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.”