Players from the tourism sector took some time to meet with ZIMRA Region 2 to discuss challenges being faced in the industry and how to improve the modalities of doing business in the sector.

By Severino Garah

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has stepped up to support those in need, making a significant impact on the lives of the elderly at Bumhudzo Old People’s Home in Chitungwiza.

This generous initiative saw the donation of clothes, shoes and winter wear, all aimed at warming both body and soul during the chilly months.

Last year, the ZIMRA Charity Trust launched a campaign encouraging ZIMRA staff to declutter their wardrobes for a noble cause. The response was nothing short of inspiring, as employees rallied together throughout November and December, generously contributing items to help those less fortunate.

The collected treasures found a new home at Bumhudzo, while another consignment of children’s clothing is set to bring smiles to yet another care facility. The elderly inmates showed their appreciation to ZIMRA through song and dance.

Major Marere, the Director of Special Services at Bumhudzo, expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the donations. She emphasized the home’s reliance on the kindness of well-wishers to provide essential care for the elderly residents.

Bumhudzo, a sanctuary run by the Salvation Army, is home to four remarkable centenarians, including the beloved sekuru Ticha, who at 107 years young, celebrated the occasion with a joyful song and dance in appreciation of ZIMRA’s generosity.

The ZIMRA team was not only touched by the spirit of giving but also inspired by the sustainable projects flourishing at Bumhudzo. They were particularly impressed by the home’s innovative horticulture initiative, which utilizes a greenhouse donated by ZIMRA as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility efforts. This project not only provides fresh produce for the residents but also fosters a sense of community and purpose.

Sekuru Ticha (107years), dressed neatly, standing at the table with donations from ZIMRA.

The Charity Trust Chairman, Mrs Cynthia Mugwira-Jowa commended staff for their incredible generosity and urged them to continue making a difference in their communities. ZIMRA’s efforts are a shining example of how collective action can transform lives, proving that even small acts of kindness can create waves of positive change.

In a world that often feels disconnected, ZIMRA’s commitment to giving back serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to support one another.

Bumhudzo Old People’s Home is a beneficiary of a greenhouse donated by the ZIMRA Charity Trust in 2018, as part of ZIMRA’s Corporate Social Responsibility footprints.

In an effort to improve digital services and streamline customs procedures, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has introduced a new e-tariff tool. The tool is designed to facilitate trade by assisting ZIMRA clients to predict clearance costs with greater accuracy, thereby reducing uncertainties.

From June 17-19, 2024, ZIMRA conducted an awareness workshop for its staff, led by Helen Scrimgeour, a consultant from United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The purpose of the workshop was to capacitate ZIMRA personnel in the effective administration of the e-tariff tool. The e-tariff tool is a digital platform designed to simplify the process of tariff classification and duty calculation. By inputting details about their shipments, users can obtain estimated duty calculations, permitting them to better plan and budget for their import and export activities. This proactive approach fosters greater efficiency and reduces the potential for delays or unexpected costs.

The introduction of the e-tariff tool represents a significant step forward in ZIMRA's ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and align with international good practices in customs administration. By leveraging digital technologies, the Authority aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly experience for its stakeholders. This also aligns seamlessly with the objectives of Zimbabwe's National Development Strategy 1(NDS1), which emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology to enhance public service delivery.

“As an organisation we expect the e-tariff tool to clarify the customs clearance process, reduce processing times, and minimize errors in duty calculations. This, in turn, will benefit ZIMRA's clients, who can now make more informed decisions and better manage their supply chain logistics”, said Mr Swarres, ZIMRA Head Compliance and Automation.

“The e-tariff tool is a game-changer for our clients,” remarked Helen. “It empowers them to take control of their customs obligations and plan their activities with greater certainty. This is a welcome development that will without doubt boost Zimbabwe's trade competitiveness”.

ZIMRA and UNCTAD partnership served as a crucial milestone in ZIMRA’s journey towards modernizing its traditional customs operations. The joint effort not only builds capacity within ZIMRA but also enhances the Authority’s capability to adapt to evolving global trade dynamics.

As Zimbabwe continues to position itself as a regional hub for trade and investment, initiatives such as the adoption of the e-Tariff tool will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable economic development. By embracing digital transformation in customs administration, Zimbabwe can foster a conducive business environment that attracts investment, stimulates growth across sectors, and contributes to the realization of its developmental aspirations outlined in the National Development Strategy 1.

The ongoing commitment to innovation and capacity building within ZIMRA underscores Zimbabwe’s readiness to embrace the opportunities of a globalized economy while safeguarding its national interests and developmental priorities.

On 31 January 2019, ZIMRA Region 3 held a Breakfast meeting to discuss highlights of the 2019 budget announced by the minister of Finance on 22 November 2018. The meeting was held in line with the CG’s thrust of building partnerships with stakeholders.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has taken a significant leap forward in facilitating trade with the launch of the E-Tariff tool. This innovative digital platform simplifies tariff searches and customs procedures, making it easier for businesses and customs officials to navigate the complexities of international trade.

Developed by Global Trading Solutions (GTS) with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and funding from the European Union, the E-Tariff tool boasts a user-friendly interface. This allows users to quickly search for tariffs and estimate customs duties, empowering importers to plan accordingly and reduce uncertainties and clearance costs.

At the launch event, Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, Hon. Kuda Mnangagwa, praised the E-Tariff tool. "This innovative system will significantly simplify the tariff search process, making it easier for traders to classify goods and estimate duties," he said.

The European Union's head of programmes, Mr. Frank Porte, emphasized the EU's commitment to supporting Zimbabwe's economic development. "The E-Tariff tool is just one example of our dedication to capacity building and trade facilitation in Zimbabwe," he said.

The E-Tariff tool's demonstration, conducted by GTS representative Helen Scrimgeour, received overwhelmingly positive feedback from stakeholders. They expressed optimism about the system's potential to enhance trade operations, and boost efficiency, transparency, and compliance in Zimbabwe's trade environment.

The launch of the E-Tariff tool marks a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's journey toward modernizing its customs processes. With this innovative tool now operational, ZIMRA is poised to lead the way in promoting effective customs management, contributing to Zimbabwe's economic growth and development.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), recently held a three-day tax education training in Masvingo.

The training aimed to equip journalists with the skills necessary to report effectively on tax and customs strategic issues, as well as their impact on the economic and social development of the nation.

"I'm now better equipped to report on tax-related issues and connect the dots between taxation and sustainable development," said Portia Muzorava, a young female journalist from MSU Campus Radio in the Midlands province.

She expressed increased confidence in her ability to create stories that will have a significant impact on her audience. Another participant, Beatific Gumbwanda, a freelancer based in Chiredzi, described the training as an "eye-opener" that helped fill the gaps in their understanding of ZIMRA's functions.

In his opening remarks, Batsirai Chadzingwa, the Commissioner of Customs and Excise who was standing in for the Commissioner General, thanked the journalists for their participation.

He expressed his belief that the training would help the media appreciate ZIMRA's role and its impact on the nation.

The training not only focused on ZIMRA's operations, but also highlighted the organisation's alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This holistic approach underscored the vital role that taxation plays in supporting sustainable development initiatives.

Melusi Tshuma, the national coordinator for Tax for SDGs with UNDP, explained the importance of taxes in the development of a nation. "We need to emulate the first world where taxes are religiously paid to their governments," he emphasized.

The training, which was attended by journalists from the southern region, including Masvingo, Chiredzi, Zvishavane, and Beitbridge, also included a tour of the Beitbridge Border Post.

During the tour, the journalists were introduced to the state-of-the-art scanning technology and drone surveillance system used to detect undeclared contraband and drugs.

The drones currently in use cover a 10km radius from the border post, with plans underway to expand the coverage to a 100km radius.

The comprehensive training and the exposure to ZIMRA's operations have undoubtedly equipped the journalists from the southern region with a deeper understanding of the organisation's crucial role in revenue collection, border management, and its contribution to Zimbabwe's sustainable development.

As part of its stakeholder relationship-building programme, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) commemorated the International Customs Day in Victoria Falls with attendees coming from various players in the freight forwarding industry, security services, local government including the Victoria Falls Mayor and the District Administrator and a delegation from the Zambia Revenue Authority. The theme for this year’s event was “SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel and Transport.”

By Severino Garah

In an exciting development for importers, exporters and clearing agents, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has rolled out the Port Health and Radiation Protection Authority Modules as part of the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window Project.

This initiative was launched on Wednesday, 9 October 2024. It is the second phase of the project, currently underway which aims to significantly improve the ease of doing business in the country.

The rollout took place at key entry points across Zimbabwe, including the Kazungula Border Post, Victoria Falls Border, Kariba Border Post, Chirundu Border Post, Nyamapanda Border Post, Plumtree, and Beitbridge Border Posts.

The Port Health module will also be implemented at Bulawayo and Victoria Falls Airports, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade to the country’s trade facilitation infrastructure.

The Single Window concept is a modern approach to international trade which allows importers and exporters to fulfill all requirements through a single electronic platform. It enables traders to submit documentation and receive electronic permits relating to import and export through a single window submission.

The aim of the single window is to ease trade through provision of a platform that requires less transaction costs and promotes faster processing time.

As a result, the streamlined process will reduce both costs and the time required for border clearance, making it easier for businesses to operate efficiently. The development is in line with government’s call for processes that improve ease of doing business.

The addition of this module comes against a background of government’s quest to have departments and agencies involved in trade to be added to the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW). This will naturally help Zimbabwe integrate better into global value chains (GVCs) as a result of simplified exporting and importing.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is supporting the ZeSW project as part of the harmonization of the customs service delivery initiative.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) hosted its 7th Annual General meeting in the Capital on 27 June 2024 during which the ZIMRA Board presented the 2023 Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

Speaking at this occasion, Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Hon. David Kudakwashe Munangagwa, highlighted that it was important to appreciate the transparency and integrity that ZIMRA demonstrates in consistently and publicly sharing Audited Financial Statements and holding an AGM for a public institution that is charged with collecting revenue on behalf of government. 

“ZIMRA has consistently been complying with the best practice dictates of corporate governance, which require each state entity to convene an Annual General Meeting as prescribed by the Public Entities and Corporate Governance Act. This must be appreciated. 2023 marked the mid-point of ZIMRA's 5-year strategic journey from 2021 to 2025 and it therefore becomes an important opportunity to review the performance of ZIMRA thus far. I am pleased to report that despite the challenges, ZIMRA has made progress in ensuring it delivers on its mandate.

You will also appreciate that one of the key milestones achieved in 2023 was the implementation of the new Tax Revenue Management System (TaRMS), which replaced the previous system whose shortcomings had become a major pain point for taxpayers. The new TaRMS has delivered superior tax revenue administration and significantly improved the overall taxpayer experience,” Hon Munangagwa.

Board Chairman Mr Antony Mandiwanza who welcomed members to the AGM led the proceedings while the Commissioner General of ZIMRA Ms Regina Chinamasa said that the strategic vision of ZIMRA was to feed into the national vision and to contribute to the economic stability of the nation through strengthening resource mobilisation through digitilisation and through implementing the full release of TaRMS.

She added that in line with the Government's thrust of improving service delivery, ZIMRA had made significant progress in implementing various strategic projects like Fiscalised Device Management System (FDMS), Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW), the Contact Centre, the Command and Surveillance Centre.

“ZIMRA is also investing in cutting-edge technology, such as scanners and drones, to improve border control and cargo monitoring, helping to detect and prevent the smuggling of goods. These strategic projects, underpinned by the principles of digitalisation and automation, have been instrumental in ZIMRA's efforts to modernise its operations, enhance taxpayer customer experience, and strengthen the revenue collection capabilities. We have also put in place measures to fight corruption, create awareness and a corrupt free ZIMRA. ZIMRA is also committed to promote the welfare of its staff,” said Ms Chinamasa.

In attendance at the AGM were Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion officials, other Government officials, ZIMRA board members, ZIMRA Management team and staff members, ZIMRA stakeholders, Captains of industry and commerce, Zimbabwe Government Departments and Members of the Media Fraternity.