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Zimbabwe picks foreign firm to collect taxes from e-commerce, crypto and content creators

Published

4 years ago

January 23, 2022

BY MEMORY MATARANYIKA

E-commerce, cryptocurrency transactions and content creators are among new businesses included into the tax bracket in Zimbabwe.

“The Republic of Zimbabwe entered into a public-private partnership agreement with Daedalus World Limited of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, in terms of which Daedalus World Limited will assist the Republic of Zimbabwe by providing a revenue collection service through taxing qualifying companies that provide digital advertising, content, cloud computing, e-commerce [and] gambling,” reads part of a general notice published by ICT minister Jenfan Muswere on January 19.

The notice says companies offering “betting, gaming and cryptocurrency services to persons and organisations within the territory of the Republic of Zimbabwe” will also now be subject to taxation, with the revenue set to be collected by Daedalus World.

Zimbabwe currently outlaws banks from cryptocurrency transactions.

The inclusion of cryptocurrencies into the list of companies to be taxed has raised expectations that Zimbabwe could now be moving towards regulation and taxation of digital currencies such as Bitcoin, joining South Africa that already taxes such transactions.

The new tax revenue collection agreement will target content and digital advertising companies such as YouTube, Google, Facebook and others in addition to e-commerce entities.

Zimbabwe’s increasingly informal economy has witnessed a boom in e-commerce activities, with trade between Zimbabwe and South Africa as well as China and Dubai – from where most e-commerce traded goods are being sourced – increasing.

According to BDO, the global accountancy firm, there will be separate legislation for a compliance framework covering submission of returns, payment of tax and the due date for such payments, among other compliance requirements” for the new e-commerce levies.

The new e-commerce regulations will also likely encompass satellite broadcasters, adds BDO in a note on Zimbabwe’s tax framework.

The government has been seeking ways to prop up revenue collections and is levying a US$50 fee on imports of smartphones for which import duty would not have been paid.

Telecom and tech industry players say the new measures are a set back for e-commerce and efforts to boost the internet penetration rate in the country.

In a separate notice published January 19, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority directed that the “provision of data and airtime by employer to employee for use at home or outside work premises is a benefit which is taxable in the hands of the employee”. – News24

In the community

Domestic violence takes a deadly turn: Hwange woman’s violent outburst lands her in jail

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 19-year-old woman from Makwika Village has been sentenced by the Hwange Magistrate’s Court for domestic violence and assault after a violent incident occurred on June 2, 2025.

The court heard that the woman assaulted her husband after he confronted her over messages on her phone. She slapped him, grabbed his private parts, dragged him into the kitchen, and poured boiling water on his lower body, causing serious injuries.

A concerned neighbor who attempted to intervene was also burnt with boiling water on her chest and hospitalized.

The woman was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for domestic violence and 24 months imprisonment for assault. However, 12 months of the assault sentence were suspended for 5 years on condition of good behavior, and the remaining 24 months were suspended on condition of performing 630 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, emphasizing that violence, whether in the home or community, is unacceptable.

“The law applies equally to all, and offenders will be held accountable,” said the NPAZ. “We encourage citizens to resolve disputes peacefully and report abuse immediately.”

In the community

Teenager sentenced to 18 months for knife attack on minor

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

The Bulawayo Regional Court recently sentenced a 19-year-old male from Nkayi’s Maphosa Village to 18 months imprisonment for attempted murder after a violent knife attack on a 15-year-old boy at Gwamayaya Business Centre.

Allegations are that on April 18, at approximately 23:00 hours, the offender entered a shop at the business centre, causing a commotion. When customers attempted to calm him down, he became aggressive and charged at the victim, stabbing him in the left side of the stomach with a knife.

The victim was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, while the offender was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

In court, the offender was convicted and sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. However, six months of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behaviour, while the remaining 12 months were suspended on condition that he performs 410 hours of community service.

The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ) has condemned the violent act, urging young people to resolve conflicts peacefully and encouraging communities to play a role in early intervention.

“Violence is never the answer. Every life matters – walk away, don’t escalate,” said the NPAZ in a statement.

Slider

Fastjet launches Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flights

Published

4 days ago

July 23, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Fastjet Zimbabwe is set to expand its domestic route network with the introduction of flights from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls, starting August 8.

The new route will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

According to Nunurai Ndawana, spokesperson for Fastjet Zimbabwe, “The new Bulawayo to Victoria Falls flight strengthens our presence in Bulawayo and underscores our commitment to the development of tourism region.” Ndawana added, “Our four times a week flights will offer more travel opportunities and support both leisure and corporate travel between the two cities, reaffirming our position as a key airline partner in connecting the Matabeleland region.”

Vivian Ruwuya, Fastjet Zimbabwe’s Chief Commercial Officer, noted that “This has been a long time coming. We have been monitoring the development and traffic trends between the manufacturing city of Bulawayo and our tourism hub of Victoria Falls. The introduction of a scheduled service is a result of widespread consultative engagements and collaboration with key players in the industry.”

Fastjet Zimbabwe will deploy its Embraer fleet on the new route, offering customers a comfortable flight experience. The flight schedule is as follows:

– BUQ-VFA Flight FN8111: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Bulawayo at 13:25 and arriving in Victoria Falls at 14:20.
– VFA-BUQ Flight FN8112: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, departing Victoria Falls at 14:50 and arriving in Bulawayo at 15:45.