The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has announced plans to bring ride-hailing services and short-term accommodation platforms such as Airbnb into the formal tax system starting 2026, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to regulate and monetize its rapidly expanding digital economy.
The move was confirmed by Misheck Govha, ZIMRA’s Commissioner for Domestic Taxes, who revealed that the authority will launch a dedicated e-commerce tax platform next year. This platform will target digital service providers operating within Zimbabwe, including InDrive, Bolt, and various BNB operators, whether domestic or foreign.
The initiative builds on the successful rollout of the Tax and Revenue Management System (TARMS) and represents ZIMRA’s most ambitious attempt yet to capture revenue from online transactions. Govha emphasized that the digitalisation strategy is rooted in fairness, inclusivity, and compliance enforcement.
Every trader in Zimbabwe should make sure that they are compliant and pay their taxes. The source of those revenues is Zimbabwe, and as such, Zimbabwe has the entitlement to take the right to those incomes.
He further warned that no operator will be exempt, regardless of size or location:
We have no one we are going to leave behind. Even if you own the vehicle, make sure that it is properly registered and is subscribing according to the laws of the country.
ZIMRA confirmed that several ride-hailing and BNB operators are already on its tax base and are being taxed under the Income Tax Act. The new platform will expand this coverage, leveraging local financial institutions to monitor transactions and ensure compliance.
We have put up a law that compels even someone operating outside the country to be taxed in Zimbabwe. Whether you are inside or outside the country, the treatment is the same.
The ride-hailing sector in Zimbabwe is projected to generate over US$5 million in revenue this year, with user numbers expected to exceed 2.5 million by 2030. Across Africa, the industry is valued at US$2.53 billion, with forecasts suggesting it will grow to US$3.16 billion by 2030, driven by app-based platforms and motorcycle services.
Meanwhile, the short-term accommodation market is booming. Airbnb hosts across Africa earned US$13 billion in the past year, with South Africa leading the charge and countries like Nigeria, Morocco, and Ghana showing strong growth.
Govha assured that the upcoming system will be user-friendly, allowing taxpayers to register and file from anywhere globally via a self-service portal. He also cautioned that penal provisions will apply to non-compliant operators.
Whether you are a small taxpayer or just starting your business, start it well. Let us not be found non-compliant.
Zimbabwe’s move mirrors a broader trend across Africa, where governments are increasingly seeking to formalize digital commerce, broaden tax bases, and ensure fair taxation in the face of booming e-commerce and platform-based services.
