ZIMRA Beats Mid-Year Revenue Target, Poised to Hit US$7.2bn in 2025
ZIMRA has smashed its mid-year revenue target, pulling in US$3.21 billion by June — well above the US$3.13 billion projection. This puts the authority on course to hit US$7.2 billion by year-end.
Commissioner-General Regina Chinamasa revealed the figures last week at the new Parliament Building during a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, chaired by Dr Energy Mutodi.
The committee engaged the revenue authority on a wide range of fiscal, policy and implementation issues affecting national revenue collection.
Chinamasa attributed improved informal sector compliance to the Block Management System introduced in 2024.
“We are witnessing encouraging compliance trends in the informal sector, thanks to the Block Management System introduced in 2024,” she said.
The system monitors tax activity at community level and has helped expand ZIMRA’s reach into previously untaxed markets.
She added that regional kiosk facilities have been launched to accommodate small and medium enterprises (SMEs) without access to digital platforms.
“Our regional kiosk facilities are empowering SMEs without access to digital platforms and ensuring inclusivity in our tax net.”
Chinamasa stressed that ZIMRA is aiming for a tax-to-GDP ratio of 18 percent by the end of 2025. However, she noted that rebased 2024 GDP figures showed a lower tax ratio for the preceding year.
“In line with sentiments from key development partners, tax collections should rise following the increase in GDP,” Chinamasa added.
According to The Herald, the sustained use of post-clearance audits and strategic reforms has contributed to ZIMRA’s strong revenue performance.
Turning to customs operations, Chinamasa reported that drones deployed at key border posts — Beitbridge, Plumtree and Forbes have significantly boosted surveillance, resulting in more frequent interceptions of smuggled goods.
She also emphasized the urgent need to modernise customs infrastructure, citing it as a crucial factor in improving border efficiency.
She raised additional concerns about funding constraints that are slowing digitalisation efforts and pointed to outdated legislation as a key obstacle to implementing wealth tax frameworks.
Chinamasa urged the full integration of border agencies into the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) system — a platform introduced in 2022 to harmonise clearance processes across 22 government departments.
ZeSW is part of the government’s broader “Ease of Doing Business” reforms within the Trading Across Borders programme.
Committee chairperson Dr Mutodi praised ZIMRA’s efforts and reaffirmed the legislature’s support.
“As a committee, we need to support and capacitate ZIMRA given its strategic role in the country’s revenue collection matrix,” he said.
