By Inzwirashe C. Muwonwa, ZIMRA International Desk

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) will join the global customs community in commemorating International Customs Day on 26 January 2026, an annual event that shines a spotlight on the vital role customs administrations play in safeguarding societies while facilitating legitimate trade.

Observed worldwide under the World Customs Organization (WCO), International Customs Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the evolving responsibilities of customs authorities in a rapidly changing global environment.

This year’s theme, “Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment,” highlights vigilance, professionalism and dedication as pillars in protecting communities, economies and borders.

Smuggling of illegal goods and circumvention of taxes remain a major challenge in Zimbabwe.

ZIMRA’s enforcement operations in 2025 focused on curbing illicit trade and protecting public revenue. Many of the seized goods were contraband illegally imported to avoid payment of customs duties and taxes, undermining national revenue collection, distorting fair trade and exposing consumers to unregulated products.

Among the intercepted items were alcoholic beverages, meat and meat products, hardware and electrical goods, fridges, soft drinks and other foodstuffs. Second-hand clothing, gold, pharmaceuticals, cannabis, skin-lightening creams, cement, shoes, new clothing and motor vehicles were also commonly smuggled.

“These seizures reflect ZIMRA’s unwavering commitment to protecting society and ensuring fair trade,” said Ms Regina Chinamasa, Commissioner General of ZIMRA.

“We remain vigilant at all ports of entry and within domestic markets, using technology, intelligence-led operations and collaboration with other agencies to safeguard public revenue and uphold compliance.”

This year’s International Customs Day will be commemorated at Plumtree Border Post, highlighting ZIMRA’s customer-focused approach, adoption of digital solutions and firm stance against smuggling, fraud and other cross-border crimes.

Through technology-driven reforms, intelligence-led enforcement and continuous staff capacity building, the Authority aligns with international best practices while responding to Zimbabwe’s local economic realities.

Beyond revenue collection, ZIMRA protects society from harmful and prohibited goods, supports national security and contributes to economic growth.

International Customs Day is therefore not only a celebration but also a reaffirmation of the Authority’s pledge to operate with integrity, transparency and professionalism.

As Zimbabwe positions itself as a competitive player in regional and global trade, ZIMRA’s role remains pivotal.

The observance of International Customs Day serves as a reminder that effective customs administration is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration with government agencies, traders and the public to build safe borders and a prosperous nation.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) recently held a high-level Strategic Planning Meeting in Mutare, bringing together the Board, Executive Management, Senior Leadership, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion (MoFEDIP) and economic consultants.

In his opening remarks, the ZIMRA Board Chairman welcomed participants to what he described as a defining gathering at a pivotal moment in ZIMRA’s journey and the nation’s economic transformation. He reminded delegates that this was not an ordinary meeting but a session of reflection and forward planning, aimed at shaping the future of revenue administration and Zimbabwe’s economic growth over the next five years.

“We are here not simply to plan,” he said, “but to shape the future of revenue administration and Zimbabwe’s economic growth.”

Reflecting on the Journey (2021–2025)

The Chairman described the 2021–2025 Strategic Plan as a period of achievement and transformation. ZIMRA fulfilled its pledge to modernise by embedding systems such as TaRMS, SAP, Fiscalisation, ASYCUDA, and ECTS, moving from a manual-dependent organisation to a digital-driven authority.

“This is a milestone,” he said, “but it is only the beginning. The real question is: what greater difference will ZIMRA make in the next five years?”

He highlighted that the rebased GDP reshapes Zimbabwe’s economic landscape and presents both opportunities and challenges. With the national target to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio from 14.5 percent in 2025 to 22 percent by 2030, ZIMRA must rethink domestic resource mobilisation. Nearly three-quarters of the economy remains informal, and strategies must draw this sector into the mainstream while promoting inclusion, innovation, and empowerment.

The Chairman called for a holistic approach to taxation that supports economic growth, fairness, and compliance, ensuring all taxpayers contribute to building a stronger Zimbabwe.

The Vision for 2026–2030

Looking ahead, he outlined an ambitious vision to build a ZIMRA that is modern, digital, trusted and people-centred. The Authority aims to broaden the tax base, integrate the informal sector and strengthen compliance through data-driven intelligence and advanced technologies.

The vision includes growing the tax-to-GDP ratio to 22 percent by 2030, supported by AI-powered compliance and risk management systems. A sustainable funding model, completion of a modern Head Office, and development of a skilled, ethical workforce will reinforce resilience and service excellence. ZIMRA will also embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and facilitate seamless trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Embracing Artificial Intelligence

The Chairman described AI as a paradigm shift that will transform ZIMRA’s operations. AI will enable real-time monitoring, detect risks, simplify compliance, reduce business costs and improve transparency, while strengthening the workforce through enhanced decision-making and digital skill development.

“This is more than an upgrade. It will position ZIMRA as a leader in digital tax administration on the continent.”

He emphasised that ZIMRA’s strategy must align with national priorities, particularly NDS2, and respond to the evolving macroeconomic environment. Insights from MoFEDIP will guide the refinement of sustainable revenue mobilisation strategies. Once NDS2 is finalised, ZIMRA will reconvene to ensure full alignment with national goals.

Addressing corruption and system abuse, the Chairman reiterated ZIMRA’s zero-tolerance stance. He urged staff to safeguard the integrity of systems and revenue, strengthen supervision, enforce accountability and close gaps that enable misconduct.

“We must lead by example and uphold the trust that the nation has placed in us.”

The Chairman called on all participants to emerge with a clear roadmap, defined milestones, and a unified vision for a stronger, smarter, and more effective ZIMRA.

“If we succeed here, Zimbabwe will succeed. If we build boldly here, the nation will rise boldly there. Together, Government, taxpayers, business and development partners, we must shape a ZIMRA that is modern, formidable, AI-driven and faithful to the people it serves.”

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Deeds, Company Registration and Intellectual Property to strengthen transparency, enhance compliance, and improve service delivery.

This strategic partnership marks a major step towards building a modern, connected public administration system where institutions seamlessly share critical information.

Through the MOU, ZIMRA will be able to access company registration and property records to verify declarations, detect undeclared assets and ensure that more businesses and individuals are captured fairly within the tax net.

The collaboration will also help reduce duplication of processes, ease doing business and provide faster, more reliable services to the public.

The integration of systems fosters trust, accountability and it nurtures a culture of honesty and responsibility in fulfilling tax obligations.

This partnership underscores ZIMRA’s commitment to domestic resource mobilisation as the backbone of national development.

The milestone ensures that every dollar due is collected efficiently and fairly, strengthening the foundation for Building Zimbabwe.

By Chenayi Mack-Maponga

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) hosted its 2^nd Annual General meeting in the Capital on 02 December 2025 during which the Pension Fund ZIMRA Board Chairperson, Ms Cynthia Tendai Mugwira, highlighted to members present that the Fund continued to expand and invest through various means including the purchase of land in the Capital.

“ZIMRA has consistently been complying with the best practice of corporate governance, which require the fund to convene an Annual General Meeting. 2024 has been a remarkable year and I am pleased to report that despite the challenges, the pension fund has made progress in ensuring it delivers on its mandate, said Ms Mugwira.

Speaking at the same occasion; Mr Samuel Sithole thanked members that had joined both physically and online for attending the AGM.

“You will appreciate that one of the key milestones achieved in 2024 was to come up with a working model for our people,“ said Mr Sithole.

Pension Fund member Mr Llyod Karonga said, “The vision is to ensure that staff members are empowered before they leave the Authority and own properties. We need to increase members’ benefits and reduce poverty after retirement. The good thing is that contributions and investments are now in both USD and local currency with our Knockmalloch Cluster Development in progress as well as the Somerby Land purchase which is our new baby.”

In attendance at the AGM were pension fund board members, ZIMRA Management team and staff members, ZIMRA divisional representatives. Old Mutual and IPEC members.

Old Mutual is the current administrator that ensures that the fund is administered professionally having a track record in managing fixed properties, student accommodation and various private equity investments.

Victoria Falls — The curtain came down on the 12th Competent Authorities Conference of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which took place from 22 – 23 September 2025, with delegates reaffirming their united determination to strengthen international cooperation, curb illicit financial flows and embrace innovation in pursuit of global tax transparency.

The two-day meeting brought together 130 participants from 55 jurisdictions, further cementing Zimbabwe’s growing role in shaping the international tax agenda.

Opening the conference, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Honourable David Mnangagwa, underlined the importance of openness in building resilient economies.

“Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of resilient economies.

This conference has been about exchanging information, building trust and renewing our shared commitment to a financial system that serves people, not secrecy,” he said.

Deputy Minister Mnangagwa also noted Zimbabwe’s alignment with global best practice through key reforms, including joining the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (MAAC), endorsing the Yaoundé Declaration, strengthening beneficial ownership frameworks, and preparing for the Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI).

“These steps reflect Zimbabwe’s conviction that domestic resource mobilisation is the foundation of sustainable development,” he added.

Throughout the sessions, participants examined billions lost annually to illicit financial flows, underscoring the urgency of stronger cooperation to trace hidden wealth, enforce tax laws and restore public trust.

Discussions covered global risks to exchange of information standards, lessons from peer reviews of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and the new enhanced monitoring process for jurisdictions implementing Exchange of Information on Request (EOIR).

Preparations for upcoming confidentiality and data safeguard assessments were also spotlighted, with consensus that robust data protection frameworks are essential for credible cross-border exchanges.

Emerging challenges dominated part of the agenda, including the tax risks posed by digital assets and steps towards implementing the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework (CARF) — designed to keep global transparency standards abreast of technological advances.

ZIMRA Commissioner General, Ms. Regina Chinamasa, welcomed participants by stressing the broader value of tax transparency.

“Tax transparency is not just a compliance obligation but an enabler of sustainable development. Every dollar lost to tax evasion denies citizens essential services such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure,” she said.

Closing the conference, Ms. Zayda Manatta, Head of the Global Forum Secretariat, praised the commitment shown by delegates and encouraged them to sustain the momentum.

“The strength of the Global Forum lies in its members’ collective will to implement standards consistently and inclusively.

This meeting not only reinforced technical exchanges but also deepened professional networks, which are critical for effective cooperation,” she noted.

The gathering concluded with a resounding pledge to deepen collaboration, enhance exchange of information systems and empower competent authorities across jurisdictions.

Delegates left Victoria Falls with renewed commitment to tax transparency and fairness as vital tools for sustainable development.

Taxes are not just numbers — they are classrooms, clinics, community safety programs &others

Through #MyTaxWorks, launched with @ZimTreasury, we are showing how compliance directly transforms everyday lives.

When you pay your taxes, you are building schools for children, supporting health services & funding initiatives that create jobs and boost economic growth in our communities.

Compliance is not a burden — it is a contribution. Together, let’s keep building our Zimbabwe.

#ComplianceMatters #MyTaxWorks #MyZimbabwe

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) participated as part of the @ZimTreasury delegation that made oral submissions to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion in October 2025.

During the engagement, ZIMRA reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to meeting the 2025 revenue targets, underscoring that all hands are on deck in driving national resource mobilisation.

Looking ahead, ZIMRA highlighted that 2026 will be defined by a focus on digitalisation, sector-based taxpayer education, and the use of artificial intelligence in tax administration to enhance efficiency and broaden the taxpayer base.

ZIMRA remains committed to building a smarter, more transparent and service-driven institution that supports Zimbabwe’s growth and development.

What is Iveri online internet banking Payment?

The https://esw.co.zw/ online payment system now has an Iveri option to pay online using Visa cards for USD payments

Clients who elect to use the added convenience will still need to do the batching process to convert their assessment(s) into the online readable format. After completing, the batching process there will be a Visa icon, which will take you to the payment page

Completion of the payment process will also allow the client to generate and print the receipt automatically without having to visit the ZIMRA Offices.

When can I start transacting?

The payment platform will be effective beginning 01 September 2025.

What are the benefits?

• Reduced cost of doing business as one can do the transaction in the comfort of their homes or offices
• No more queueing at ZIMRA Payment offices
• Real time payments
• It’s easy and convenient
• No risk of moving around with cash for your payments

Contact us on

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By Chenayi Maponga and Thulani Mtomba

The Annual Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Sports Gala is a highly anticipated event that takes place every year, attracting hundreds of participants and spectators from all ZIMRA regions. This year, the three-day event was held in the City of Queens and Kings, aiming to foster staff engagement and togetherness through sport. The gala was held under the theme "My Health, My Wealth."

The event kicked off with an opening dinner on August 29, 2025, at the United College of Education in Bulawayo. Speaking at the official opening, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr. Batsirai Chadzingwa, who represented the Commissioner General, emphasized that competitors should seize the opportunity for social interaction and self-fulfillment in the pursuit of sporting excellence. The night was ablaze with several entertainment outfits including the ZIMRA Bulawayo and Harare choral competitions, with Bulawayo emerging the victors.

Athletes competed in various sporting disciplines, including soccer, darts, volleyball, basketball, netball, pool, tug of war, chess, lawn tennis and a walkathon. There was a crop of new talent, showcasing a lot of energy and enthusiasm. It will go down memory lane that runners like Simbarashe Mhurwa from Gweru and Kumbirai Makandire and Tadiwa Jani from Kurima are talented sprinters. Throughout their races, the three ran like the wind, dashing across the field like bullets out of Iran and in turn leaving everyone behind.

The atmosphere was electric, with live music playing at the White City Sports Stadium, creating a soundtrack that motivated the athletes and entertained the crowd.

The first race was the managers’ race, where the leading runners began to separate themselves from the pack, demonstrating incredible speed and endurance. Mrs Gamuchirayi Makwangudze emerged the winner exhibiting tact and determination. In the male category, Mr Henry Nyamuromba scooped first prize in an interesting race for the mature and focused.

Among the marathon runners, Mr. Tonderayi Shonhiwa, Procurement Management Unit Director, who trains tirelessly for marathons and is a silver medalist at the popular Comrades Ultra marathon, showed outstanding prowess when it comes to running. The crowd erupted in cheers as he passed by, his face a mask of focus, resilience and determination. Meanwhile, other runners like Delight Mutandi embraced the challenge with smiles and camaraderie, inspiring one another along the way.

In all the other disciplines, teams exhibited strong teamwork and strategy, as each member had to perform their best to ensure their team’s success. Families, colleagues and friends joined in celebrating participants’ achievements with, singing, dancing, high-fives and hugs. Spectators gathered in droves creating a vibrant sea of colour and sound. The cheers grew louder as runners and other players for volleyball, basketball, tug-of war, darts, pool and chess participants demonstrated great determination and focus.

The sense of accomplishment was palpable as participants from all disciplines made their mark. The support team at the closing ceremony, will tell you a different story of revenue officers. My conclusion in all this is that drumming, singing and dancing is more than just fun.  It is a powerful mental exercise. The thunderous, drang and rhythm offered by this vibrant group was nothing short of amusement, enjoyment and real art.

At the closing ceremony on Sunday, medals and trophies were awarded and participants shared their stories of perseverance and triumph. The Commissioner General, Ms. Regina Chinamasa, joined her ZIMRA team on Sunday to present the winners with their awards.

The ZIMRA Annual Sports Gala is not just a test of physical stamina and endurance; it is a celebration of team spirit and the joy of sport. It brings people together, fostering a sense of unity and shared achievement that resonates long after the games, providing athletes with thrilling competitions and captivating performances.

Ultimately, the best-performing athletes are selected to represent ZIMRA and Zimbabwe at the Southern African Inter-Revenue Administration Games (SAIRAG), annual sporting events where regional revenue authorities like ZIMRA compete to promote unity, teamwork, and healthy competition. The 2025 event was hosted by ZIMRA in Harare, Zimbabwe, and the next edition in 2026 will be held in Namibia.