ZIMBABWE National Road Administration (Zinara) digital drive puts roads back on track the road-financing model is being reshaped by an aggressive push into digital tolling, tighter governance and a renewed emphasis on accountability. Automated toll plazas, e-tags and stronger oversight have nearly doubled revenues in four years, sharply reduced leakages and redirected a far larger share of collections into road maintenance. In an interview with Zimbabwe Independent senior reporter Freeman Makopa (FM), Zinara chief executive Nkosinathi Ncube (NN) explains how technology-driven reforms are transforming collections, compliance and the condition of the country’s roads. Below are excerpts from the interview:
FM: Since rolling out the e-tag and automated tolling system, what measurable improvements have you recorded?
NN: We have recorded very clear improvements across the board. The automated tolling system has significantly reduced leakages, shortened transaction times and increased vehicle throughput at our tollgates. Overall, we are seeing double-digit efficiency gains, and the proportion of digital transactions continues to rise.
A key benefit is improved motor vehicle licence compliance as the e-tag will not allow passage of vehicles with expired license at the tollgates.
On the e-tag side, we now have over 30 000 vehicles registered, and the system is being rolled out to all motorists on Zinara prepaid platforms including a Frequent Travellers Express Pass, Zinara prepaid card and the residential discount facility.
FM: What are your latest toll-revenue figures and year-on-year performance since digitalisation?
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NN: Our toll revenues continue to show steady year-on-year growth, driven by rising traffic volumes and strong digitalisation reforms. The migration to e-tags and tap-and-go payments has tightened controls and ensured that a greater portion of what is collected reaches the Road Fund. Our total revenue growth trajectory is firmly upward, from US$222 332 000 in 2021 to US$432 569 124 to date reflecting a 95% increase over the period. Tolling contributes 32% to total revenue. This shows the positive impact of enhanced technology, improved compliance, and streamlined toll operations.
FM: What proportion of toll revenue now goes directly to road maintenance, compared with five years ago?
NN: We have significantly increased the share of toll revenue as well as total revenue that goes directly towards road maintenance. Today, over 88% of total collections is channelled straight to road authorities. Disbursements have risen from US$108 818 579 in 2021 to US$306 680 818 in 2025. While we do incur administrative expenses including vendor commissions for system management, we keep these costs minimal. The introduction of automated systems and stronger oversight has enabled a far larger proportion of funds to support road maintenance and rehabilitation programmes nationwide.
FM: What is the current annual road-funding gap, and how much of it have you closed?
NN: Our national road network suffered years of underinvestment, so there is indeed a substantial funding gap in relation to the work.
However, through improved collections, digital efficiency, and better coordination with stakeholders, Zinara has managed to close a meaningful portion of the operational gap allowing essential maintenance and key rehabilitation works to proceed without disruption. A road condition survey is slated for 2026 and this will give us a clearer picture of the state of our roads and the requirements to fix them. Steady progress has been notable in the meantime, as noted from the recent regional publication, The Vanguard, which ranked Zimbabwe among the top 10 African countries with the best road quality. This validates the progress we are making under the whole-of-government approach.
FM: Since upgrading your revenue systems, what is your latest collection-efficiency rate?
NN: Collection efficiency has improved significantly. We have drastically reduced manual handling at our collection points and strengthened digital reconciliation. To this end we have reduced transaction time from 30 seconds to below 10 seconds. Our goal is to achieve full real-time transparency across all revenue lines, and we are moving steadily toward that milestone.
FM: How is Zinara aligning with Sadc’s vision for seamless regional trade and modern transport corridors?
NN: Our tolling and revenue-management reforms directly support Sadc’s broader integration agenda. The e-tag system is designed with future regional interoperability in mind, enabling seamless travel across major economic corridors. Furthermore, we are modernising weighbridges, improving transit predictability for commercial transporters, and supporting upgrades on strategic regional routes such as the North-South Corridor. These efforts position Zimbabwe as a key facilitator of efficient regional mobility and trade.
FM: What governance reforms have you introduced to strengthen transparency?
NN: We have implemented a comprehensive governance-reform programme that includes strong internal-control systems, enhanced procurement oversight, automation of key revenue processes, and the regular publication of periodic disbursement notices detailing how revenue is allocated. This is complemented by strengthened audit and compliance mechanisms. We are also fully up to date with our annual general meetings, an important hallmark of good corporate governance. For two consecutive years, Zinara has posted clean audit opinions, reflecting our commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of public funds.
FM: As traffic volumes grow, how are you ensuring the road network remains safe and efficient?
NN: We continue to enhance our funding and support to road authorities to ensure timely routine and periodic maintenance. By reducing congestion at tollgates and enforcing axle-load limits, we can protect road surfaces, reduce damage caused by overloading, and enhance road safety. To further this critical goal, we are partnering with the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe through a dedicated disbursement aimed at improving road safety initiatives. These collective measures ensure that the network remains efficient and responsive as traffic volumes grow.
FM: What role does climate-resilient road design play in your long-term strategy?
NN: With climate change driving more extreme weather, we are encouraging road authorities to prioritise climate-resilient designs. This includes stronger drainage systems, improved embankment protection, and durable surfacing materials that can withstand intense rainfall. Such designs extend the lifespan of our roads and significantly reduce the cost of emergency repairs following storms.
FM: Which partnerships do you expect to shape Zinara’s next phase of growth?
NN: We believe Zinara’s next growth phase will be driven by partnerships focused on advanced digital tolling solutions, weighbridge automation, and public-private partnership (PPP)-financed road projects. These include partnerships with players in the finance sector, mining and real estate development among others. These collaborations will enable us to modernise operations, unlock new financing streams, and continue building a road network that supports national and regional economic growth.