ZIMBABWE REVENUE AUTHORITY GOES DIGITAL

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) made a significant milestone in enhancing trade efficiency in its ongoing digitalization journey by the launch of the electronic tariff platform, which creates a simplified technology-driven Customs environment that is transparent and predictable. This innovative system was supported by the World Customs Organization under the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for the Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), Funded by the European Union. The Launch event, held on 29 November 2024 brought together stakeholders from the private and public sectors, representatives from the business community and government officials. The new platform was described by the business community as being a game changer that offers traders a comprehensive and user-friendly online database to access accurate and up to date information on tariffs, trade agreements, and duty estimate thereby facilitating smooth international trade and minimizing errors in the work of Customs. In his opening speech, the representative of the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe, Mr. Franck PORTE, Head of Cooperation, applauded ZIMRA for the great initiative and the commendable collaborative efforts and excellent partnership behind the electronic tariff platform. Speaking on the excellent partnership, he reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting trade facilitation initiatives across Africa. He described the electronic tariff initiative as representing a transformative leap forward in trade facilitation and compliance for Zimbabwe. The Commissioner Customs and Excise, Mr. Batsirai CHADZINGWA highlighted that the e-tariff platform aligned with ZIMRA’s vision to promote efficient and technology-driven services. He pointed out that the launch of the e-tariff was a pivotal moment for ZIMRA Customs as it supported the bigger vision of reducing the cost of doing business for the ZIMRA trading community. The ZIMRA Commissioner General, Ms. Regina CHINAMASA among other things highlighted that the tool was one of the strategic initiatives intended to streamline business processes, ease access to tariffs and duties thereby fostering a more efficient customs environment. Ms. CHINAMASA emphasized that the development of the electronic tariff platform was a way to promote compliance and ensure revenue collection by providing ease access to up-to-date and accurate information. She further stated that the tool will assist policy makers with collection of data that could inform strategic policy formulation on trade related matters. The keynote address by the Hon. David K. MNANGAGWA, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, highlighted the government's commitment to leveraging technology in the efforts to boost trade and improve revenue collection for economic growth. The program included a live demonstration of the functionality of the e-tariff platform offering the audience a glimpse of its comprehensive features as well as how the tool simplifies tariff classification, and improves the accuracy of customs declarations, thereby minimizing delays and reducing costs for traders. The successful launch of the electronic tariff tool underscored ZIMRA’s commitment to modernizing trade facilitation in line with WCO standards and global best practices. By enabling accurate, predictable and providing real-time tariff information, the tool will empower traders with information they need to conduct their business, promising a step towards more efficient and transparent customs framework for Zimbabwe. For further information, please contact wcoHSAfrica@wcoomd.org