Nick Mangwana Statement on Zimbabwe ZIMRA Revenues 2026

The Zimbabwean government has introduced several new taxes and increased existing ones to boost revenue collection in 2026. The measures include a 15% Digital Services Withholding Tax (DSWT) on payments made to foreign digital platforms, a 10% export tax on lithium ore, antimony, and unbeneficiated chrome, and a new 3% levy on sales and exports of coal, lithium, black granite, quarry stone, and dimensional stone. The gaming industry is also facing a drastically increased tax load, with bettors' withholding on winnings rising from 10% to 25% and operators' gross takings tax increasing from 3% to 20%. The tax changes aim to close loopholes and capture informal revenue, particularly in the property and rental market. According to a report by The Zimbabwean, the government has confirmed that the new taxes are now in force, directly affecting consumer spending, business operations, and foreign investments. > 'The new tax regime is designed to ensure that everyone contributes their fair share to the country's development,' said Nick Mangwana, the government's spokesperson. — Nick Mangwana. The government has argued that offshore digital platforms allow companies to supply services directly to domestic users without establishing a physical presence in the country, making it necessary to introduce the DSWT. Local banks and payment processors are responsible for collecting the tax at the point of transaction. The measures are expected to have a significant impact on the country's revenue collection, with the government aiming to raise more funds to support its development agenda.

The introduction of new taxes in Zimbabwe has sparked controversy and debate among citizens, businesses, and foreign investors. The measures are seen as a necessary step to boost revenue collection and support the country's development agenda, but they also risk affecting consumer spending, business operations, and foreign investments. The government's spokesperson, Nick Mangwana, has defended the new tax regime, saying that it is designed to ensure that everyone contributes their fair share to the country's development. However, some critics argue that the taxes are too high and will have a negative impact on the economy. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the Zimbabwean government in balancing its need for revenue with the need to support economic growth and development.