Zimra Attains ISO Certification, Breaks Ground for New Headquarters

Zimra has achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification and launched construction of a new headquarters (image source)

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) has secured ISO 9001:2015 certification while simultaneously breaking ground for a new headquarters in Mt Pleasant Business Park, marking a significant stride in operational excellence and institutional modernisation under the Second Republic’s reform agenda.

A Dual Milestone for a Reforming Institution

By attaining ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems certification, Zimra becomes the fourth revenue authority in Africa to meet the global standard. The recognition affirms the authority’s commitment to consistent, efficient processes and comes at a time when Zimbabwe is intensifying efforts to improve compliance, digitise workflows, and strengthen public trust in tax administration.

At the same ceremony, officials launched construction of a new headquarters expected to serve as a centralised hub for integrated services. The move positions Zimra to enhance autonomy and governance, with Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube emphasising that the authority “cannot remain a tenant of the very clients it regulates.”

ISO as a Culture-Shaping Tool

Zimra board chairperson Anthony Mandiwanza described the ISO milestone as evidence of staff commitment and a platform for raising service quality. “ISO 9001:2015 is more than a certificate — it’s a culture of consistency that taxpayers can rely on,” he said.

Analysts argue that pairing ISO certification with infrastructure investment creates momentum for end-to-end improvements in taxpayer services, from onboarding and dispute resolution to turnaround times and transparency.

Building a Future-Ready Headquarters

Project documentation outlines phased implementation through 2030, highlighting digital workflows, energy-efficient architecture, and tighter integration of services. The headquarters is envisioned as part of the national drive toward upper middle-income status, embedding modern public-administration practices into the revenue ecosystem.

A governance analyst at the event noted that strong systems are essential for rebuilding public confidence. “You build trust with transparency and systems that work — ISO gives Zimra that backbone,” the analyst said.

Implications for Taxpayers and Business

Observers expect the ISO framework to catalyse clearer service standards, performance monitoring, and targeted staff training. These gains could boost e-services adoption and audit effectiveness while reducing administrative burdens for SMEs navigating VAT, PAYE, and customs obligations.

Mandiwanza framed the developments as a wider push toward reliability in public service. “This is about predictable, quality processes you can measure, improve, and trust,” he said, linking the reforms directly to taxpayer experience.