THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) is adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in its new five-year strategy to transform tax administration, integrate the informal sector and raise the country’s tax-to-GDP [gross domestic product] ratio to US$11,5 billion by 2030.
Last month, the government revised the economic growth rate upwards by 0,6 percentage points to 6,6% for the year, translating the GDP at current market prices to US$52,3 billion.
Zimra is seeking to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 22% by 2030 or US$11,5 billion, hence the taxman is already pursuing an aggressive tax collection campaign using AI.
The new strategy, which will guide the authority from 2026 to 2030, was unveiled during a high-level strategic planning meeting held recently in Mutare.
“The chairman (Antony Mandiwanza) described AI as a paradigm shift that will transform Zimra’s operations,” Zimra said in a Press statement.
“AI will enable real-time monitoring, detect risks, simplify compliance, reduce business costs and improve transparency, while strengthening the workforce through enhanced decision-making and digital skills development.”
The authority’s new direction builds on a digital foundation, with AI expected to transform revenue collection, enhance efficiency and promote compliance across all economic sectors.
Mandiwanza said the technology would redefine how Zimra monitors and enforces compliance.
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“This is more than an upgrade. It will position Zimra as a leader in digital tax administration on the continent,” he said.
Through AI-driven analytics, Zimra expects to improve its ability to identify non-compliance patterns, forecast risks and strengthen decision-making.
AI is a key focus area in expanding the tax base by integrating Zimbabwe’s vast informal sector, which accounts for over three-quarters of the economy, 76,1%, according to national statistics.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has previously revealed that the informal sector generates over US$14 billion in annual revenue, with US$2,5 billion worth of cash in circulation at any given time.
“With the national target to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio from 14,5% in 2025 to 22% by 2030, Zimra must rethink domestic resource mobilisation,” Mandiwanza said.
He called for a holistic approach to taxation that supports economic growth, fairness and compliance, ensuring all taxpayers contribute to building a stronger Zimbabwe.
“Together, government, taxpayers, business and development partners, we must shape a Zimra that is modern, formidable, AI-drive, and faithful to the people it serves.”
