Staff Reporter

In alignment with the Government's commitment to inclusivity in the digital era, the Minister of Information, Technology, Postal, and Courier Services (ICT), Dr. Tatenda Mavetera has indicated her ministry's dedication to formalizing the e-commerce bill.

Addressing stakeholders in the postal and courier services sector during an engagement meeting held today in Mt Pleasant, Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ), Dr. Mavetera emphasized the ongoing efforts within her ministry to advance the development of the e-commerce bill and the electronic transaction bill.

"As a ministry, we are actively progressing towards the establishment of the e-commerce bill and the electronic transaction bill. The President, His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, emphasized the importance of our ministry's involvement in shaping these bills in his State of the Nation Address on 3 October last year. We are dedicated to realizing these goals," she stated.

Dr. Mavetera acknowledged the necessity for collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, particularly in addressing existing taxes within the postal and courier services sector. While emphasizing the importance of digitalization, she highlighted the need for providing connectivity devices to postal and courier service personnel.

"Recognizing the evolving landscape, we must engage with the Ministry of Finance to address existing taxes, especially in the postal and courier services. Our digitalization efforts also involve equipping postal and services personnel with connectivity devices," she explained.

Furthermore, Dr. Mavetera stressed the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Finance to curb illegal activities within the postal and courier services, ensuring that businesses comply with taxation requirements. She specifically mentioned addressing the issue of "Malayitshaz" and exploring avenues for their legalization to prevent tax evasion.

"We will collaborate with the Ministry of Finance to explore methods of generating revenue from non-compliant entities. The legalization of activities, such as those involving 'Malayitshaz,' will be considered to prevent tax evasion. Additionally, our ministries will work together to streamline taxation processes for those in the postal and courier services," she assured.

The Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill, aimed at modernizing and harmonizing the country's e-commerce regulatory systems, are seen as pivotal in leveraging Zimbabwe's foundation for digital trade. The nation's operation of a largely cashless economy provides a solid basis for the development of a robust digital trade regime.