Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has nearly doubled its staff complement from 1 700 employees in 2001 to 3 190, as the institution marks 25 years of operation and transitions towards digital and intelligence-led revenue administration.
ZIMRA board chairman Mr Antony Mandiwanza disclosed the figures during the authority’s Silver Jubilee commemorations in Harare on Wednesday.
“Institutions are ultimately built by people. From approximately 1 700 employees in the year 2001 to about 3 190 today, ZIMRA’s journey represents thousands of careers, sacrifices, and years of service to the Republic,” Mr Mandiwanza said.
The celebrations were attended by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, former Finance Minister Patrick Chinamasa, among other senior Government officials.
Mr Mandiwanza hailed former board members, commissioner generals, executives, managers and employees for laying the foundation of the authority.
“To our former colleagues present here today, welcome. Welcome home,” he said.
He also paid tribute to staff who died in the line of duty.
“We remember with profound respect those who have departed, particularly colleagues who lost their lives in the course of duty. Their service forms part of ZIMRA’s enduring heritage,” he said.
Mr Mandiwanza said the employment growth was in line with ZIMRA’s expanded mandate of mobilising domestic resources, facilitating legitimate trade and supporting national development.
“The scale of this economic change is also reflected in revenue mobilisation. From collecting millions of dollars in its formative years, the Authority today mobilises billions in revenue,” he said.
He said ZIMRA had met revenue targets under NDS1 and rolled out key systems including fiscalisation, the Electronic Cargo Tracking System, the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window and drones.
Mr Mandiwanza said the 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, aligned to Vision 2030 and NDS2, prioritises building a capable and empowered workforce.
“The challenge before ZIMRA is no longer simply to collect more, but to become more capable, efficient, trusted, and future-ready,” he said.
“Above all, it will mean becoming an employer of choice led by smart, capable, and empowered human capital. That is the ZIMRA we dream to build.”
He added that the Authority will embrace artificial intelligence, strengthen cyber security, and complete systems integration.
“We have inherited a strong institution. Our duty is to make it stronger and better,” Mr Mandiwanza said.
