Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya-Beitbridge Bureau
THE Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion continues to lead the Tax Reform and Modernisation Agenda, ensuring the country’s fiscal policies are responsive to local realities, aligned with regional obligations and consistent with global best practices, a senior Government official has said.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Deputy Minister David Kudakwashe Mnangagwa said the Government had a clear goal to develop and sustain a tax system that is efficient, transparent and supportive of business growth and national prosperity.
He made the remarks yesterday in Harare while officiating at the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) event, where the parastatal hosted the Taxpayer Appreciation Awards Ceremony, recognising individuals and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional compliance with tax laws and regulations.
The Deputy Minister underscored the importance of taxation in national development.
“Taxes are not a burden; they are a declaration of faith in our nation and a patriotic duty.”
The ceremony highlighted Zimbabwe’s progress towards achieving Vision 2030, a self-reliant, competitive and prosperous nation.
“Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 embodies these ideals, a self-reliant, competitive and prosperous nation. Each compliant taxpayer is a partner in this bold national mission,” he said.
“Across Africa, Agenda 2063 calls on us to finance our own development, while the Addis Ababa Action Agenda emphasises that transformation must come from domestic resources, not external aid.
“Globally, countries such as South Korea and Singapore demonstrate that strong domestic resource mobilisation is key to sustained development. The UN Sustainable Development Goals also recognise domestic revenues as critical for inclusive growth, climate action, healthcare and education.”
The Deputy Minister also urged taxpayers to continue complying with tax obligations, rejecting smuggling, tax evasion and corruption.
He said smuggling and evasion were not victimless crimes but were crimes against the nation and every honest Zimbabwean. Globally, Deputy Minister Mnangagwa added, countries that rigorously combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows enjoy higher public service delivery, greater investor confidence and stronger economic growth.
“The President Mnangagwa continually reminds us, ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo,’” he said.
“A nation is built, governed and sustained by its people. When we comply with our tax obligations, we are laying the bricks of our nation. Each act of compliance strengthens the foundation of our collective prosperity.”
“The upcoming National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) marks a decisive step on our journey towards Vision 2030 — a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income Zimbabwe. It will be largely financed by our own local resources — the taxes, duties and revenues we generate together as a nation.”
Zimra’s board chairperson, Mr Anthony Mandiwanza, said the Board had approved a robust anti-smuggling programme, which includes the strategic deployment of drones and enhanced border management systems.
He said these measures have successfully intercepted unsafe products and medicines at ports of entry, safeguarding citizens while reinforcing the integrity and competitiveness of commerce in Zimbabwe.
In addition, he highlighted that they had also sanctioned the roll out of the modern Tax and Revenue Management System.
“This innovation enhances efficiency, transparency and accessibility, ensuring that every taxpayer can fulfil their obligations more easily and at lower cost,” said Mr Mandiwanza.
“Our goal is simple: to make it easier to comply than to evade and to make ZIMRA a true facilitator of business, trade and investment. Over the past few years, digitalisation—including TaRMS, the Fiscalisation Data Management System, ASYCUDA World and the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window — has significantly expanded the number of taxpayers on our database. More small, medium and large businesses are now visible in the tax net, not through fear but through simpler processes, better service and smarter systems.”
He said as part of the digital implementation initiatives, Zimra envisaged a vision where businesses will be able to register, file and pay from anywhere; clear goods faster at the border; and interact with ZIMRA through integrated, user-friendly platforms.
Mr Mandiwanza said every act of compliance lays another brick in the foundation of Zimbabweans’ shared future.
He praised the winners as role models whose integrity and commitment inspire others.
“The Taxpayer Appreciation Awards not only celebrate compliance but also reaffirm ZIMRA’s commitment to fostering a culture of responsibility and integrity among taxpayers.
“As we work towards Vision 2030, the participation and compliance of every citizen are critical for building a self-reliant and prosperous Zimbabwe,” he added.
