Zimbabwe to introduce salt tax?

Former Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo has defended his controversial proposal for a salt tax, saying the idea was misunderstood and would target food manufacturers rather than ordinary Zimbabwean consumers.

The proposal sparked outrage after reports published on March 12 suggested that Moyo had recommended introducing a salt tax in Zimbabwe to help fund treatment for illnesses linked to excessive salt consumption, including hypertension and kidney disease. The suggestion quickly triggered debate on social media, with many citizens questioning why another levy should be introduced when the country already has a sugar tax.

However, speaking after the backlash, Moyo said the tax would be directed at companies producing foods with high sodium content, not households.

"It is not the consumer who should be taxed but the manufacturers of food products with high salt content who should be taxed if they exceed the set sodium limits," he said.

Moyo explained that the proposal focuses on processed foods rather than raw salt used by families at home. He said the plan would involve setting sodium limits for products such as stock cubes, soups, processed meats and salty snacks.

Manufacturers would be required to reformulate their products to comply with the limits. Those who fail to meet the sodium thresholds could face higher excise taxes.

"The saltier the product, the higher the tax rate," Moyo said, adding that the goal is to encourage the food industry to reduce sodium levels while improving public health outcomes.

"I want families to hear this — consumers are not taxed. You're protected by cheaper, lower-salt options and by warnings about salt use at home," he said.

Moyo added that similar policy approaches have been used in other countries to push manufacturers to reduce sodium content while maintaining product availability.

The debate has also revived questions about Zimbabwe's existing sugar levy introduced in 2024. The tax applies to sugar-sweetened beverages and was introduced to fund treatment for non-communicable diseases.

During a parliamentary session in February, legislators including Surrender Kapoikilu raised concerns about how the revenue from the levy was being used, particularly regarding the state of cancer treatment facilities in public hospitals.

Another lawmaker, Clifford Hlatshwayo, called for greater transparency on how the funds collected from the tax are being managed.

Health experts have long warned that excessive salt consumption contributes to high blood pressure and other non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and kidney complications.

For now, it remains unclear whether the government will formally consider introducing the proposed salt tax.