By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority has marked 25 years of service with a bold pledge to transform into a smarter, technology-driven institution as it seeks to secure domestic revenue in an increasingly digital economy.
Celebrating its Silver Jubilee under the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence in Revenue Mobilisation and Service Delivery,” ZIMRA used the milestone to reflect on its contribution to national development while outlining plans to strengthen efficiency, taxpayer confidence and accountability.
Leadership said the authority’s achievements over the past quarter century should not be measured merely by time, but by the contribution of employees, compliant taxpayers, Government institutions and other partners who built the organisation. The authority also recognised the policy direction of the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, noting initiatives to stabilise the economy, strengthen macroeconomic management, promote investment and support productive sectors.
ZIMRA said domestic resource mobilisation has become critical as many developing countries face limited access to affordable international financing. In that environment, effective collection of domestic revenue is now an essential pillar of economic sovereignty and national resilience.
“Behind every dollar mobilised is a taxpayer, a business, a worker or an entrepreneur,” the authority noted, underscoring the role of compliant citizens in sustaining Government programmes. The 2026 Taxpayer Appreciation Awards were presented during the celebrations to recognise businesses and individuals whose integrity and compliance have strengthened Zimbabwe’s fiscal foundation.
The authority stressed that revenue collection, border security and facilitation of legitimate trade cannot be achieved by ZIMRA alone. It called for a coordinated whole-of-Government approach and expressed appreciation to ministries, departments and agencies working alongside it to protect national revenue and secure borders.
Looking ahead, ZIMRA said it must evolve into a modern, efficient, intelligence-led and technology-enabled institution. The goal is to remain responsive to taxpayers while enforcing the law with firmness, fairness, professionalism and accountability. The vision, according to the authority, is to build an institution that commands public confidence and is capable of serving a more sophisticated, interconnected and digitally driven Zimbabwe.
The Silver Jubilee therefore marked both a reflection on legacy and a call for transformation as ZIMRA prepares for the next 25 years. The authority congratulated its Board, Management and staff, past and present, for their service to the nation.