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.

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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.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, (ZIMRA) hosted the annual Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) stakeholders’ breakfast meeting at Cresta Churchill Hotel, Bulawayo on April 25, 2024. The ZIMRA hosted event was held under the theme, “Embracing Innovation for Revenue Collection, Trade Facilitation and Travel.”

The ZIMRA annual event which seeks to reinforce cordial relations between the Authority and its stakeholders provides a platform for tax collectors and taxpayers to get together and discuss issues of economic importance in developing the nation.

Addressing guests, Acting Commissioner General for ZIMRA at the function, Mr Batsirayi Chadzingwa underscored the need for ZIMRA and its stakeholders to discuss issues of economic significance for nation building.

“ZIMRA has been progressively successful through mobilisation of resources for the country. We hope this discussion platform will continue to give us opportunities to craft ways of enhancing the well-being of our nation through growth enhancement and economic efficiency,” said Mr Chadzingwa

“As ZIMRA, we commend business for the hard work and sterling efforts in contributing towards revenue collection which has shown the Authority’s commitment in complementing the country’s economic revival efforts,” added Mr Chadzingwa.

ZIMRA has embraced creative technological and innovative domestic taxes and customs processes and introduced quite a number of innovative strategies to improve systems.

The TaRMS premier project was rolled out on 29 February 2024 while the Tax Agent Module successfully went live on 1 March 2024.

A substantial number of taxpayers have embraced TaRMS and ZIMRA has witnessed an increase in the number of taxpayers who have on-boarded.

“I am pleased to share that the performance of TaRMS is top notch and it is a user friendly system. This is the way to go and indeed with this efficiency ZIMRA will collect much revenue for the nation through a simplified tax system,” said a taxpayer at the breakfast meeting.

ZIMRA has also embraced the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZESW) which was introduced as part of measures to enhance efficient clearance of legitimate traffic and trade facilitation at the country’s ports of entry.

The objective of the ZESW is to improve trade facilitation and to achieve efficiency and effectiveness in pursuing the goals of revenue collection, enforcement of trade laws, social protection, and providing business intelligence to the government.

Zimbabwe provides the gateway to Africa through the north and south corridor, hence efficient trade facilitation at the country’s ports of entry is key for the region’s rapid economic growth.

ZIMRA is also using Drones – which is going to go a long way in customs surveillance and monitoring at ports of entry together with introduction of the Contact Centre to improved processes as ZIMRA has deliberately put Customer Centricity as its core focus in recent months and the contact centre adds to the already existing effort to improve service.

In attendance at the breakfast meeting were ZIMRA Board members, Ms Ruth Ncube, Mr Bongani Khumalo and Mr Johnsai Dewah, Executive Management, management and staff of ZIMRA, stakeholders, clients and captains of industry.

 

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.

As part of Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Business Processes Re-engineering, ZIMRA has launched Release 2 of the Tax and Revenue Management System (TaRMS) and the system which is now live starting 29 February 2024 amid extensive change management awareness sessions country-wide.

TaRMS project Manager Mrs Gamuchirai Makwangudze is elated at the recent development.

“Great milestone this is. Well-done to us all as a team and congratulations to everyone. We are all very excited and appreciate the amount of work and effort which has been put into this critical Project to this point,” she said.

Currently TaRMS has made head-ways in integration of TaRMS with disparate Business As Usual (BAU) Applications (Civil Registry, Registrar of Deeds & Companies, Banks, SAP FI has been completed, FDMS and working on integrating ASYCUDA.

TaRMS Release 1 was successfully launched in two phases:

Phase 1 – Two (2) Modules, User Management and Taxpayer Registration were launched on 12 October 2023 

Phase 2 - Six (6) modules were successfully launched on 6 December 2023. These are Return Management, Payments Management, Taxpayer Accounting, Debt Management, Refunds Management and Revenue Accounting.

Training of ZIMRA Officials, Tax Agents and Taxpayers for Release 2 started on 14 February 2024 and is still in progress while taxpayer queries are now channeled through the ZIMRA Contact Centre. The launch of Release 3 is set for 1^st of August 2024.

Taxpayers, Tax Agents and ZIMRA Officials have been working together to embrace TaRMS. There was a negative perception on TaRMS at introduction but the issues have been resolved and all stakeholders have begun to appreciate the convenience which the system brings with 103,859. taxpayers having been registered so far, 36,745 have registered as new Taxpayers and 67,114 have on-boarded.

The introduction of TaRMS is part of the organisation’s focus on simplifying business processes for the convenience of Taxpayers. ZIMRA is key in the national transformation and economic viability of Zimbabwe towards its vision 2030. Hence the need for ZIMRA to change its processes to facilitate ease of doing business. TaRMS is the new system for automating Domestic Taxes processes, replacing the (SAP TRM).

ZIMRA has been facing a series of system challenges in the provision of its services to its Taxpayers through SAP TRM under Domestic Taxes Division.

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority’s customs alert system led to the arrest of two Kenyans at Kazungula Border post for smuggling 60kgs of marijuana into Zimbabwe.

The Kenyans, Kamau Joseph Muchai and Duke Sammy will spend the next six years in prison following their conviction by the Victoria Falls Magistrate Court for possessing dangerous drugs.

The incident occurred on 2 February 2024 when Muchai and Sammy presented themselves for customs formalities at Kazungula Private Imports counter where they requested a Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for their vehicle, claiming they were in transit to Kenya.

During the routine inspection of the vehicle, the ZIMRA officer became suspicious of the van, which had new side panels and appeared to have been recently painted to convert it into a fridge van. Inside the van, the officer found personal clothing, diesel containers, mineral water and groceries. However, the officer noticed that the interior dimensions of the van were shorter than the exterior dimensions, suggesting the presence of an undisclosed compartment.

When questioned about the discrepancy, Kamau and Duke failed to provide satisfactory answers. The officer decided to conduct a thorough physical examination and discovered an inaccessible space between the front of the van and the loading compartment.

The van was then taken to the search bay, where the false compartment was opened and found 60.5 kilograms of marijuana concealed in eight wrapped black plastic bags, divided into 67 small packages.

Kamau and Sammy were later detained and handed over to the local police while the vehicle was seized by ZIMRA.

On February 4, the two appeared in court at Victoria Falls magistrate court, where they were convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Four years of their sentence were suspended on the condition of good behavior, leaving them with an effective six-year prison term.

The Commissioner for Customs and Excise, Mr. Batsirai Chadzingwa, praised the collaboration between ZIMRA and other law enforcement agencies at the border and vowed to maintain vigilance and active surveillance in order to protect society. He highlighted the importance of ZIMRA's role in safeguarding Zimbabwe from becoming a hub for illegal drugs and substances, both as a destination and a transit point.