Zinara introduces cashless tolling

Zimbabwe's transport modernisation programme has gathered pace as the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) speeds up nationwide deployment of its cashless tolling system, a development expected to ease congestion and improve travel experience during the upcoming festive-season traffic surge.

In a live demonstration held at Ntabazinduna Toll Plaza outside Bulawayo, Zinara showcased the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) eTags—an electronic toll collection system introduced in December 2024 and now entering a rapid expansion phase. The system is designed to curb long queues and reduce cash-handling inefficiencies by automatically deducting toll fees from a prepaid or linked account as vehicles pass through RFID-enabled lanes.

With holiday traffic anticipated to reach its highest level since before the pandemic, officials say the upgraded tolling process will help ensure faster, safer and more predictable journeys across the national road network.

Zinara board chairperson George Manyaya described the system as a milestone in government's digital infrastructure ambitions, calling it a "transformational shift" in the country's tolling experience. He emphasised that the new lanes are open to all motorists, quashing speculation that they were reserved exclusively for senior officials.

"Our new baby, your new baby, is finally here," Manyaya told stakeholders during the demonstration. "We are widening lanes, upgrading equipment and improving access. And let me emphasise: this lane is not for government officials. It is for everyone. Any motorist can benefit."

Manyaya also revealed plans for a forthcoming e-wallet platform to streamline account top-ups, improve connectivity with banks and mobile-money providers, and boost accessibility for ordinary motorists. The upgrade is expected to accelerate adoption, particularly among private vehicle owners and small transport operators.

For long-distance travellers and freight operators, the most immediate advantage is reduced waiting time. Dedicated eTag lanes allow vehicles to pass without stopping, significantly shortening queues while improving traffic flow at major toll points. The transition to automated tolling is also expected to enhance road safety by easing congestion during peak holiday periods.

Transport analysts note that the move aligns Zimbabwe with regional best practice, offering fleet owners improved cost management, real-time monitoring and digital record-keeping for financial planning. Reduced idling at toll gates may also lower fuel consumption—an important advantage at a time of rising operational costs.

There are environmental gains too, though indirect. Less time spent in slow-moving queues means lower vehicle emissions at toll plazas located near residential and peri-urban areas, complementing national climate-resilience objectives.

Zimbabwe's road transport and logistics backbone has long been slowed by manual tolling systems, affecting mining exports, agricultural distribution and cross-border trade. By improving predictability along the North–South Corridor—a vital regional trade route—the eTag rollout is expected to strengthen the country's competitiveness as it seeks to attract new investment in manufacturing, agriculture and mining.

Although the system faced public skepticism when it was first introduced, adoption has risen steadily, particularly among commercial fleets. The increased usage has enabled technical refinements and helped build confidence in the platform. Manyaya's reassurance that access is open to the general public signals a growing push to improve transparency and trust as the rollout deepens.

With millions expected to travel between cities, holiday resorts and border posts from mid-December, the coming weeks will serve as a critical test of Zimbabwe's shift toward fully digital tolling—and its ability to deliver a smoother, faster festive-season journey for all.