Zimbabwe celebrates International Customs Day

GOVERNMENT has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) to acquire the latest technology to further boost revenue collection systems, curb financial leakages and fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs.

Zimra collects over 95 percent of national revenue needed to fund critical social programmes, infrastructure development and economic initiatives.

In 2024, Zimra managed to collect US$467 476,39 and ZWG9 617 873,70 as a result of the use of scanners and drones.
Speaking at the International Customs Day, a day that highlights the vital role of customs authorities in our global economy, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube yesterday said fostering innovation and entrepreneurship is pivotal for economic growth.

He stressed the critical role of fostering a culture of compliance and efficiency, ensuring that customs operations contribute to the economic prosperity of Zimbabwe.

“As the agency responsible for collecting over 95 percent of national revenues, Zimra is at the forefront of ensuring that our Government has the resources needed to fund critical social programmes, infrastructure development and economic initiatives,” said Prof Ncube.

This year’s commemorations were held under the theme: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity,” a theme that resonates with Zimra’s mission.

The International Customs Day is celebrated annually on January 26 not only to raise awareness of the critical role customs authorities play in maintaining border security and facilitating international trade but also to highlight the importance of customs in fostering economic growth and development.

Prof Ncube noted that customs authorities are the first line of defence in protecting the country’s borders. Therefore, he said it is critical to actively combat the movement of illicit goods and ensure that trade routes are secure.

“By leveraging advanced technologies, as we have already begun to do, we can enhance our capacity to monitor trade, travel and economic activities along the value chain and secure much needed revenue,” he said.

“Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship is pivotal for our economic growth. Customs must work collaboratively with local businesses to ensure that our procedures are accessible and conducive to trade.”

Prof Ncube added that by simplifying customs processes and providing support, lower barriers to entry for new enterprises and promoting a vibrant economic landscape will be achieved.

“Government will continue to provide unwavering support to Zimra to acquire the latest tools, equipment and technology to further boost our fight against the trafficking of illicit drugs,” he said.

In 2023, Government launched drones, electronic cargo tracking systems (ECTS), and fast scanners to boost efficiency systems at Beitbridge Border Post.

The ECTS was introduced to curb transit fraud and is expected to go a long way in safeguarding revenue in line with customs regulations.

“Zimra has not only built an impressive track record of innovative successes in fields ranging from tax collection to trade facilitation.

“But the fact that it has collected revenues amounting to 107,1 billion ZWG and US$6,19 billion exceeding the target by 4,51 percent and 4,59 percent respectively is a measure of its efficiency,” he said.

“More specifically, the Zimra’s customs department has done a lot in protecting the citizens against illegal drugs, hazardous goods and illicit practices.”

The extensive use of technologies such as drones has assisted Zimra to enhance risk management and fraud detection capabilities.

In her remarks at the function, Zimra Commisioner General Ms Regina Chinamasa, said customs work is not merely a regulatory function but a cornerstone upon, which the nation’s economic stability and growth are built.

Each year, Zimra collects over 95 percent of the national revenues that fund Government activities and social programs, she said.

“Without these revenues, the very fabric of our society would be at risk,” she said.
Ms Chinamasa noted that innovative initiatives, such as the drone project, e-tariff platform, the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW), the introduction of fast scanners, and the establishment of one-stop border posts, are all aimed at revamping service delivery, improving efficiency, and facilitating trade.

The advancements demonstrate Zimra’s commitment to creating a seamless trade environment that benefits both businesses and consumers, she said.

“The e-tariff system simplifies the process of tariff classification, making it easier for traders to comply with regulations and reducing delays in the clearance of goods.

“Similarly, the Zimbabwe Single Window is designed to streamline trade processes, providing a single platform for all regulatory requirements, thereby minimising bureaucratic hurdles,” she said.