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.