Bongani Ndlovu
Nqobile Bhebhe in Plumtree
BORDERS are no longer merely lines on a map but have evolved into strategic gateways that drive economic growth, strengthen national security and advance sustainable development, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion David Mnangagwa has said.
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa made the remarks at the International Customs Day commemorations held at Plumtree Border Post, a key trade and transit point linking Zimbabwe to the region.
“In today’s global economy, the efficiency of our borders directly determines the competitiveness of our nation,” he said.
The Deputy Minister said Zimbabwe joined the global customs community in marking International Customs Day under the World Customs Organization (WCO) theme, “Customs Protecting Society Through Vigilance and Commitment.”
He said the theme reflects the evolving role of customs administrations in safeguarding economies while simultaneously enabling development and lawful trade.
“The theme resonates strongly with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy 2 and our collective aspiration to achieve Vision 2030 — an upper middle-income economy anchored on efficiency, productivity and inclusive growth.”
Deputy Minister Mnangagwa underscored the transformation of customs authorities from traditional enforcement agencies into key economic institutions.
“In the modern economy, customs administrations are no longer defined solely by enforcement. They are strategic enablers of trade, investment, domestic resource mobilisation and national security,” said the Deputy Minister.
He noted that in Zimbabwe, this expanded mandate continues to be executed with growing effectiveness by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra)’s Customs and Excise Division, whose work at ports of entry has become central to both economic management and security.
“This strategic role is reflected in national revenue performance. In 2025, total revenue collections reached US$7.6 billion, with customs-related taxes contributing approximately 31 percent of total revenue. This underscores the central role of our borders not only in facilitating trade and travel, but also in financing public services and national infrastructure.”
The Deputy Minister said efficient, technology-driven and secure border systems are now indispensable in a world characterised by complex global supply chains, rising volumes of trade and increasing security threats.
He commended customs officials for balancing trade facilitation with enforcement, saying their vigilance protects society from illicit trade, smuggling and other cross-border crimes that undermine economic stability and community safety.
Online Reporter