesotho chess tournament

Zimbabwe performed relatively well in several team events, with ZIMRA’s soccer team overpowering the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) 3-1. The ZIMRA netball team also recorded impressive wins, defeating Lesotho 21-19 and NamRA 31-20. The Eswatini Revenue Service secured a silver medal in the women’s darts category and finished third in men’s table tennis. The Malawi Revenue Authority participated in all events, bringing excitement and embodying the spirit of ubuntu and togetherness that defines the SAIRAG games.

Athletes from Malawi, Namibia, Eswatini, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Botswana competed in volleyball, pool, darts, chess, football, netball, basketball, table tennis, tug of war, and athletics. The Inter-Revenue Games have been held annually since 2012, allowing revenue administrators from Southern Africa to compete against each other across a range of activities.

ZIMRA last hosted these games in Zimbabwe in 2015. The Zambia Revenue Authority took home most of the top awards, with Lesotho following closely in second place, while the host, ZIMRA, finished third overall in the tournament.

SAIRAG volley ball

Spectators were able to follow the excitement through live updates shared on ZIMRA’s official Facebook page, and the host country extended warm hospitality to hundreds of visiting athletes and officials.

The closing ceremony featured local superstar Jah Prayzer, who brought the games to an electrifying close with an unforgettable evening of music, emotion, and culture.

Jah Prayzah performs at the closing ceremony

By Chenayi Mack-Maponga

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Culture Change Programme has made significant strides, with over two hundred ZIMRA employees gathering at Manna Resorts in Harare on March 25, 2025, for the initiative.

The programme feeds into broader change management efforts and aims to reorganize, restructure, and reinvigorate the ZIMRA culture, brand, and operations.

In her opening remarks, the Commissioner General of ZIMRA, Ms. Regina Chinamasa, stated, "The Culture Change project seeks to revive the ZIMRA brand and position it as an integral part of the organization’s strategic thrust. We are mandated by the government to mobilize resources for the nation’s development. The government relies on us and will need us to create a customer-centric culture to increase compliance and facilitate smarter and easier revenue collection."

In his opening remarks, Acting Director for Human Capital, Mr. Samuel Sithole, challenged everyone in the organization to embrace a culture of change and tolerance. "We need to work together, both the new and mature members of the organization. Those young folks coming in are bringing new ideas that we, as the more mature members, need to embrace and explore," said Mr. Sithole.

Distinctive Consultants guided the discussions. "Culture is linked to strategy, which means that strategy is what we do while culture is how we do it. We have spoken to some of the ZIMRA members, and I am glad that most of us are brutally honest about the prevailing culture," said Rose Nhamo, the lead consultant for Distinctive Consultancy.

Weighing in on the same sentiments, Sean Mahliwa, a behavior change expert from South Africa, emphasized, "We need to develop a client-centric culture that encourages taxpayers to comply and not resist paying their dues. Be patient and nurture your clients, as this is critical for ensuring things are done right. Be ethical and embrace integrity. You change champions should lead with integrity and treat everyone fairly."

How employees relate to each other and their clients is largely influenced by the culture within the organization. Insights from the culture change management project revealed a need for improvement in relationships among employees. Toxic relationships often lead employees to extend their negative energy toward unsuspecting clients, resulting in lower client satisfaction levels.

The Change Consultants emphasized five pillars of the transformation:

• Innovative thinking and continuous improvement
• Trust and collaborative client relationships
• An empowered and accountable workforce
• Client-centric excellence
• Integrity and ethical leadership

ZIMRA has recognized the necessity for culture change. The organization has embraced change, leading to the implementation of cultural reforms, the elimination of fear, the fostering of innovation, the removal of silos, and the promotion of teamwork within ZIMRA.

"The mission of the culture change process is to align the Authority’s modernized service delivery and processes. Change does not only apply to larger initiatives; many seemingly small aspects can have a significant impact on culture and corporate identity," said Sevilia Siziva, one of the culture change agents at the event.

The culture change management project aims to build a ZIMRA brand that both employees and taxpayers can take pride in.

By Nyamandwe Jane T.

Deep in between the mountains in Manicaland, lies a place of magnificent scenery and serenity. However, it is not only the trees and   rivers that will take your breath away, it is the cleanliness that will steal your heart and never give it back.

It was a cloudy day, the sky was overcast and temperatures oscillated between thirteen and fifteen degrees Celsius. As the cold breeze caressed their cheeks, and the leaves of nearby trees whistled softly in their ears, the ZIMRA Mutare and ZIMPARKS teams took to the task of clean-up.

Led by the Station Manager Mrs. Chahwanda and supervisors Mrs. Chitumba and Mr. Mwadziwana, the team industriously swept dirt away from vicinity of their workplace. Bracing the cold was not a duty but a symbolic act of a team that shows up against all odds. It was an act of bravery and a show of commitment to a greater cause.

Chattering away as they rid their premises of litter, the Mutare team reinforced the power of teamwork and strengthened their bond as workmates. Passers-by and other members of the public held them in veneration as they witnessed Tax administrators and Parks officials endorse a national campaign that enhances hygiene across the country.

Mutare- the station that shows and shines!

By Severino Garah

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) took center stage at the Southern Region MINEX Exhibition and Conference held at the Gresham Primary Grounds in Zvishavane as the Authority shared taxation matters.

Held under the theme "Driving Sustainable Mining Growth: Looking at Growth, Safety, Environment, and Taxes," the expo attracted key industry stakeholders, including Mr Khumbulani Mlangeni, the Provincial Director for Mines in the Midlands Province and the Honorable Mecky Jaravaza, Member of Parliament for Zvishavane-Ngezi.

Organized by MINEX in partnership with the Zimbabwe Small-scale Mining and Heritage Council (ZIMSHEC), the event focused on the urgent need to stimulate growth within the small-scale mining sector while addressing significant challenges and opportunities.

As a principal regulatory authority, ZIMRA’s participation underscored its commitment to supporting miners through knowledge dissemination on taxation and customs duties – essential elements in fostering a conducive environment for operational success.

During the event, ZIMRA officials, Simon Ganyani and Maburutse delivered a compelling presentation on the "Application of Domestic and Customs Duties in the Mining Industry."

They emphasized the vital role that tax compliance plays in promoting sustainable mining practices and securing the future of small-scale operations.

"This is commendable. We appreciate what ZIMRA is doing to educate the masses on taxation and customs. I have learned a lot today and wish to start complying," said Mr. Makomo, a miner from the Zvishavane area, reflecting the sentiments of many attendees.

The MINEX Expo is renowned for being a gathering point where small-scale miners from the Southern Region converge to discuss the current state of the mining industry.

The 2025 edition was particularly notable for fostering collaboration among miners, government representatives, and financial institutions.

Mr Munyaradzi Hwengere, the MINEX Chairman, expressed his gratitude toward ZIMRA for its proactive engagement in helping miners professionalize their operations.

The event shines a light on the urgent need for collective efforts to empower the mining community, especially young miners who are the future of the industry.

As ZIMRA continues to be a pivotal force in shaping the regulatory framework, the mining sector is hopeful that such educational initiatives will lead to enhanced compliance and industry growth.

Sponsors, including key players like Mimosa, FirstLink Insurance, Old Mutual, CABS Bank, ZB Bank, ZIMRA and the Mining Industry Pension Fund, contributed to the success of the expo, reinforcing partnerships that are crucial for the industry's sustainability.

As the Southern Region MINEX Expo concluded, it became evident that informed miners, backed by sound taxation knowledge, are essential to driving sustainable growth in Zimbabwe's mining landscape.

By Tapiwa Marunda

The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) have launched a comprehensive three-year deep dive program in Zimbabwe, aimed at strengthening tax administration within the mining sector.

The program commenced with an intensive workshop held at a local hotel in Harare from February 24th to 28th, 2025.

This initiative builds upon a scoping mission conducted in Harare in May 2024, and the program's origins trace back to when mineral-rich nations convened to address challenges within the mining industry.

The deep dive program seeks to enhance the capacity of African tax administrations in collecting and managing mining sector taxes by fostering a deeper understanding of the mining value chain.

The inaugural workshop in Harare brought together 30 senior government officials from key institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the Ministry of Mines, the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Discussions centered on critical areas such as mining fiscal regime design, transfer pricing, mineral valuation, and adaptation to global minimum tax rules.

The key objectives of the program include enhancing capacity building to improve tax collection efficiency; facilitating knowledge sharing and exchange of best practices; supporting policy development in the mining sector; and promoting sustainable mining and mineral resource management.

A team of ATAF and IGF experts, comprising Mercy Mbithi, Viola Tarus, and Ekpen Omonbude, are leading the deep dive program in Zimbabwe. The team paid a courtesy call to ZIMRA Commissioner General, Ms. Regina Chinamasa, to discuss the program's potential impact.

The delegation emphasized the significance of ZIMRA's engagement in the program, stating, "The deep dive mission will provide an in-depth analysis of mining issues, focusing on policy and legislative areas that require attention. This will assist in the effective implementation of measures to ensure Zimbabwe maximizes revenue from its mineral resources, both now and in the future."

Commissioner General Chinamasa acknowledged the program's importance and provided insights into the potential revenue gains for ZIMRA and the government.