Digital Customs Modernization Slashes Trade Turnaround Times: Technology Battles Smuggling  

Zimbabwe’s commitment to improving trade facilitation and border security is paying dividends, with new data showing a significant reduction in customs clearance times due to modernization efforts. The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Customs & Excise Division reports that the turnaround time for correctly submitted Bills of Entry has decreased by 53 minutes, falling from 3 hours and 58 minutes in 2023 to just 3 hours and 5 minutes.

"Slashing clearance times for Bills of Entry by 53 minutes is a tangible result of our modernization agenda and the ASYCUDA World upgrade," the Commissioner General commented. "This efficiency, further boosted by the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) platform, means faster, cheaper, and more transparent trade for compliant businesses."

On the security front, ZIMRA is aggressively deploying high-tech solutions to combat high levels of smuggling across the country's porous borders. Drone surveillance is now operational at critical points like Beitbridge, Plumtree, and Forbes, with plans to expand to Chirundu and Nyamapanda in 2025. This technological muscle is supported by an enhanced K9 Unit, which contributed to 118 contraband detections in 2025.

The Commissioner General added, "Securing our borders is a non-negotiable priority. The expansion of drone surveillance and the significant contraband detections show that we are utilizing technology and intelligence to aggressively disrupt smuggling syndicates and illicit trade networks, protecting our domestic revenue base."