Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to regional economic integration by hosting the 12^th Meeting of the COMESA Customs Experts, a strategic gathering that brings together Customs professionals from across Eastern and Southern Africa to shape the future of customs modernisation, digital trade and trade facilitation within the region.

Held under the theme, “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” the meeting comes at a pivotal time as Member States accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and pursue greater regional economic integration.

Over the next two days, delegates will review progress in implementing regional Customs decisions and deliberate on key initiatives, including the COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO), the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Programme and the COMESA Customs and Trade Facilitation Work Programme for 2026–2030. The meeting’s recommendations will guide future Customs cooperation across the region.

Officially opening the meeting, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Excise Mr Paul Mutembo said Customs administrations have become strategic partners in economic development by facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening border security and supporting regional competitiveness. He encouraged delegates to develop practical, innovative solutions that will deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for COMESA Member States.

Dr Christopher Onyango, Director of Trade and Customs welcomed delegates on behalf of COMESA Secretariat and said the meeting provides an important platform to strengthen regional integration through Customs modernisation and digital innovation. He noted that initiatives such as the Electronic Certificate of Origin, coordinated border management and modern Customs systems are helping to simplify cross-border trade while improving efficiency and transparency.

The meeting also provides an opportunity for Customs Experts to exchange experiences and best practices on emerging issues affecting Customs administrations. Discussions are expected to focus on digitalisation, coordinated border management, customs transit systems, implementation of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, enhanced data exchange and stronger collaboration to support implementation of the AfCFTA. These initiatives are central to reducing the cost of doing business, improving border efficiency and strengthening regional value chains across COMESA.

As global trade continues to evolve, discussions will also focus on digitalisation, data exchange, trade facilitation and stronger collaboration to support implementation of the AfCFTA. These efforts are expected to enhance the efficiency of regional supply chains, reduce the cost of doing business and position COMESA as a more competitive trading bloc.

The 12^th Meeting of the COMESA Customs Experts runs from 6–7 July 2026 and will be followed by the 12^th Meeting of the Heads of Customs Sub-Committee from 8–9 July 2026, where the Experts’ recommendations will be considered for adoption.

Zimbabwe has reaffirmed its commitment to regional economic integration by hosting the 12^th Meeting of the COMESA Customs Experts, a strategic gathering that brings together Customs professionals from across Eastern and Southern Africa to shape the future of customs modernisation, digital trade and trade facilitation within the region.

Held under the theme, “Leveraging Digitalization to Deepen Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth,” the meeting comes at a pivotal time as Member States accelerate implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and pursue greater regional economic integration.

Over the next two days, delegates will review progress in implementing regional Customs decisions and deliberate on key initiatives, including the COMESA Electronic Certificate of Origin (eCO), the Authorised Economic Operators (AEO) Programme and the COMESA Customs and Trade Facilitation Work Programme for 2026–2030. The meeting’s recommendations will guide future Customs cooperation across the region.

Officially opening the meeting, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Excise Mr Paul Mutembo said Customs administrations have become strategic partners in economic development by facilitating legitimate trade, strengthening border security and supporting regional competitiveness. He encouraged delegates to develop practical, innovative solutions that will deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for COMESA Member States.

Dr Christopher Onyango, Director of Trade and Customs welcomed delegates on behalf of COMESA Secretariat and said the meeting provides an important platform to strengthen regional integration through Customs modernisation and digital innovation. He noted that initiatives such as the Electronic Certificate of Origin, coordinated border management and modern Customs systems are helping to simplify cross-border trade while improving efficiency and transparency.

The meeting also provides an opportunity for Customs Experts to exchange experiences and best practices on emerging issues affecting Customs administrations. Discussions are expected to focus on digitalisation, coordinated border management, customs transit systems, implementation of the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement, enhanced data exchange and stronger collaboration to support implementation of the AfCFTA. These initiatives are central to reducing the cost of doing business, improving border efficiency and strengthening regional value chains across COMESA.

As global trade continues to evolve, discussions will also focus on digitalisation, data exchange, trade facilitation and stronger collaboration to support implementation of the AfCFTA. These efforts are expected to enhance the efficiency of regional supply chains, reduce the cost of doing business and position COMESA as a more competitive trading bloc.

The 12^th Meeting of the COMESA Customs Experts runs from 6–7 July 2026 and will be followed by the 12^th Meeting of the Heads of Customs Sub-Committee from 8–9 July 2026, where the Experts’ recommendations will be considered for adoption.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) engaged Finance and Accounting students from the University of Zimbabwe in a tax seminar aimed at strengthening technical knowledge and supporting the Authority’s culture transformation agenda.

The tax education seminar, held on 28 May 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe HLT 500 Hall, had over 300 students in attendance. The seminar focused on three key areas: Domestic Taxes, Audit, and Customs. Senior ZIMRA officers from the Domestic Taxes and Customs divisions facilitated sessions on Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Pay As You Earn, audit procedures, taxpayer rights, and customs valuation and tariff classification under the ASYCUDA World system.

Mrs Rutendo Mapani, Technical Services Manager, emphasized that the seminar forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to shift from enforcement-focused approaches. “When taxpayers understand tax obligations and administrative processes, voluntary compliance improves. Obey the law—that’s why we are here today. What we need is compliance,” she said.

Mr Samson Chikunguru from Technical Services – Domestic Taxes highlighted the benefits of TARMs and FDMS in reducing compliance burdens and enhancing the ease of doing business for taxpayers.

The seminar also advances the objectives of ZIMRA’s Women in Taxation initiative, which seeks to address barriers to women’s participation and leadership in tax policy and administration. With women constituting a significant proportion of Finance and Accounting graduates, early exposure to tax systems is expected to enhance representation and inclusion within the profession.

Speaking at the same event, Dr Tonderai Kapesa from the Finance and Accounting Department expressed gratitude to ZIMRA for the collaboration, noting that such engagements ensure that academic training remains aligned with industry practice. Students were exposed to ZIMRA’s electronic platforms, including e-Services, and gained insight into career pathways in tax audit, customs, and revenue management.

ZIMRA intends to roll out similar engagements at other tertiary institutions across the country. The Authority’s culture transformation programme prioritises client-centric service, transparency, and stakeholder education as drivers of improved compliance and revenue mobilisation.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), during a routine enforcement operation led by its officials, successfully intercepted a 15-tonne consignment of smuggled meat products in Chiredzi at the Mutirikwi River area of Triangle, known as an increasingly popular smuggling corridor.

The interception occurred when the truck with Zimbabwean registration number plates AGZ 3488 was inspected and found to be carrying approximately 15 tonnes of meat and food products worth an estimated market value of ZWG 945,000.

The considerable cargo, which lacked supporting customs documentation, included 197 packages of 80kg chicken cuts and 7 packages of 10kg sausages, alongside polony, raising serious health and legal concerns.

"Enforcement operations and physical inspections are critical parts of ZIMRA’s mandate designed to safeguard Zimbabweans from harmful foods, substances and illicit drugs to protect public health," remarked Mr. Batsirai Chadzingwa, ZIMRA's Commissioner for the Customs and Excise Division.

Initial investigations indicate that the goods under scrutiny likely originated from South Africa, with several meat products bearing South African labels. The meat was transported unrefrigerated, which creates the  risk and hazard of rapid spoilage in high temperatures and ultimately compromises food safety.

“In the end, it’s about protecting our community,” Chadzingwa added. “We urge transporters and importers to adhere to the designated routes and laid-down procedures. The consequences of non-compliance are severe, and we will not hesitate to enforce the law. ZIMRA will continue to fulfil its mandate; the message is clear: smuggling won’t be tolerated.”

Zimbabwean law states that foodstuffs cannot be imported without proper declaration or payment of duties and strict adherence to regulations regarding the importation of restricted goods is essential.

In addition to legal implications, the quality and safety of foodstuffs are of paramount concern in the interest of public health. The lack of refrigeration during transportation and the absence of necessary import permits ultimately threaten community health, making ZIMRA’s work even more critical.

ZIMRA is committed to continuously enforcing import control laws, which include detaining non-compliant consignments and ensuring that unsafe food products are promptly removed from circulation.

As ZIMRA continues to navigate the complex landscape of smuggling and enforcement, the Chiredzi interception serves as a reminder of the vital role of integrity in the food supply chain.

This incident sheds light on the persistent issue of smuggling in the region and highlights ZIMRA's commitment to safeguarding public health.

How does ZIMRA determine the value of your goods to calculate duty?

To promote fairness, transparency, and objectivity, ZIMRA utilizes an international framework of regulations to determine your Value for Duty Purposes (VDP). The primary and most frequently employed valuation method by ZIMRA is the Transaction Value as outlined in Section 106 of the Customs and Excise Act [Chapter 23:02]. The Transaction Value refers to the actual price paid or payable for the goods when sold for export to Zimbabwe, inclusive of mandatory statutory adjustments such as international freight and insurance.

However, for this primary method to be accepted, the law specifies four conditions:

• There must be no limitations on how you use, sell, or dispose of the goods
• The sale price cannot be subject to conditions for which a value cannot be determined.
• No part of the proceeds from your later resale or use of the goods can flow back directly or indirectly to the foreign seller, unless a clear adjustment can be calculated.
• The buyer and the seller must not be related. If they are, the importer must prove that the relationship did not influence the price.

Who is Deemed "Related"?

According to Section 104(3) of the Act, two parties are deemed related if they are business partners, employer-employee, members of the same family, or if one party owns or controls 5% or more of the voting stock or shares of both entities.

What happens if ZIMRA doubts your invoice?

As per Section 111A of the Act, if a customs officer has reason to doubt the truth or accuracy of your declared price, they will ask you for further proof. Should that proof be inadequate or absent, ZIMRA is legally obligated to reject your transaction value and must systematically explore five alternative valuation methods in a defined hierarchy:

1. Transaction Value of Identical Goods Method (Section 107 of the Act)

ZIMRA looks for the accepted value of identical goods exported to Zimbabwe at or about the same time, sold at the same commercial level and quantity. The goods must be made in the same country, share the same physical characteristics, quality, and reputation, and be sold under similar conditions.

2. Transaction Value of Similar Goods Method (Section 108 of the Act)

If identical goods cannot be found, ZIMRA looks for similar goods. These are products manufactured in the same country that, although not identical in every aspect, possess comparable component materials and characteristics that enable them to perform the same functions and be commercially interchangeable.

3. Deductive Value Method (Section 109 of the Act)

If the goods cannot be valued by what they cost abroad, ZIMRA examines their selling price within Zimbabwe. The value is based on the unit price at which the imported goods (or identical/similar ones) are sold in their greatest aggregate quantity to unrelated local buyers within 90 days of import. From this local price, ZIMRA deducts local profits, domestic transport, and customs duties to arrive at an import value.

4. Computed Value Method (Section 110 of the Act)

This method focuses on the actual production costs. It is calculated using data provided by the foreign manufacturer, which includes: the costs of raw materials and manufacturing, packing expenses, general export costs, the typical profit margin for goods of that category, and transportation and insurance to the foreign port of export.

5. The Fall-Back Method (Section 111 of the Act)

If all other methods fail, the Commissioner applies the Fall-Back method. This involves flexibly adapting the previous four methods using reasonable, real-world data available in Zimbabwe that aligns with international GATT principles.

Even under the Fall-Back method, ZIMRA is legally forbidden from basing value on arbitrary or fictitious values, the selling price of goods manufactured inside Zimbabwe, minimum customs value systems, or the domestic market price in the exporting country

Statutory Adjustments (Section 113 of the Act)

To ascertain your final Value for Duty Purposes (VDP), adjustments must be made to the price indicated on your invoice. Certain costs need to be added, while others may be subtracted.

Key additions to include in your declared value, if they are not already reflected in your invoice price, are as follows:

• Commission and brokerage (excluding buying commissions paid to your own sourcing agent).

• Packing and container costs.
• Assists: The value of tools, moulds, materials, or foreign design work supplied by you free of charge or at a reduced cost to help the manufacturer make the goods.
• Royalties and license fees that you are required to pay for patents, trademarks, or copyrights as a condition of the sale.

Private Imports: Non-merchandise goods (Section 112 of the Act)

When importing items solely for personal use (not intended for trade or resale), the law classifies these as non-merchandise goods.

If a customs officer finds that your declared value does not reflect a genuine open-market price or was incorrectly declared, the Commissioner has the power to immediately determine the value based on historical records of identical private imports or by flexibly adapting the primary valuation methods.

**NB: Declaring an undervalued amount, altering documentation, or presenting a forged invoice is a serious offense. This immediately triggers Section 111A, resulting in the total rejection of your declaration, a transition to harsher valuation methods, long border delays, heavy financial penalties, and potential seizure of your cargo.

Always maintain a clean, traceable financial footprints. Keep original supplier contracts/agreements, detailed freight statements, and bank telegraphic transfers readily available to substantiate the declared values to ensure your valuation process is smooth and compliant.

Bulawayo

On Tuesday, 21 April 2026, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) convened its Stakeholders’ Breakfast Meeting on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) 2026 at Holiday Inn-Hotel, bringing together Government representatives, ZIMRA Board Members, captains of industry, and the media fraternity. The forum strengthened ZIMRA’s annual ZITF engagement programme, providing a platform for constructive dialogue on areas where business and the tax administration can work together for mutual benefit.

In remarks delivered at the breakfast meeting, Acting Commissioner General, Misheck Govha, said the gathering offered an opportunity for meaningful synergy between industry and the Authority, adding that as breakfast conversations continue, stakeholders can raise feedback that supports improvements in service delivery. He underscored the need for a shared culture of tax compliance, urging businesses that are not compliant to regularise, while noting that ZIMRA has teams ready to assist. He also called for a renewed commitment to integrity, fairness and mutual respect between taxpayers and the tax administrator, warning that corruption, smuggling, tax evasion and other forms of wrongdoing cannot be tolerated.

Mr Govha further linked the discussions to the ZITF 2026 theme, “Connected Economies, Competitive Industries,” and explained how ZIMRA’s own thrust—“Connecting Economies, Strengthening Compliance, Driving Competitive Industries”—aligns with efforts to support industrialisation. He highlighted ZIMRA’s progress towards innovation, automation and digitalisation, stressing that the direction is meant to improve efficiency for both revenue administration and business processes such as filing, trading and payment of dues. He also noted that platforms like the stakeholders’ breakfast meeting contribute value to the fiscal reform process by addressing challenges that neither side can solve alone.

As ZITF continues, ZIMRA said it remains committed to strengthening its partnership with stakeholders, advancing systems that make compliance easier, and promoting zero tolerance for bad practices—so Zimbabwe can move toward a corruption-free customer experience and a more competitive, connected economy.

ZIMRA is participating at this year’s ZITF at their pavilion and has called on clients and the general public to come through their stand and get assistance and tax related information.

Plumtree, Zimbabwe – The vibrant atmosphere at the Plumtree Border Post on January 26, 2026, underscored the increasing recognition of communities’ vital roles in border security during this year’s International Customs Day. With the theme emphasizing “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” local residents emerged as essential stakeholders in the quest for national security.

The event featured a message from Acting Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mrs. Angeline Mashiri, who stressed the need for strong partnerships between customs and the community. “The importance of building partnerships with communities can’t be overstated,” she remarked, highlighting the collective effort needed to combat illicit trade and ensure public safety.

Communities living near borders act as the first line of defence against illegal activities, functioning as the “police” of their borders. Their vigilance in monitoring movements and reporting suspicious actions to customs officials is crucial. Many local actions lead to the recovery of contraband and the apprehension of offenders, showcasing the significant role residents play in enhancing border security.

Residents are encouraged to guard border areas diligently, keeping an eye on their surroundings and reporting any wrongful activities to customs officials. This proactive stance not only assists ZIMRA but fosters a sense of ownership among community members. Additionally, a cooperative relationship with customs personnel ensures safety for both parties.

Chief Wasi, a traditional leader at the event, expressed newfound commitment to engaging with customs processes after realizing the importance of her jurisdiction. “I now understand that the border is not just a line but an extension of our community,” she said, reflecting on the significance of ZIMRA's outreach that brought her to the celebrations.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, commended ZIMRA for hosting the event in Matabeleland South, noting its alignment with the government’s Devolution Agenda. “Bringing these celebrations to Plumtree enhances our community's engagement in national programs,” he asserted, calling for economic empowerment across the province.

Nguluvhe also suggested that ZIMRA and the government consider channeling some forfeited goods to local stakeholders, including chiefs, to support community development. “This approach will strengthen our local economies and ensure that communities benefit from our border activities,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted Matabeleland South's significant contribution to the national economy, which accounts for around 40% of Zimbabwe’s GDP. “Borders are not lines of separation; they are lines of opportunity, where trade meets tourism,” he said, urging community members to capitalize on the economic potential their location provides.

International Customs Day 2026 served as a powerful reminder of the strength found in community engagement. The collaboration between customs authorities and local populations is pivotal in shaping a safer future for all. This day not only showcased the essential services customs provide but also reinforced the notion that every community plays a critical role in securing its borders. As local citizens and customs officers commit to working together, it becomes evident that border security is a collaborative journey rooted in trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.

In 2025, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) marked an important milestone in advancing the nation’s goals of modernity, digital transformation and improved service delivery. Guided by clear priorities and deliberate implementation, the year reflected steady progress supported by a continued focus on NDS2 and stronger integration aimed at improving economic resilience, sustainability and stability.

Throughout the year, government and stakeholder efforts emphasised not only growth, but also improved systems for delivering results more efficiently and transparently. With digital transformation at the centre of many initiatives, public services and economic planning improved, enabling faster coordination across institutions and better outcomes for communities.

Stable Economy and Strong Performance

A defining feature of 2025 was the commitment to building and maintaining a stable economy, supported by continuous policy action and coordinated execution.

“The economy showed positive performance during the year, driven by efforts to strengthen productivity, improve operational efficiency and create a business environment that encourages investment and sustainable development,” said the Board Chairman Mr Antony Mandawanza.

The Commissioner General Ms Regina Chinamasa added that as a result, ZIMRA’s work in revenue collection and compliance support contributed meaningfully to national development objectives and the broader economic agenda.

Revenue Growth and Recognised Outcomes

Among the most notable achievements of the year was the recognition of *three key outcomes* aligned to revenue performance and economic development.

In particular, the year delivered a reported achievement of USD 7.6 billion in revenue, a result that reflects improved planning, enhanced implementation, and stronger performance across ZIMRA’s core functions. More importantly, this achievement demonstrates how effective systems, targeted interventions, and disciplined execution translate into measurable progress for national priorities.

Strengthening the Economy through NDS2 and Integration

Beyond revenue performance alone, 2025 reinforced the need to strengthen the economy through a balanced approach improving governance, strengthening economic integration and supporting key growth sectors.

The focus on NDS2 ensured that programmes and activities remained aligned with national priorities, while enhanced integration helped reduce operational gaps and improve cooperation across institutions. This strengthened the overall effectiveness of efforts aimed at promoting compliance, fairness and sustainable development.

Looking Ahead

As ZIMRA and stakeholders reflect on the achievements of 2025, the message going forward is clear: we must continue building momentum in the coming years. The lessons learned in 2025 should guide future strategies—strengthening our commitment to modernity, digital improvement, and strong economic performance. With continued focus on *NDS2* and integration, the foundation laid in 2025 will support long-term prosperity and sustained development.

In summary, 2025 has proven that when priorities are clear and execution is consistent, economic growth becomes achievable, one year, three outcomes and measurable results.

By Dr. Blessed Magama

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has taken a bold step in its digital transformation to modernise how records and information are created, stored, accessed and governed across the organisation through the Enterprise Content, Document & Records Management System (ECDRMS). This strategic move saw 40 officials from all ZIMRA Divisions and two representatives from National Archives of Zimbabwe, congregating to expedite the ECDRMS workshop from the 3rd to the 6th of March 2026 in Kwekwe.

The Head Administration Mr Mapenzauswa, the Senior User of the ECDRMS, delivered opening remarks on behalf of the Director Finance, Administration and Infrastructure Mrs Chitanda: the Project Owner, and said, “The project received great support from the Executive Management and the Commissioner General, and the Project Management Board was constituted”.

He added that, “The Board held its first meeting on the 20th of February 2026 and resolved to have the Project Initiation Document (PID), Project Brief (PB), Business Case (BC) and key system functionalities and specifications reviewed to meet the procurement standards”.

The Project Manager Dr. Magama gave the background, objectives and expected outcomes of the project. The Assistant Project Manager Mr Dingwa gave the programme outline and emphasis on the output documents expected from the workshop.

Thereafter delegates delved into sessions that were very live and engaging. They applied their inquisitive minds to dissect the differences between use-cases (what a user wants to accomplish with the system) and workflow processes (how work actually happens step by step). Heated debates were interesting on the distinction between documents, records and content.

‘Hypotheses’ were coined in statements like, “all records and documents are part of content but not all content are documents and records” and “all records are documents but not all documents are records”. Making it clearer in a humorous way, thunderous echoes shouted, “all wives are women but not all women are wives”.

The Chief Archivist from National Archives Ms Kundai Chazovachii illuminated the discussions sharing on success factors, challenges encountered and mitigatory measures they applied till they get a supplier of their EDRMS.

Stressing on the benefits of the ECDRMS Mr Tafadzwa Mbawa, who was part of the delegation said, “We are going to eliminate loss of client records, poor corporate governance and reduced client satisfaction, overcrowded registries, weak record security and increased litigation losses, compliance enforcement challenges among other things.”

It became vivid during the discussions that while the manual system seems easy to implement it is grossly inefficient. Adding humour to that, Aldous Mangadza alias Sekuru Ziso remarked that, “The nearer to the church the further from God.”

The ECDRMS solution will facilitate end-to-end automation of document and records management processes, including: creation and receipt of documents, records and content, classification and metadata indexing among other benefits. Furthermore, the solution will incorporate a secure Electronic Signature capability that enables legally compliant digital signing and sequential and parallel approval routing among other things. The ECDRMS replaces fragmented, paper-based processes with a secure, centralised digital platform for standardised document workflows, records lifecycle management, enhanced compliance, accessibility to information resources and their long-term preservation.

Plumtree, Zimbabwe – On January 26, 2026, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) marked International Customs Day with a vibrant ceremony at the Plumtree Border Post, drawing attention to the essential role of customs in safeguarding society. The day centered around the World Customs Organization (WCO) theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” emphasizing the importance of customs authorities in a rapidly changing global landscape.

In her address, Acting Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mrs. Angeline Mashiri, reiterated the WCO’s message that customs administrations worldwide serve as vital protectors of national security and public health. “The theme reflects the evolving role of customs in safeguarding economies while enabling development. It calls for our community to take collective action in protecting society,” she stated, echoing the WCO's imperative for shared responsibility among customs officials and the public alike.

ZIMRA Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa also emphasized the human aspect of customs operations. “Customs is not just about borders; it’s about people. Our officers are unsung heroes, standing at the frontline of our nation’s economic and social security,” she said, underscoring the often unseen efforts of customs personnel who work tirelessly to protect the public from harmful goods.

Mashiri highlighted the critical functions of customs beyond mere enforcement. “Customs is more than control; it is about care for our communities and the integrity of our borders,” she emphasized. This message resonated throughout the day, as participants were reminded of the pivotal role customs plays in enhancing trade facilitation while simultaneously safeguarding against illicit activities that threaten public safety.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including the Deputy Minister of Finance, Hon. David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Hon. Albert Nguluvhe, who both expressed their gratitude to customs officers and their unwavering commitment to protecting Zimbabwe’s economic future.

As a testament to the effectiveness of ZIMRA’s efforts, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa noted that customs-related taxes contributed approximately 31% of the nation’s total revenue in 2025. He remarked, “Strong and well-equipped customs authorities are indispensable to national and international security, public health, and trade facilitation.” This reflects a broader recognition of how customs can bolster economic resilience and development across the region.

One of the most striking demonstrations of commitment to safeguarding society came from the community itself. Engaged locals voiced their readiness to collaborate with customs officers, serving as vigilant sentinels against illicit trade. This partnership was seen as essential in addressing challenges posed by smuggling and unsafe goods, in line with the WCO’s call for community involvement.

Celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment from officials and the public alike to champion customs’ protective mandate. The event not only highlighted customs as a crucial pillar in national development but also reinforced the notion that every border is a gateway to opportunities.