Zimbabwe’s Policy Maze, Fuel Tankers Stuck in Transit

By Shingirai Vambe

Imagine being a truck driver tasked with transporting fuel from Mozambique to Zambia, only to find yourself stuck in Zimbabwe due to a complex web of bureaucracy and policies. This is the reality for over 3,500 fuel tankers destined for Zambia, currently stranded in Zimbabwe.

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) introduced a new policy in August 2024, requiring fuel tankers to pay a whopping US$21,500 per truck upon entry, with a refund promised upon exit. However, drivers have complained of delays in receiving refunds, which can take several days. This has led many to shun the route, causing a massive backlog of trucks.

But the problem runs deeper than just one policy. Zimbabwe’s business environment is notoriously challenging, with a complex and often contradictory set of laws and regulations that impede the ease of doing business. The World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index ranks Zimbabwe 140 out of 190 countries, citing difficulties in obtaining licenses, paying taxes, and trading across borders.

For truckers and fuel suppliers, the red tape is suffocating. “We have to deal with multiple government agencies, each with its own set of rules and regulations,” said one truck driver, who wished to remain anonymous. “It’s like navigating a maze blindfolded.”

The situation is further complicated by Zimbabwe’s history of fuel transit fraud, which prompted Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to introduce the new policy. While the intention may have been to curb fraudulent activities, the result has been a logistical nightmare for truckers and fuel suppliers.

Puma Energy Zambia’s head of government relations, Litiya Matakala, highlighted the challenges posed by the unavailability of Zimbabwean trucks, which has forced Zambian trucks to cover the shortfall alone. The situation is dire, with Zambia relying heavily on Zimbabwe for fuel transportation due to its landlocked location.

As the situation continues to unfold, there are concerns about the long-term implications for fuel supply in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which also relies on Zimbabwean trucks for fuel transportation. With no clear solution in sight, truckers, suppliers, and governments are left to navigate this complex and challenging situation.

The question on everyone’s mind is: how can Zimbabwe simplify its bureaucracy and create a more business-friendly environment? Until then, the fuel tankers will remain stranded, a symbol of the country’s struggling economy and suffocating red tape.