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.”

HARARE — Radio Zimbabwe’s multilingual broadcaster Patricia Jacob, popularly known as PJ, won the ZIMRA-sponsored Tax Education and Awareness Award at the 2025/2026 National Journalism and Media Awards (NJAMA), held in Harare on 23 October 2026.

Her winning programme explored the rental income tax obligations of landlords living in Zimbabwe and abroad who let out properties in the country.

Presented in plain Shona, the programme brought listeners’ questions to ZIMRA tax educators, using familiar examples such as residential accommodation and premises rented out to tailors and backyard tuck-shop operators.

Jacob said the award-winning programme brought landlords’ tax obligations to the fore, using Radio Zimbabwe’s reach to close gaps in understanding.

“I would like to thank ZIMRA for sponsoring the best Tax Education and Awareness Award,” she said.

ZIMRA Marketing and Corporate Affairs Executive, Mr Gladman Njanji, said Jacob’s recognition highlighted the media’s contribution to informed voluntary compliance.

“Voluntary compliance begins with clear, practical tax education. Patricia’s programme brought tax matters into everyday conversation, giving listeners space to ask questions and understand their obligations in a language they feel at home with. That connection helps build the confidence and trust that encourage compliance,” Njanji said.

He said ZIMRA would build on this momentum by rolling out a tax education campaign across a broad network of radio stations, including community radio stations.

“We appreciate the power of language to make tax matters easier to understand. We want to bring these conversations closer to home, in the languages our listeners feel most comfortable with, so that asking a tax question feels as natural as discussing any other everyday concern,” he said.

NJAMA is a Zimbabwe Union of Journalists initiative celebrating excellence in journalism. This year’s ceremony featured 30 award categories and attracted more than 40 journalists from across print, broadcast and digital media, including freelance journalists.

The event was also attended by development partners, including UNFPA, as well as embassy representatives and sponsors from the private and public sectors.

By Severino Garah

The ZIMRA Staff Pension Fund’s assets grew by 16.1 percent to ZWG1.119 billion in 2025, up from ZWG963.6 million in 2024, as the Fund pursued investment diversification and strengthened its asset base.

The figures were presented at the Fund’s Third Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at Cresta Oasis in Harare on Thursday, 22 October 2026, where members received updates on financial performance, investment strategy, governance and initiatives aimed at safeguarding their retirement benefits.

Chairman of the Board of Fund, Ms Cynthia Mugwira, said the period under review had recorded progress in strengthening the Fund’s asset base, governance structures and strategic direction.

“The period under review has been marked by notable progress in strengthening the Fund’s asset base, governance structures, and strategic direction as we pursue prudent investment decisions aimed at preserving value and generating sustainable long-term returns for members,” she said.

Ms Mugwira highlighted developments in the Fund’s property portfolio, including the commencement of civil works on 10 hectares of land at Knockmalloch following the appointment of UDCORP to undertake the works.

The Chairperson also reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to prudent investments, sound governance and strategic decision-making, while encouraging members to actively participate in matters concerning the Fund.

“Together, we are not just managing a fund; we are actively safeguarding our futures,” she said.

The Fund also completed the acquisition of a 52-hectare property in Somerby as part of its investment strategy, while plans to acquire additional land in Bulawayo were underway.

Ms Mugwira said the Board had appointed an investment consultant and would hold a strategy session to review the Fund’s priorities, assess emerging opportunities and risks, and align its objectives with developments in the pension and investment environment.

The Board would also undertake a comprehensive review of the Investment Policy Statement to ensure that the Fund’s investment strategy remained relevant to market conditions and its long-term objectives.

Workers’ representative, Mr Valentine Chikosi, underscored the importance of sustainable social protection in safeguarding members’ welfare and ensuring financial security in retirement.

“Sustainable social protection is fundamental to workers’ dignity and security in retirement. Every pension scheme must strive to safeguard the long-term interests of its members and ensure that retirement is a period of dignity, not financial hardship,” he said.

Mr Chikosi said the Workers’ Representatives on the ZIMRA Staff Pension Fund (ZSPF) remained committed to ensuring that members did not retire into poverty.

“As Workers’ Representatives on the ZIMRA Staff Pension Fund (ZSPF), our unwavering commitment is to ensure that no member retires into poverty. We are encouraged by the strategic direction being pursued by the Fund, which we believe provides an important foundation for advancing this vision,” he said.

He added that the representatives would continue championing members’ interests, promoting the Fund’s sustainability and ensuring that the promise of a secure and dignified retirement remained central to its strategic priorities.

The Fund Administrator, represented by Mr Forbes Mutambarika, highlighted that the 2025 financial review showed that guaranteed funds accounted for 67.8 percent of the portfolio, down from 90 percent in 2024, while exposure to land increased from 0.3 percent to 20.3 percent. Managed investments and property accounted for 11.6 percent, while the special fund contributed 0.3 percent.

Operating income in Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) reached ZWG91.78 million in 2025, against expenditure of ZWG25.26 million, resulting in an operating surplus of ZWG66.52 million.

Benefits paid totalled ZWG22.49 million, accounting for approximately 89 percent of operating expenditure.

Investment income stood at ZWG68.10 million, down from ZWG659.11 million in 2024, while the investment surplus declined to ZWG60.27 million from ZWG655.85 million. Capital appreciation, however, increased by 2.7 percent to ZWG28.32 million.

In United States dollar terms, the Fund closed 2025 with assets of US$905,629, after recording total income of US$949,266 and expenditure of US$43,637.

The Fund reported an underlying asset return of 11.97 percent for 2025, while the declared return was 6.5 percent. The AGM presentation also indicated that a 20 percent bonus had been declared for the six months ending 30 June 2026.

Foreign equities listed locally were the best-performing asset class in the reported investment performance figures, returning 88.29 percent in US dollar terms. Offshore foreign equities returned 14.10 percent, while interest-bearing investments recorded a return of 13.16 percent.

The meeting also reviewed the Fund’s governance arrangements. Members were informed that elections to the Board of Fund had been conducted and that the Board was now fully constituted. The presentation further indicated that the process of appointing an independent expert was underway.

Principal Officer, Mrs Tsitsidzashe C. Tadiwa, who assumed the role on 1 July 2026, said the AGM was significant as it was her first since joining the Authority in April.

The meeting also welcomed three new Board of Fund members: Ms Leah Chigiyegiye, Mr Isdore Kodogo and Mr Joseph Mukurazhizha.

The AGM was held in accordance with Section 14 of the Pension and Provident Funds Act and Circular 12 of 2024. It was not an elective meeting because the current Board members had not yet completed their terms of office.

Established on 1 July 2001, the Fund provides benefits to members upon retirement, resignation, dismissal or retrenchment, as well as benefits to beneficiaries in the event of a member’s death. It also offers a pension-backed mortgage facility.

Under the contribution structure presented at the meeting, the employer contributes 15 percent while employees contribute 7.5 percent, with contributions invested to finance future benefits.

To address members’ concerns regarding potential currency fluctuations arising from policy changes highlighted by ZIMRA Board member Mr Colin Kuhuni, the Chairperson assured them that the Fund was working on a framework aimed at safeguarding the value of members’ investments and preserving their retirement benefits amid changes in the economic and policy environment.

On compensation for pension value losses incurred before 2009, the presentation indicated that the revised compensation framework had not yet been released by the regulator for implementation. It also noted that a further US$1.75 million dividend distribution had been indicated under Circular 27 of 2026, issued on 23 July 2026, with eligibility criteria still awaited.

The Domestic Taxes Divisional Management Meeting is being held at Kadoma Range Hotel from 20 to 21 October 2026 under the theme “Culture of Execution.” It brought together management and staff members from across the Division to review operational performance, evaluate key challenges, and develop strategies to improve revenue collection, taxpayer compliance and service delivery during the fourth quarter.

The meeting reinforced the Division’s commitment to cultivating a culture of execution, enhancing operational effectiveness, improving taxpayer compliance, and maximising domestic revenue mobilisation.

Regional Manager region 3, Mr Nkulumo quoted Numbers 13 vs 30 in encouraging the participants to push and achieve the target of 12 billion.

“We are well able, let’s go and attack this new target,” said Mr Nkulumo.  His message emphasised confidence, determination, teamwork and the importance of working together to achieve the goal.

In his opening remarks Commissioner Domestice Taxes, Mr Govha, appreciated the work done since the beginning of the year. He acknowledged the hard work and dedication, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to achieve the remaining target.

 “We have been working very hard since the beginning of the year and we can collect the remaining 3 billion by the end of the year, ” said Mr Govha.

Participants then reviewed the implementation of resolutions from previous meetings and discussed matters arising to assess progress and identify areas requiring further attention. The meeting also examined audit findings and recommendations, focusing on strengthening compliance management, improving revenue assurance, addressing operational gaps, and developing strategies to surpass the set revenue target by year-end. Compliance performance across stations was assessed, with emphasis on filing and remittance trends and the implementation of targeted interventions to improve compliance levels.

Debt growth trends were analysed, and participants identified the drivers of outstanding debt and developed interventions to improve debt recovery and collection performance. Discussions focused on adopting war room strategies to support effective monitoring, strengthen accountability, and ensure timely action on outstanding debt.

The Division’s strategic initiatives including e-commerce taxation, fuel fiscalisation, the Fiscal Devices Management System (FDMS), and the Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS), were also discussed. Participants assessed progress, identified implementation challenges, and explored opportunities to enhance operational efficiency through technology-driven solutions and data-based decision-making.

Throughout the meeting, participants emphasised accountability, timely execution of agreed actions, continuous performance monitoring, and measurable results. The meeting provided a platform for sharing best practices, addressing operational challenges, and aligning divisional efforts with strategic objectives and sustainable revenue growth.

VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE, 14 October 2026 – The African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) has convened the 2026 Continental Exchange of Information (EOI) Conference and Workshop, hosted by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), from 14 to 16 October 2026 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The three-day gathering brings together African tax administration leaders and practitioners to strengthen international tax cooperation, combat illicit financial flows and improve domestic revenue mobilisation.

The conference comes at a time when African countries are increasingly recognising the value of accessing taxpayer information held beyond their borders. Since 2009, African tax administrations have identified more than EUR 4.6 billion in additional revenue through EOI, cross-border audits and investigations supported by EOI, and voluntary disclosure programmes, including EUR 417 million in 2025 alone.

Despite these gains, the benefits remain concentrated in relatively few countries. Many African tax administrations continue to face challenges related to limited legal frameworks, technical capacity and the effective use of exchanged information, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation and practical solutions.

According to Mr Antony Munanda, ATAF Head of International and Cross-Border Taxation, the conference provides an opportunity to help more African countries translate international tax cooperation into tangible results.

“Exchange of Information is an essential instrument for protecting Africa's tax base and strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation. We have seen the results it can deliver, but too many of our members are yet to fully benefit. Through this conference, we want to bridge that gap by strengthening political commitment, building practical capabilities and ensuring that African tax administrations have the tools and expertise to effectively use information held beyond their borders,” said Mr Munanda.

Welcoming the continental gathering, acting ZIMRA Commissioner General, Mr Misheck Govha,  highlighted the importance of Zimbabwe hosting discussions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation.

“Zimbabwe is pleased to host this important continental engagement, which brings African tax administrations together to share experiences and identify practical solutions to common challenges. As economic activities increasingly transcend national borders, no tax administration can address these challenges in isolation. Stronger cooperation and effective exchange of information are essential to protecting public revenue and supporting our countries' development priorities,” said Mr Govha.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Finance for Zimbabwe, Hon. David Mnangagwa, reiterated the importance of the Exchange of Information Conference that has been organised by the African Tax Administration Forum in bringing jurisdictions together to strengthen tax administrators’ capacity to mobilise domestic resources through effective international tax cooperation

“African economies operate within an interconnected financial system. Income, assets and business transactions cross borders, while governments remain responsible for financing development at home. International tax cooperation must therefore form part of our national financing strategies. Exchange of information helps establish the facts needed to address concealed taxable income and assets, investigate tax-related illicit financial flows and enforce domestic tax laws,” said Hon. Mnangagwa.

The conference opens with high-level discussions on Africa's tax transparency agenda, political leadership and the implementation of Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI). The following two days will focus on practical applications, including effective EOI requests, the use of exchanged information in tax audits, simultaneous tax examinations, beneficial ownership information and international peer review processes.

Beyond the conference, ATAF is advancing several initiatives to strengthen international tax cooperation across Africa. These include the ATAF Agreement on Mutual Assistance in Tax Matters (AMATM), which provides a framework for cooperation among African tax administrations, alongside targeted technical assistance, capacity-building programmes and practical tools to strengthen the implementation and effective use of EOI.

Participants will also explore an African-led AEOI IT solution developed jointly by ATAF and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), with support from the World Bank, demonstrating how African-developed technological solutions can strengthen international tax cooperation.

Building on the inaugural conference held in 2024, the gathering forms part of ATAF's continued efforts to strengthen African ownership of the EOI agenda and help more member countries translate international cooperation into increased domestic revenue.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) recently engaged with taxpayers in the agricultural town of Karoi, fostering a greater understanding of tax responsibilities. The initiative focused on taxpayer education, drawing interest not only from local businesses but also from visiting groups, including school children from Magunje and Karoi.

The engagement highlighted ZIMRA's efforts to promote compliance and educate the community on the importance of taxes in supporting national development. By involving schools, ZIMRA has ensured that even younger community members appreciate the role of taxation in building infrastructure and supporting essential services.

Such programs strengthen the relationship between ZIMRA and taxpayers, instilling a sense of responsibility and awareness for sustainable economic development.

Crypto-tax research wins continental award as Zimbabwe fields four papers at Africa's largest tax research meeting

KIGALI, Rwanda — A study of how Zimbabwe should tax cryptocurrencies has won the Best Innovative Research Paper Award at the 11th Annual Congress of the African Tax Research Network (ATRN). The congress was hosted by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) in Kigali from 22 to 24 September 2026.

The winning paper was written by Dr Gift Mupunga, Head of Research and Innovation at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). It was one of four papers presented by a ZIMRA team. The team also covered tax expenditures, corruption and tax morale, and automatic exchange of tax information across borders.

The award puts Zimbabwe among the continent's leading contributors to tax research. That research increasingly shapes how African governments raise revenue at home.

A congress that keeps growing

The congress met at the Kigali Convention Centre under the theme Contemporary Taxation Issues in Africa. It was co-hosted by the Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA). Researchers, policymakers, tax administrators and development partners came from across Africa and beyond to look for evidence-based ways to strengthen tax policy and domestic revenue mobilisation.

This year the ATRN received 190 research paper submissions, up from 120 in 2024. That is an increase of nearly 60 per cent, and it shows growing interest in research on Africa's most pressing tax problems.

ATAF said 164 of the submissions went through double-blind peer review. A Scientific Committee of 114 members completed 356 individual reviews. From these, 48 papers were accepted for full presentation and seven for poster presentation. Another 40 were placed on a mentoring track to help their authors develop their work.

Opening: “No finance ministry can close a tax gap it has not measured”

Rwanda's Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yusuf Murangwa, opened the congress. He argued that Africa needs stronger research infrastructure to design tax policy and judge whether reforms work. “Good tax policy, like good statistics, depends on evidence gathered honestly, tested rigorously,” he said. “No finance ministry can close a tax gap it has not measured.”

The Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority, Ronald Niwenshuti, said revenue growth should come from better compliance, not more taxes. “Improved revenue collection is not a question of how many new levies we can introduce,” he said. He reported that the RRA reached 104.2 per cent of its target in the financial year to June 2026, with collections up 27.7 per cent. He credited data-driven enforcement, electronic billing and building taxpayer trust.

Niwenshuti also announced a Tax Tech Incubator Programme, so African administrations can share technology solutions. “An administration that holds its innovations serves only itself; one that shares them serves the continent,” he said. He warned that an administration that “treats research as decoration” will “eventually find itself poorly governed”.

Emeka Nwankwo, ATAF's Head of Domestic Tax and Capacity Building, spoke on behalf of ATAF Executive Secretary Mary Baine. He set out what is at stake. “On a continental output of roughly three trillion dollars, each additional percentage point of GDP raised in tax is worth in the order of thirty billion dollars a year,” he said.

Nwankwo said the ATRN's mentoring track means “we are not only selecting excellence; we are developing it”. He added that “the road from 15 per cent of GDP to the levels our peers on other continents already reach will not be built on borrowed models”.

Zimbabwe's four papers

Taxing crypto-assets (award winner). Dr Mupunga's paper looks at how Zimbabwe can bring a fast-growing but largely informal crypto market into the tax net. He estimates that about 12 per cent of Zimbabwean adults used crypto-assets by 2024, up from under 2 per cent in 2019. Much of this trading happens peer-to-peer, offshore or in cash, out of sight of the tax system.

The paper finds that Statutory Instrument 99 of 2026 was a turning point. It brought crypto service providers under Financial Intelligence Unit registration, identity checks and the international “travel rule”. But Mupunga argues that SI 99 is an anti-money-laundering tool, not a tax code. Zimbabwe still needs law that defines crypto as property, sets out when gains are taxable and how they are valued, and requires providers to report to ZIMRA.

Comparing India, Japan, the United States, Germany, South Africa and Brazil, he recommends a balanced, asset-based approach over punitive rates. He proposes a simplified regime for small businesses and early preparation for the OECD Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, which several African countries will start using in 2027 and 2028.

Tax expenditures. Benjamin Chaya, a ZIMRA Research Analyst, analysed Zimbabwe's tax incentives and exemptions. Between 2015 and 2022 they averaged about US$2.16 billion a year, equal to 51.9 per cent of tax revenue and 6.02 per cent of GDP. Both figures are well above global averages. Using a Python-based microsimulation model on 2024 company tax returns, he estimates corporate tax expenditures at about US$555 million, or 1.21 per cent of GDP. He called for an annual tax expenditure report, sunset clauses on incentives and a whole-of-government monitoring framework.

Corruption and tax morale. Judith Tambama used Afrobarometer survey data on 1,457 Zimbabwean adults. She found that people who had paid a bribe for a public service were 7.2 percentage points less likely to say that not paying tax is wrong and punishable. People who found tax information easy to get were 15.2 points more likely to hold that view. Her conclusion: “the fiscal relationship is experienced before it is enforced”. Integrity and clear information build willing compliance.

Bridging the technical divide. Jeremiah Makumba addressed a practical barrier to international tax transparency. Many African tax authorities have signed agreements to exchange financial account data automatically, but their older IT systems cannot produce the data in the formats the OECD requires. He proposed an “African Interoperability Adapter”. This is low-cost middleware that extracts, translates, validates and securely sends data without replacing core systems. He urged ATAF to develop an open-source reference version for the continent.

From research to reform

The papers point in the same direction as the opening speeches. Africa can raise more revenue by closing gaps, managing incentives better, earning taxpayer trust and using data well, rather than by adding new taxes.

For Zimbabwe the congress offered both recognition and a practical agenda: legislating for crypto-assets, reporting openly on tax expenditures, making integrity visible at every point of contact with taxpayers, and building the systems needed for international information exchange.

As Minister Murangwa told delegates, a gap cannot be closed until it is measured. Zimbabwe's researchers went to Kigali with measurements and came home with the continent's top prize for innovation.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has launched the Plumtree Small Trader Pilot Project (STPP), an initiative aimed at making formalisation and compliance easier and more accessible for small scale traders operating in the border community.

The three-day launch, held from 22 to 24 September 2026, brought together ZIMRA officials, small traders, Government stakeholders and representatives from IMF AFRITAC South.

Among the key guests were Headman Mabhunu, IMF Afritac South representatives Mrs. Janice Barnett and Mr. Stephen Mendes, Mrs Prunela Tembo, Community Services Officer from Plumtree Town Council, Mrs Merjury Sikundla, Provincial Development Officer in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Mrs Memory Mugwagwa, Regional Immigration Officer covering Plumtree, Mphoengs, Maitengwe and Mlambapele Border Posts.

Speaking at the launch, IMF AFRITAC South Consultant Mrs Janice Barnett reaffirmed the IMF's support for the initiative, saying the organisation looked forward to contributing towards revenue mobilisation.

IMF AFRITAC South Resident Customs Administration Advisor Mr Stephen Mendes said the pilot could potentially provide a foundation for broader initiatives to bring informal traders into the formal economy across Africa.

Representing the Acting Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Regional Manager, Region 2 Customs & Excise, Mr Bekezela. Majokojoko, said the initiative would strengthen the relationship between ZIMRA and small traders.

He said Customs plays an important role not only in revenue collection, but also in facilitating legitimate international trade and supporting businesses engaged in cross border commerce. Small traders, he noted, contribute significantly to livelihoods, economic activity and the movement of goods across Zimbabwe's borders.

Mr Majokojoko said the objective of the pilot was not simply to register traders, but to support their transition into the formal economy in a practical, supportive and sustainable manner.

Mrs. Sikundla encouraged stakeholders to work together, reminding participants that together they can achieve anything when they put their minds together.

Closing the programme on behalf of the Commissioner of Domestic Taxes, Mr Gideon Nleya, said the initiative recognised the important contribution of small businesses and informal traders to Zimbabwe's economy.

He said Domestic Taxes was responsible not only for administering and collecting domestic taxes, but also for educating, guiding and assisting taxpayers to understand and meet their obligations.

Mr Nleya encouraged traders to approach ZIMRA for assistance on registration, tax obligations, record keeping, returns and other compliance requirements. He also emphasised that trader feedback would be critical in identifying areas where processes could be simplified.

The launch included presentations on the STPP by the ZIMRA Project team, completion of questionnaires led by the Project Coordinator Mrs. Silvia Chauke and a walkthrough of the process flow and a visit to the STPP Priority Desk, allowing stakeholders to observe the initiative in practice.

The pilot is based on collaboration among ZIMRA, Government institutions, development partners, local leadership and the trading community. Its success will depend on continued engagement and feedback from traders as the project is monitored and reviewed.

The Plumtree STPP seeks to build a relationship between ZIMRA and small traders based on education, facilitation, compliance and mutual trust, while generating lessons that could inform future initiatives beyond Plumtree.

By Chenayi Maponga

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) celebrated its Silver Jubilee on 2 September 2026, marking 25 years of revenue mobilisation, service delivery, transformation and national service.

The colourful celebration, held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), brought together Government officials, current and former ZIMRA leaders, taxpayers, development partners, representatives of regional and international revenue administrations, industry and commerce, staff and other stakeholders.

Established in 2001 through the integration of the former Department of Taxes and Department of Customs and Excise, ZIMRA has grown into a modern revenue administration institution with a shared identity and mandate. As Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa noted, the journey has transformed the organisation from two institutions into “One ZIMRA”, supported by people, technology, experience and a common purpose.

Reflecting on the Authority's journey and its future, Commissioner General Chinamasa said:

“We came together as two institutions. We became One ZIMRA. We have transformed how we work. Now we must transform what is possible. We have served Zimbabwe for 25 years. And we are ready to serve for the next 25 — with greater agility, greater intelligence, greater purpose and an even greater commitment to excellence. This is ZIMRA@25. This is our journey. This is our moment. And the best of ZIMRA is still ahead.”

Over the past 25 years, ZIMRA has progressively modernised its operations through investments in technology and innovation, including TaRMS, FDMS, successive generations of ASYCUDA, electronic cargo tracking, scanners, the Electronic Single Window, eTariff, eTIP and drone technology. These developments have transformed how the Authority interacts with taxpayers, manages compliance and facilitates legitimate trade.

The Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Hon. Prof. Mthuli Ncube, reflected on ZIMRA's growth against the changing Zimbabwean economy.

“Over these 25 years, ZIMRA has responded to the changing economic dictates of our country. From collecting millions in its early years, the Authority now mobilises billions in revenue. That is not merely the story of an institution growing in size. It is also a reflection of an economy that has evolved, expanded and become increasingly complex. Today, Zimbabwe is a US$50 billion-plus economy and continues to grow. As our economy expands, ZIMRA must rise with it.”

The Silver Jubilee was also a celebration of the taxpayers and stakeholders who have been partners in ZIMRA's journey. The Authority recognised 40 top-performing and compliant taxpayers, acknowledging their contribution to a culture of voluntary compliance and responsible citizenship.

The Commissioner General emphasised that the Taxpayer Appreciation Awards have grown beyond an annual event to become an important expression of ZIMRA's appreciation of stakeholders whose cooperation makes effective revenue administration possible.

The ZIMRA Board Chairman, Mr Anthony Mandiwanza, said the anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate the institution's achievements, but also to consider the responsibility of preparing it for the future.

“As we look towards the next quarter century, our task as a Board is not simply to preserve what has been built, but to ensure that ZIMRA remains fit for purpose, future-ready and capable of responding to an increasingly digital and interconnected economy. But anniversaries are ultimately about legacy. Twenty-five years from now, another generation will stand where we stand today. They will inherit the institution shaped by the choices we make in this generation. Our charge is therefore to leave ZIMRA stronger, more resilient, more trusted and more institutionally secure than we found it.”

The celebration also recognised the people behind ZIMRA's transformation, including employees who have served the Authority since its establishment. Approximately 600 employees who were already serving when ZIMRA was established in 2001 continue to contribute their institutional knowledge and experience.

As ZIMRA looks beyond its Silver Jubilee, the focus is firmly on the future — greater agility, innovation, intelligence, service excellence and stronger partnerships with taxpayers and stakeholders.

Twenty-five years represents a significant chapter in ZIMRA's history. The anniversary celebrated how far the Authority has come, while setting the foundation for the next 25 years of excellence in revenue mobilisation and service delivery.