Story by Stanley James, Business Editor
ZIMBABWE’S domestic resource mobilisation strategy is yielding significant results, with revenue collections increasing by more than 68 percent over the past five years to exceed US$7 billion last year.
The growth in revenue has enabled government to finance major infrastructure projects largely through locally generated resources.
According to the 2021–2025 Revenue Performance and Analysis Report, more than 90 percent of public projects are now being funded through domestic revenue, reflecting increased capacity to support national development from internally generated resources.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Commissioner General, Ms Regina Chinamasa said the tax authority remains committed to sustaining strong revenue performance in support of the country’s development agenda.
“We are excited that we have been part of the journey towards infrastructure development, and we are going to the NDS2 with optimism that a strong revenue performance will continue, and with the industry and commerce being committed to voluntary compliance, it is also our hope for continued broadening of the revenue collection base,” she said.
Tax expert Mr Washington Dube said continued compliance by businesses and taxpayers will be critical in sustaining the country’s domestic resource mobilisation efforts.
“This is the right step as we seek to forge ahead with several interventions aimed at sustaining the ongoing economic growth, and this is one of the right steps whereby the nation is depending on local resources, thereby sustaining the needs of the economy, and if that continues, it means the nation is guaranteed the much-needed funds for growth,” he said.
Key revenue streams, including Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Excise Duty, Corporate Income Tax and Mining Royalties, have been among the major contributors to the expansion of Zimbabwe’s revenue base since 2021.
The upward trajectory in tax collections underscores the growing role of domestic resources in financing development projects and supporting the objectives of the National Development Strategy.
