Harare, (New Ziana)- Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda on Wednesday called for stronger fiscal discipline, enhanced parliamentary oversight, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost tax administration as the nation prepares for the 2026 national budget.
Officially opening the 2026 pre-budget seminar, Mudenda reminded lawmakers that Parliament’s role in public finance management extends beyond approving the Finance and Appropriation Bills.
“It also demands vigilant monitoring of budget implementation, including resource disbursements and procurement processes, as well as the outcomes and outputs of public expenditure, all of which must be anchored on the value for money principle,” he said.
Mudenda urged legislators to uphold accountability and ensure every tax dollar is properly spent. “Every allocation must withstand the diligent scrutiny of taxpaying citizens who expect optimal value from their contributions to the national fiscus,” he emphasized.
He said the 2026 National Budget must faithfully mirror the voice of the people.
Referring to the 2025 Mid-Term Budget and Economic Review, Mudenda noted that revenue collections reached ZiG101.2 billion against a target of ZiG118.1 billion, while expenditures stood at ZiG98 billion versus a projection of ZiG127.5 billion.
“These figures demonstrate prudential fiscal management, yet they reveal a persistent chasm between revenue generation capacity and expenditure requirements,” he said.
He also urged the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to leverage AI technologies such as predictive analytics, blockchain and automated compliance monitoring to improve efficiency and boost revenue collection.
“Parliament must also nudge the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority to expedite efforts to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI)in transforming tax administration and improved revenue collection at our Border posts,” said Mudenda.
Mudenda warned against Treasury’s failure to disburse funds approved by Parliament.
“What Parliament has legally appropriated, the Treasury must oblige accordingly,” he said.
New Ziana
