Mthuli Ncube Introduces Fast Food Tax, Says Zimbabweans Need To Eat Healthier

In a surprising move, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has proposed a “Fast Food Tax” in his 2025 National Budget Statement. This measure aims to curb the consumption of highly processed foods and promote healthier eating habits among Zimbabweans.

• Also Read: Zimbabwe’s New Betting Tax: Mthuli Ncube Introduces 10% Levy On Winnings

Promoting Healthier Eating

During his address to Parliament in Mount Hampden on 28 November 2024, Ncube outlined his reasons for the tax.

“Mr Speaker Sir, the consumption of highly processed food has been identified as one of the factors responsible for the prevalence of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases, hence, the need for Government to promote responsible consumption of such foods,” he said.

He further explained,

“In view of the above, I propose to introduce a Fast Foods Tax on the value of the following food items sold by Fast Food Retail Outlets and Restaurants at a modest rate of 0.5% on the sales value, with effect from 1 January 2025: Pizza, Burger and Hot dog, Shawarma, French fries, Chicken, Doughnuts and similar products, and Tacos.”

The Minister believes this tax will encourage fast food operators to adapt their offerings towards healthier culinary options.

“It is envisaged that the proposed tax will go a long way in encouraging operators to adopt culinary that promote healthy eating,” Ncube concluded.

Mixed Reactions from Zimbabweans

The announcement has sparked a debate across social media platforms, with many Zimbabweans expressing their opinions on the new tax.

Brian Sibanda, a popular Twitter user, quipped,

“Sugar tax has not been accounted for, now they’re after our tacos ??”

Others were less amused. Shumba (@africancomando) commented,

“Yah this is nonsense, ndoo kupererwa uku.”

Takunda E. Gumbo voiced his frustration, tweeting,

“Honestly, how can one be polite with such incompetent leadership.”

Some users drew parallels to previous tax measures introduced under Ncube’s tenure. Gushungo Madziyanzira (@TinasheIsiah) reflected,

“2% was to last about 2 years if my mind serves me right. 7 years later, they are still on. What happened to the robust austerity measures? What have they achieved?”

Meanwhile, Jewish Nigga (@Rocford0) poked fun at apolitical citizens, saying,

“The ‘I don’t do politics cabal’ is crying.”

Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono also added,

“The Zimbabwean government is so broke that it has introduced an extra tax on pizza, burgers, hot dogs, French fries, Tacos, Chicken, and Doughnuts, which will be paid by the buyer. The consequences of corrupt rule, combined with an incompetent government, are undeniable!”

A Growing List of Taxes

This latest proposal follows previous controversial taxes, such as the 10% betting tax on gamblers’ winnings and a tax on plastic products. Ncube’s new fast food tax, set at 0.5%, adds to the growing list of fiscal measures targeting specific consumer behaviours.