ZIMRA Boss Reveals Plan For All-Seeing Tax System To Monitor Every Taxpayer, Including Mbare Musika Traders

Zimra Boss Reveals Plan To Monitor All Taxpayers, Including Street Traders

Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) Commissioner General Regina Chinamasa has revealed a bold plan to create a nationwide integrated tax system that will monitor all taxpayers—formal and informal—across the country, including Mbare Musika traders.

She made the revelations in a rare and wide-ranging interview published by The Independent, in which she detailed how Zimra intends to modernise tax collection through digital systems, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.

“In the next two to three years, Zimbabweans can look forward to a robust integration of Zimra systems with broader government platforms,” said Chinamasa.

“This approach will enable Zimra to achieve a single view of all taxpayers, regardless of where or how they conduct business.”

‘No One Will Be Left Out’

Chinamasa said the plan will ensure that all businesses—whether large corporates or street market traders—are captured by the tax system.

“We envision a future where traders in Mbare and similar markets are able to automate their sales processes through fiscalisation solutions,” she said.
“This will not only simplify compliance but also empower informal businesses to formalise and grow within a supportive digital ecosystem.”

The new digital ecosystem is being built on Zimra’s existing infrastructure such as TaRMS, ASYCUDA, and FDMS, and will include AI and machine learning to detect compliance patterns and predict risk.

“These technologies enable us to extract insights, detect patterns, and support informed decision-making,” Chinamasa said.

Pressure To Comply Amid Growing Informalisation

Chinamasa dismissed claims that Zimra targets small players while leaving politically connected individuals untouched.

“Zimra is guided by core values of integrity, transparency, and fairness,” she said.
“We do not discriminate. All taxpayers are treated equally and fairly, regardless of political affiliation or background.”

Zimra is also pushing for the fiscalisation of all taxpayers—even those below the VAT threshold.

“We are actively working on the fiscalisation of all taxpayers, including those below the VAT registration threshold,” said Chinamasa.
“This initiative is designed to ensure greater transparency and accountability across the economy.”

Supporting Small Businesses And Going After Big Fish

Zimra has put in place support structures for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including simplified tax regimes and kiosks.

“Presumptive taxes are in place to ease the burden of formal processes while still ensuring all contributors play their part,” said Chinamasa.
“We also offer flexible Payment and Debt Management Options for taxpayers facing cash flow constraints.”

While the taxman is getting smarter, Chinamasa insisted that enforcement remains a last resort.

“Stringent enforcement tools are only applied in situations where taxpayers fail to engage meaningfully or where the levels of non-compliance are unacceptable,” she said.

Chinamasa noted that Zimra continues to work with other state agencies and international partners to combat smuggling, crypto-related tax evasion, and illicit financial flows.

“The regulation and management of currencies falls under the purview of the Reserve Bank,” she explained.
“However, the growth of both crypto assets and the underground cash economy remains a key area of focus.”

Building Trust In The System

Addressing the public’s concerns about over-taxation and service delivery, Chinamasa said Zimra is committed to regaining trust.

“Tax is not just a legal obligation, but a national contribution,” she said.
“We are improving service delivery, strengthening complaint resolution channels, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of integrity.”