Digital Transition in Certification: ZIMRA Shifts COMESA Documentation to Digital Platform. Questioning the Capability of ZIMRA's Systems.
Zimbabwe Embraces Digital Trade: Transition to COMESA e-CoO by 2025
Zimbabwe is set to join the list of COMESA member countries using the COMESA e-CoO, a digital system for issuing Certificates of Origin, from August 1, 2025. This transition marks a significant step towards digitising trade documentation across the region.
The COMESA Digital Free Trade Area (DFTA) initiative aims to streamline trade processes, making them faster, cheaper, and more transparent. The Certificate of Origin is a document that proves goods were produced or processed in Zimbabwe and qualifies them for tariff-free or reduced rates across COMESA member countries.
With the implementation of the COMESA e-CoO, exporters in Zimbabwe will need to register on the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) platform to apply for the digital certificate. The move away from manual processes—using paper forms, stamps, and signatures—towards a fully digital process is expected to lead to faster approvals, reduced fraud, cost savings, and cross-border efficiency.
The ZeSW platform is integrated with COMESA's regional e-certification system. From August 1, 2025, all applications for COMESA Certificates of Origin must be submitted through the ZeSW system. Zimbabwe will only issue COMESA Certificates of Origin online from this date.
The Commissioner of Customs and Excise from ZIMRA chaired a June 2025 workshop in Lusaka, where officials confirmed they were still working towards a full regional rollout by 2026. In preparation for this transition, ZIMRA has seen a surge in TaRMS registrations, their Tax and Revenue Management System.
However, practical challenges of implementation and system reliability may arise. A survey done by ZIMRA showed that only 15% of people strongly agreed that ZIMRA's system works well and is always available when needed. This underscores the importance of ensuring a smooth rollout to avoid disruptions to trade.
The private sector stands to gain from simpler processes and fewer delays with the move to digital COMESA Certificates of Origin. Exporters should start transitioning immediately to avoid delays when the paper system is shut down on August 1, 2025. With ZeSW being integrated into regional systems like COMESA's e-CoO platform, Zimbabwe is finally catching up with other countries in the region on facilitating digital trade. This transition could shave days off the export process and make doing business across borders just a little less painful.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [4] Source 4
- The move towards digital trade in Zimbabwe, as evidenced by the adoption of the COMESA e-CoO, demonstrates the power of technology in streamlining trade processes.
- With the integration of Zimbabwe's ZESW platform into regional systems like COMESA's e-CoO platform, technology plays a crucial role in facilitating digital trade across borders, making it faster and more efficient.
