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.

In a concerted effort to build strong synergies with the media fraternity, The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority(ZIMRA) partnered with the United Nations Development Programme(UNPD) to host the Editors Breakfast meeting in Bulawayo on 28 May 2024. The media engagement was aimed at equipping editors with crucial knowledge of tax and customs issues in a bid to encourage accurate and informed narratives.

ZIMRA Domestic Taxes Regional Manager for Bulawayo, Mr Lisani Dube who read a speech on behalf of the Commissioner Domestic Taxes underscored the crucial role of strategic alliance with the media in enhancing compliance. “We believe tax and customs issues are of national interest and key news topics that deserve prominent coverage.” ZIMRA exceeded the set collection target for the first quarter and has consistently sustained this trend.  In this presiding quarter, we expect to continue with that trajectory. We can however do even more if you also play your role as members of the fourth estate to influence and encourage compliance.” said Mr Dube.

UNDP national coordinator Melusi Tshuma emphasised the need for media awareness on tax compliance and effective tax policies to promote domestic resource mobilisation and improve revenue collection. “Low domestic resource mobilisation severely affects the efforts to achieve SDGs, national strategies and development of any government” he said.

Speaking during the same event Director for ICT Mr Shami Moyo highlighted the importance of digitalization in reducing revenue leakages, simplifying processes, curbing corruption and promoting compliance. We are very much excited about TARMS, our clients no longer have to wait until midnight to file their returns, you can do it anytime during the day”, he said.  “We now have drones that are helping us to manage the border-line, and we are using them to manage the border during the day and at night. The electronic single window provides a single platform for importers and exporters to access services from different government agencies as opposed to engaging different agencies” he added.

The Editors in attendance were drawn from media houses such as Zimpapers, ZBC Montrose, Studio 7, Skyz Metro, Daily News, Choice Media among others. They sought clarity on issues relating to smuggling, corruption, civil servants rebate and lifestyle audits which were responded to by the ZIMRA executive members and management.  The Authority’s media engagement efforts are meant to increase awareness on the impact of Taxes and Duties on the socio, economic development of Zimbabwe.

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.

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Beitbridge office recently donated an assortment of school uniforms and stationery to Lutumba Primary School, which brightened the day for the beneficiaries.

Led by Mrs Winfield Chiyangwa, the Shift Manager, Mr Bosswell Pasinawako, the Acting Human Capital Manager, and other staff members, Ms Monalisa Tsingo, and Mr Bright Mugadza, visited the school situated in the deep rural area of Beitbridge.

They were welcomed by school authorities, including the school head, Mrs. Ncube, and a gathering of excited parents and guardians. Children from underprivileged families were prioritised on the issuing of uniforms of which it is a basic necessity for school going children. It was not long before they all togged up in brand new uniforms provided.

Mrs Ncube expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the ZIMRA team for their generosity and concern for the welfare of the marginalised pupils at Lutumba Primary.

"This wonderful gesture from ZIMRA staff means so much to us," she said, her eyes brimming with joy. "It will go a long way in ensuring that our students have the tools they need to succeed in their studies."

The ZIMRA Social Responsibility Team played a pivotal role in organising this donation, and they expressed their gratitude to the ZIMRA Beitbridge staff and management for their continued support.

"Without their financial assistance, this gesture would have remained a dream," said Mrs Chiyangwa.

One mother at the event remarked, "This is truly a blessing. We have been struggling to provide our children with the necessary school supplies and now, thanks to ZIMRA, our worries have been alleviated."

The parents were thrilled with the generous donation of the new uniforms and shoes and were full of praise for ZIMRA.

The ZIMRA team promised to reach out again for further support to fund school fees and winter jerseys, during the cold season.

This act of kindness by the ZIMRA Beitbridge staff has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the lives of the pupils at Lutumba Primary School, reminding us all of the power of community collaboration and the transformative effect of a simple act of generosity.

Zimbabwe's First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, has lauded the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) for its ongoing tax education campaign. The First Lady made the remarks during a recent visit to the ZIMRA stand at the inaugural Farm to Market Art Festival held in Harare.

The Farm to Market Art Festival, a brainchild of the First Lady, aimed at bringing together fresh farm produce, traditional foods, agro-processed goods, arts and crafts, and Zimbabwe's cultural heritage on a single platform was a resounding success.

"You must continue teaching our people on tax matters so that they comply and contribute to the development of our country," the First Lady said while touring the ZIMRA exhibit.

ZIMRA has religiously participated in major exhibitions across the country, taking the gospel of tax compliance and educating taxpayers on their obligations. At the festival, a team of dedicated ZIMRA officers educated exhibitors and guests on various tax and customs-related matters. Issues surrounding the export of fresh farm produce and the taxation of farmers were of particular interest to the attendees.

The team from ZIMRA seized the opportunity to take through the potential taxpayers on the registration process using the TaRMS system .

Grace Moyondizvo, a young farmer from Marondera, expressed her support for ZIMRA's efforts.  "As young farmers, we want to contribute immensely to the government's Vision 2030 by paying our taxes,”said Ms Moyondizvo.

Some guests at the festival suggested that ZIMRA should conduct more road shows to educate business owners who may be operating without a clear understanding of their tax obligations.

The First Lady's visit and her endorsement of ZIMRA's tax education campaign underscores the Authority's commitment to promoting tax compliance and ensuring that all citizens contribute to the country's 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.

The Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ESW) initiative has made significant progress in streamlining and modernizing cross-border trade processes. With successful pilot run of the Port Health module, implementation at Forbes Border Post and Robert Gabriel Mugabe Airport. The benefits of the ZESW are already apparent with positive impacts of the ZESW, including improved turnaround times, simplified procedures, reduced trading costs, alignment with international best practices, increased transparency, integrity, and enhanced revenue inflows to the government through ZIMRA.

In the first quarter of 2024, the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window system witnessed a significant number of transactions at Forbes and RGM International Airport. At Forbes, 791 import transactions and 72 export transactions were successfully processed, demonstrating the growing acceptance of the system by traders. Similarly, at RGM International Airport, 170 import transactions and 19 export transactions were efficiently handled. Additionally, the system facilitated the clearance of 45 human remains imports and 2 exports at RGM International Airport. With a total of well over a thousand transactions processed in just the first quarter of 2024, these figures highlight the increasing adoption and success of the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window system in streamlining trade operations.

One of the key advantages of the ZESW is the improved turnaround time for clearing goods and services. By digitizing and automating processes, the ZESW has eliminated manual paperwork and reduced administrative bottlenecks. This efficiency has resulted in faster clearance procedures, enabling businesses to save time and money. Additionally, the ZESW has simplified and harmonized procedures across different agencies, facilitating smoother trade operations.

The implementation of the ZESW has significantly reduced cross-border trading costs. By eliminating unnecessary bureaucracy and paperwork, businesses no longer face excessive delays and associated expenses. Moreover, the ESW promotes transparency by providing a centralized platform for trade-related activities. This transparency enhances accountability, minimizes corruption risks, and fosters trust between traders and government authorities.

Mr. Anoziva Keche, a transporter from Beitbridge, expressed his anticipation for the positive impact of the system, stating, "The implementation of this system will enable us to conveniently submit our applications from our offices, which is undoubtedly beneficial. We are optimistic that it will lead to a significant reduction in turnaround time for our trucks at the border."

The ZESW in Zimbabwe aligns processes and procedures with international best practices. By adopting global standards, the country can enhance its competitiveness and attract foreign investments. The ESW enables Zimbabwe to integrate seamlessly into regional and international trade networks, facilitating smoother trade flows and increasing economic growth opportunities.

Ms. Vivian Nenhunzi, representing Kings and Queens Funeral Palour, expressed her belief that the system would greatly assist in alleviating the emotional burden on bereaved families. She stated, "The implementation of this system will undoubtedly make the process for bereaved families less painful. By utilizing the Single Window system for our applications, we anticipate that undertakers will spend less time at the border, allowing us to make the process less stressful for the bereaved families."

Additionally, Mr. Adrian Swarres, the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window project manager from ZIMRA, highlighted the key benefits of the single window system. He explained, "The implementation of the single window system introduces an automated and seamless clearance platform. Clients will only need to submit their documents once to fulfill regulatory requirements. This streamlined process offers unparalleled convenience to clients, as they will have the ability to access payments and conduct transactions from the comfort of their own homes."

Building on the successes achieved, the ZESW continued to expand its coverage. With the  rolling out the system with Port Health module at Beitbridge completed in May 2024 and implementation at Plumtree expected to be completed before the end of June 2024. Simultaneously, the development of modules for the Ministry of Industry and the National Biotechnology Authority is underway, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated trade facilitation framework.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), recently took part in the Minex Southern Region Expo and Conference held in Zvishavane, where it emphasised that it was imperative for miners to comply with taxation and customs laws.

The event, organised by Minex is a platform for small-scale miners, aimed to unite numerous mining suppliers, producers, and manufacturers for collaboration and the exchange of innovations. The primary focus of ZIMRA's participation at the event was to educate and implore small-scale miners to comply with tax regulations by registering with ZIMRA through the newly introduced TaRMS system.

Mr Munyaradzi Hwengwere, the Chairman of Minex, highlighted that miners need to hid the call for compliance. “For small-scale miners to progress to medium and high scales, they must register for taxes and comply. The cost of non-compliance is too heavy. I urge all miners to do what is necessary," he said during the conference.

Adding weight at the conference, Mr Godfrey Ziwumburu, the Acting Station Manager for Masvingo, Chiredzi, and Zvishavane, stressed that compliance was imperative to boost the economy.

“Compliance enables miners to obtain Tax Clearances, which are necessary for conducting business and accessing opportunities in the market. This is crucial in building financial resources for a better Zimbabwe,” said Mr Ziwumburu.

Young Miners Federation (YMF) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Payne Kupfuwa who also took part during the event urged small-scale miners to formalise their operations and treat mining as a business, not just a way of survival.

Miners were educated on the benefits of tax and customs compliance during the event, such as the VAT deferment provision which is granted to miners on importation of some capital equipment for the exclusive use in mining. Mr Simon Ganyani, from ZIMRA's Zvishavane office, took the opportunity to explain tax and customs issues.  He highlighted that the mining sector is heavily incentivised for a good reason, emphasizing the need for compliance.

Participants pointed out that the extractive sector, including mining, often operates informally on a large scale. They stressed the importance of organisations like ZIMRA and EMA being visible and actively educating miners, as the sector has the potential to make a significant contribution to the country's tax base.

ZIMRA has demonstrated unwavering commitment to tackling taxpayers’ challenges and promoting compliance by actively engaging in exhibitions that prioritize client education. The organisation has implemented a range of innovative measures to enhance compliance, such as the introduction of TaRMS and the Single Window initiative, FDMS among others.

The expo and conference were attended by various stakeholders, including the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), alongside other exhibitors.