# Zimbabwe (ZW)

**Capital:** Harare  
**Currency:** US dollar (USD) and Zimbabwe Gold ZiG (ZWG) in a multi-currency system (USD)  
**Population:** 15,178,957 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 390,757 km²

> Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, linked via the North-South, Beira and Trans-Kalahari corridors to the ports of Durban, Beira and Walvis Bay. Road transport dominates, complemented by the National Railways of Zimbabwe. Beitbridge is the key border post. Main exports are gold, platinum, tobacco and lithium. Customs and import VAT (15.5 percent) are handled by ZIMRA through ASYCUDA World; Zimbabwe is a member of SADC, COMESA and AfCFTA.

Zimbabwe (ISO code: ZW) is a landlocked country in Southern Africa bordering South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Mozambique. It is a presidential republic whose political and economic situation is considered volatile. The climate is mainly subtropical with a pronounced rainy season (November to March) and a dry season. The economy relies on mining (gold, platinum, lithium, nickel), agriculture (tobacco, cotton), manufacturing and services. As a landlocked state, Zimbabwe depends on transit corridors: the North-South corridor via Beitbridge to Durban, the Beira corridor via Forbes/Machipanda to Mozambique, and the Trans-Kalahari route through Botswana to Walvis Bay. The National Railways of Zimbabwe complement the road network. Since April 2024 the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG, currency code ZWG) has been the official local currency, but the US dollar remains the dominant means of payment within a multi-currency system. Customs and import VAT are administered by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) via ASYCUDA World.

**Top Import Partners:** ZA, CN, AE, IN, SG

**Top Export Partners:** ZA, CN, AE, BE, US

**Top Import Goods:** Fuels, Machinery, Vehicles, Chemicals, Food

**Top Export Goods:** Gold, Platinum, Tobacco, Nickel, Lithium

**Key Airports:**
- [Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/robert-gabriel-mugabe-international-airport-hre)
- [Buffalo Range Airport (BFO)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/buffalo-range-airport-bfo)
- [Gweru - Thornhill Air Base (GWE)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/gweru-thornhill-air-base-airport-gwe)
- [Hwange National Park Airport (HWN)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/hwange-national-park-airport-hwn)
- [Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport (BUQ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/joshua-mqabuko-nkomo-international-airport-buq)
- [Kariba International Airport (KAB)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/kariba-international-airport-kab)
- [Masvingo International Airport (MVZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/masvingo-international-airport-mvz)
- [Mutoko Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/mutoko-airport-fvmt)
- [Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/victoria-falls-international-airport-vfa)
- [Airport of Linkwasha](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/airport-of-linkwasha-airport-18865)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** 15,5 percent (since 1.1.2026  
**Customs complexity:** medium to high  
**Customs system:** Electronic clearance via ASYCUDA World at ZIMRA; import declaration by Bill of Entry (Form 21), customs value on CIF basis under the Customs and Excise Act (Chapter 23:02).  
**Customs authority:** [Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA)](https://www.zimra.co.zw)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Landlocked state / transit corridor hub in southern Africa / mining exporter  
**Economic area:** SADC / COMESA / AfCFTA  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### What import tax applies in Zimbabwe?

Imports are subject to VAT under the VAT Act (Chapter 23:12). The standard rate has been 15.5 percent since 1 January 2026 (previously 15 percent) and is charged by ZIMRA on the import value.

### How are imports cleared?

Clearance is handled electronically through ASYCUDA World by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). A Bill of Entry (Form 21) is lodged, and the customs value is assessed on a CIF basis.

### Which trade preferences can Zimbabwe use?

Zimbabwe is a member of SADC and COMESA and a party to the AfCFTA. With a valid certificate of origin, preferential duties apply; bilateral agreements also exist, for example with South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Malawi.

### How does landlocked Zimbabwe reach seaports?

Zimbabwe uses regional corridors: the North-South corridor via Beitbridge to Durban, the Beira corridor via Forbes/Machipanda to Mozambique, and the Trans-Kalahari route through Botswana to Walvis Bay.

### Which border post is the most important?

Beitbridge on the border with South Africa is the busiest crossing in Southern Africa. Following its modernisation, truck clearance times have decreased significantly.

### Which currency is used in Zimbabwe?

Since April 2024 the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG, code ZWG) has been the official local currency. Within the multi-currency system, however, the US dollar remains the dominant means of payment; this is to shift gradually towards the ZiG by 2030.

### Are there sanctions against Zimbabwe?

In 2024 the United States terminated its country sanctions program and switched to targeted sanctions against individuals and entities (Global Magnitsky). The ZIDERA act remains in force and limits access to international financial institutions.

### What does Zimbabwe mainly export and import?

Main exports are gold, platinum, tobacco, nickel and lithium. Imports are dominated by fuels, machinery, vehicles, chemicals and food; the main partners are South Africa, China and the UAE.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.zimra.co.zw](https://www.zimra.co.zw)
- [https://www.zimra.co.zw/customs/customs-clearance-procedures](https://www.zimra.co.zw/customs/customs-clearance-procedures)
- [https://www.zimra.co.zw/customs/customs-and-excise-duties](https://www.zimra.co.zw/customs/customs-and-excise-duties)
- [https://www.rbz.co.zw/index.php/publications-notices/notices/press-release/1419-press-statement-introduction-of-zimbabwe-gold-zig-currency-code-zwg](https://www.rbz.co.zw/index.php/publications-notices/notices/press-release/1419-press-statement-introduction-of-zimbabwe-gold-zig-currency-code-zwg)
- [https://www.vatcalc.com/zimbabwe/zimbabwe-raises-vat-to-15-5-2026/](https://www.vatcalc.com/zimbabwe/zimbabwe-raises-vat-to-15-5-2026/)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/zimbabwe-import-tariffs](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/zimbabwe-import-tariffs)
- [https://zw.usembassy.gov/treasury-sanctions-zimbabwes-president-and-key-actors-for-corruption-and-serious-human-rights-abuse/](https://zw.usembassy.gov/treasury-sanctions-zimbabwes-president-and-key-actors-for-corruption-and-serious-human-rights-abuse/)
- [https://zimstat.co.zw/population-census/](https://zimstat.co.zw/population-census/)

*Last verified: 2026-06-29*

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