The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) stand at the just ended Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZIFT) was a hive of activity as hundreds of people thronged the Pavilion to get more information about taxes and customs issues. The ZITF – which took place from the 22nd to the 26th of April – was running under the theme New Ideas to New Heights.
One thing which made the ZIMRA stand the darling of the crowd was the exhibition of dogs from the Canine Unit, with many people becoming very keen to know how the dogs were being used to curb the smuggling of dangerous drugs into the country.
In line with ZIMRA’s agenda of the use of ICTs for service excellence, ZIMRA exhibited its first e-services solution, an e-registration tool that simplifies the process of paying taxes for citizens, eradicating long waiting periods in queues and providing a safe, simple, fast and convenient way of online payments.
ZIMRA has been progressive in the e-Customs systems in which the Authority introduced, among other things, an electronic system to enable importers to clear their goods and make customs duty payments through the banking system. ZIMRA has also significantly used the Canine Unit as part of the Customs clearance processes.
The ZITF annual exhibition has over the years afforded ZIMRA an opportunity to enhance communication and interaction between the Authority and its stakeholders. It has also provided a platform for tax collectors and taxpayers to communicate and understand the Authority’s vision for mobilising financial resources for the nation.