Rutendo Nyeve [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has registered significant strides towards advancing Exchange of Information (EOI) as a strategic instrument for protecting national revenue, promoting fair taxation and addressing tax evasion and tax-related illicit financial flows.
The authority’s Acting Commissioner General, Mr Misheck Govha, said this on Wednesday at the Continental Exchange of Information Conference and Workshop organised in conjunction with the African tax Administration Forum (ATAF) in Victoria Falls.
The high-level gathering brought together African tax administrators, policymakers and development partners under the theme focused on EOI as a tool for domestic resource mobilisation, combating illicit financial flows and promoting fair taxation.
Mr Govha said EOI has become central to domestic resource mobilisation as trade, business models and financial activity increasingly extend across borders.
He said the information needed to establish the correct tax position may lie beyond the jurisdiction responsible for collecting the tax, making international cooperation essential.
“Exchange of Information is a strategic instrument for protecting national revenue, promoting fair taxation and addressing tax evasion and tax-related illicit financial flows,” he said.
“Its relevance to Africa is clear: stronger domestic resource mobilisation expands our ability to finance public services, infrastructure and development priorities.”
Mr Govha said Zimbabwe’s participation in the conference reflected the country’s commitment to tax transparency.
Since joining the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes in April 2023, Zimbabwe has been strengthening its legal and institutional arrangements in line with international standards.
“A significant milestone was the deposit of Zimbabwe’s instrument of ratification of the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters on 31 August 2026. The Convention is scheduled to enter into force for Zimbabwe on 1 January 2027, expanding the legal basis for cooperation with other jurisdictions,” said Mr Govha.
He emphasised that ZIMRA’s priority is to translate these commitments into effective implementation.
The authority is strengthening and formalising its EOI function, developing staff capability and improving coordination with relevant domestic institutions and international partners.
It is also preparing for international peer review and assessing the capabilities required for future participation in automatic exchange of information.
Mr Govha said this work requires appropriate legal powers, adequately resourced structures and secure information-management processes.
Above all, he said, it requires an understanding that tax transparency is a shared national responsibility supported by leadership and cooperation across institutions.
He acknowledged that countries are at different stages of the EOI journey, describing this diversity as a strength when experience is shared openly and assistance responds to national circumstances.
“Let’s leave Victoria Falls with clearer priorities, stronger partnerships and practical commitments we can carry into action,” he urged delegates.
“Zimbabwe remains committed to working with ATAF, the Global Forum and fellow African jurisdictions to advance this agenda, grounded in confidentiality, respect for taxpayer rights and mutual trust.”
Adding ATAF’s perspective, Mr Antony Munanda, ATAF Head of International and Cross-Border Taxation, said the conference provides an opportunity to help more African countries translate international tax cooperation into tangible results.
“Exchange of Information is an essential instrument for protecting Africa’s tax base and strengthening domestic revenue mobilisation,” said Mr Munanda.
“We’ve seen the results it can deliver, but too many of our members are yet to fully benefit. Through this conference, we want to bridge that gap by strengthening political commitment, building practical capabilities and ensuring that African tax administrations have the tools and expertise to effectively use information held beyond their borders.”
Delegates are expected to leave Victoria Falls with clearer priorities and practical commitments. For ZIMRA, the measure of success will be what cooperation delivers for citizens, which includes fairer taxation, stronger public confidence and greater resources for development.
