27/07/2025
Electronic Single Window System Awareness: National Ozone Unit
Binga, Zimbabwe: The Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, through the National Ozone Unit (NOU), has introduced an Electronic Single Window System (ESWS) to replace the manual ZimConnect Government Portal. This project was officially launched on June 10, 2022, and is being spearheaded by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).
The electronic platform enables clients to apply for trading licenses and import/export permits online. According to Mr. George Chaumba, Project Manager for the National Ozone Unit, the new system is set to decongest border posts, simplify clearance procedures, curb fraudulent activities, and more.
In accordance with the Montreal Protocol, Zimbabwe is transitioning to a global warming-free gas due to the refrigerant gas's contribution to global warming. This necessitates a new licensing system by ZIMRA. Mr. Chaumba emphasized that;
"The ESWS will minimize the time taken by traders and government departments involved in importing and exporting Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS). Processing will be done online, eliminating delays in current procedures."
The ESWS allows applications to be directed to the relevant ministry and subsequently reach the ZIMRA office for approval, all from the comfort of a client's home. Clients outside the country can also use the system, avoiding unnecessary travel costs. The process is expected to take less than three hours to complete.
The ESWS project scope includes Commodity-based application achievement, Electronic payment, Permit management, among others.
The customs officer at ZIMRA, Mr. Tayana Chidzvondo, stated that they will use various communication channels to reach remote communities, including meetings, Facebook articles, exhibition centers, and ZIMRA representatives in every district. The Ministry of ICT has been engaged to assist in providing network coverage in areas without connectivity.
The main objectives of the ESWS are to reduce clearance time and costs of goods clearance. The electronic system allows for the storage of records, which are more durable than those in the previous manual system.
By introducing the ESWS, the National Ozone Unit aims to promote a more efficient and sustainable approach to managing ozone-depleting substances in Zimbabwe.
