The newly introduced 0.5% tax on fast foods has generated almost US$1 million in revenue in the first half of the year, Deputy Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Kudakwashe Mnangagwa, has said.
Speaking to legislators during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Mnangagwa said that to date, US$954,912 has been collected. He said:
“I wish to advise that total collections from the fast-foods tax amounted to US$954 912. While collections commenced in January 2025, accounting for the tax was effective from March 2025 due to the pending Tax and Revenue Management System and confederation process by ZIMRA.”
Authorities say the 0.5% fast food tax is aimed at promoting healthy eating and tackling rising rates of obesity and non-communicable diseases.
It applies to items such as pizza, burgers, French fries, and doughnuts.
However, many Zimbabweans, particularly urban youth and low-income earners, have criticised the levy as regressive, saying it targets everyday treats rather than luxury goods or high-income activities.
On social media, some described it as “a tax on survival treats.”
The fast food tax follows other controversial levies, including a sugar content surtax on beverages, which industry leaders claim is hurting local manufacturers and encouraging cheaper imports.
Critics argue that these micro-taxes hit ordinary consumers the hardest while failing to address deeper economic problems.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply