Zimra turns to AI to boost revenue collection

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has unveiled a new five-year strategy (2026–2030) that incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to modernise tax administration, integrate the informal sector, and raise the country's tax-to-GDP ratio to 22%, equivalent to US$11.5 billion by 2030.

Unveiled during a high-level planning meeting in Mutare, the strategy marks a major shift toward digital transformation. Zimra board chairperson Antony Mandiwanza said AI would enable real-time monitoring, improve compliance, reduce business costs, and enhance decision-making through data-driven insights.

"This is more than an upgrade - it will position Zimra as a leader in digital tax administration on the continent," Mandiwanza said.

AI-driven analytics will help Zimra detect non-compliance patterns and forecast risks, particularly within Zimbabwe's vast informal sector, which contributes over 76% of economic activity and generates about US$14 billion annually, according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

With the government's revised economic growth forecast of 6.6% and GDP now estimated at US$52.3 billion, Zimra aims to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation to ensure fairness and inclusivity in taxation.

"Together, government, taxpayers, business, and development partners must shape a Zimra that is modern, formidable, AI-driven, and faithful to the people it serves," Mandiwanza added.