The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) engaged Finance and Accounting students from the University of Zimbabwe in a tax seminar aimed at strengthening technical knowledge and supporting the Authority’s culture transformation agenda.

The tax education seminar, held on 28 May 2026 at the University of Zimbabwe HLT 500 Hall, had over 300 students in attendance. The seminar focused on three key areas: Domestic Taxes, Audit, and Customs. Senior ZIMRA officers from the Domestic Taxes and Customs divisions facilitated sessions on Income Tax, Value Added Tax, Pay As You Earn, audit procedures, taxpayer rights, and customs valuation and tariff classification under the ASYCUDA World system.

Mrs Rutendo Mapani, Technical Services Manager, emphasized that the seminar forms part of the Authority’s broader strategy to shift from enforcement-focused approaches. “When taxpayers understand tax obligations and administrative processes, voluntary compliance improves. Obey the law—that’s why we are here today. What we need is compliance,” she said.

Mr Samson Chikunguru from Technical Services – Domestic Taxes highlighted the benefits of TARMs and FDMS in reducing compliance burdens and enhancing the ease of doing business for taxpayers.

The seminar also advances the objectives of ZIMRA’s Women in Taxation initiative, which seeks to address barriers to women’s participation and leadership in tax policy and administration. With women constituting a significant proportion of Finance and Accounting graduates, early exposure to tax systems is expected to enhance representation and inclusion within the profession.

Speaking at the same event, Dr Tonderai Kapesa from the Finance and Accounting Department expressed gratitude to ZIMRA for the collaboration, noting that such engagements ensure that academic training remains aligned with industry practice. Students were exposed to ZIMRA’s electronic platforms, including e-Services, and gained insight into career pathways in tax audit, customs, and revenue management.

ZIMRA intends to roll out similar engagements at other tertiary institutions across the country. The Authority’s culture transformation programme prioritises client-centric service, transparency, and stakeholder education as drivers of improved compliance and revenue mobilisation.