Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance Zimbabwe backs proposed alcohol tax

Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in Zimbabwe (SAAPA Zimbabwe) has voiced its support for a proposed Alcohol Tax announced by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube as part of the 2025 National Budget Proposal.

The initiative, aimed at addressing the country’s growing alcohol and substance abuse issues, has been praised by SAAPA Zimbabwe as a critical step toward safeguarding public health and strengthening support for addiction prevention and rehabilitation.

The alliance highlighted the potential of the Alcohol Tax to generate essential revenue for the government, which could be channeled towards a dedicated Drug Fund.

This fund would finance crucial programs for preventing, treating, and managing the consequences of alcohol and drug abuse across the nation.

It said the proposed tax aligns with effective international alcohol policies, designed to discourage harmful drinking while also funding public health initiatives that can foster long-term positive impacts in communities.

“Zimbabwe, like many other countries, faces significant challenges from alcohol and drug misuse, which contribute to domestic violence, mental health disorders, and road accidents,” it said in a statement.

The alliance believes that investing in prevention and rehabilitation will help mitigate these issues, ultimately creating healthier and safer communities across the country.

It also emphasised that the proposed tax aligns with Zimbabwe’s regional and international commitments to reduce alcohol-related harm, which provides a proactive approach to combating addiction and supporting affected individuals and families.

The alliance called on all stakeholders to support the Alcohol Tax initiative, asserting that it would help strengthen Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure and serve as a deterrent to excessive drinking.

They commended Minister Ncube for his bold approach and expressed eagerness for further collaborative efforts to achieve a safer, healthier future for all Zimbabweans.