Online Reporter
Business Reporter
ZIMBABWE has, with immediate effect, suspended excise duty on raw wine imports for a period of two years.
The move, outlined in Statutory Instrument 68 of 2025, is intended to significantly reduce production costs for local wineries and enhance the competitiveness of the domestic wine industry.
Under the new legal provision, an “approved wine manufacturer” is defined as any importer who has received formal approval from the Commissioner of the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) to import specific quantities of raw wine, not exceeding 100 000 litres per year.
To qualify for the excise duty suspension, an approved wine manufacturer must, at the time of importation, submit a signed declaration confirming that the raw wine will be used exclusively for processing at their approved business premises.
However, Zimra retains the authority to deny the suspension if the manufacturer is found to be non-compliant with Section 34C of the Revenue Authority Act, which broadly covers tax clearance certificates and general tax compliance.
This two-year suspension is expected to provide a vital boost to the growth of Zimbabwe’s wine manufacturing sector.
The Zimbabwean wine industry, though modest, is an evolving sector showing signs of potential growth despite historical challenges. According to Statista, a German online platform specialising in global economic data and business intelligence, the total wine market in Zimbabwe is projected to reach US$12.64 million in 2025.
The majority of this revenue — US$11,77 million — is expected to come from at-home consumption through supermarkets and convenience stores. In contrast, revenue from out-of-home consumption, such as restaurants and bars, is projected at a significantly lower US$875 000.
Total wine consumption is estimated at 7,2 million litres in 2025, with the average revenue per capita for at-home wine consumption at US$0,68, and an average volume of 0,37 litres per person.
In a global context, Zimbabwe’s wine market remains small.
For comparison, the United States is expected to generate US$41 billion in wine revenue in 2025.
Following a peak in the early 1980s, Zimbabwe’s wine industry experienced a decline due to various economic and political factors. Most wine produced locally is consumed domestically. The suspension of excise duty is expected to stimulate local production and potentially improve competitiveness for exports, although Zimbabwe’s presence in international markets remains limited.
While the industry is relatively small, a few key players are recognised for their contributions and market presence.
African Distillers, a publicly listed company on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange, is a dominant force in the alcoholic beverage sector, including wines. It operates Mukuyu Wineries, arguably the largest and most well-known winery in Zimbabwe, located in Mashonaland East. Mukuyu produces a wide range of wines from various grape varieties.
Bushman Rock is often described as a boutique winery. It stands out by combining wine production with a game reserve, polo field and lodge, offering a unique wine tourism experience. The vineyard, established in the 1930s, is known for its estate-produced wines.
Nyanga Wines differentiates itself by producing fruit wines using locally grown fruits such as plums, blackberries, apples and tamarillos.
The Stable Winery is primarily known as a premier wine importer and distributor in Zimbabwe.
It offers an extensive selection of wines, mainly from South African estates, but also from other international regions.
Bongani Ndlovu