Harare — THE Zimbabwe Revenue Authority in conjunction with the World Customs Organisation has launched an e-learning programme for customs agents that is going to benefit 22 member states in the East and Southern Africa region.

Principal director in the Ministry of Finance Mr Pfungwa Kunaka said the launch of the e-learning facility in the country's revenue collection offices was going to go along way in directing the nation towards economic growth.

"Most economies in the world owe their growth to Information Communication Technology, and this launch is going to witness critical institutions benefiting from the revenue industry, through the e-learning facility launched today.

"There is need to emphasise that the country depends on revenue it collects and this revenue collected also goes to support the budget of the country. There is no doubt that the e-learning facility will go a long way in our road to economic development," said Mr Kunaka.

The e-learning programme was described as a vehicle through which customs agents would be fully educated to make sure that everyone liable to pay tax pays.

"It is therefore important that our customs officials become the most learned in the land so that they can be able to collect revenue from virtually everyone who should be paying tax. "

The launch of the e-learning centre will come with many opportunities that will empower Zimra to overcome the capacity challenges the organisation faces on a daily basis.

The e-learning programme will provide unprecedented development by providing access to education and training both at Zimra and in the region.

Speaking at the same occasion Zimra commissioner general Mr Gershem Pasi said Zimbabwe becomes the third host of the three e-learning platforms in the WCO East and Southern Africa region.

"As Zimra in particular and as Zimbabwe as a whole, we feel greatly honoured to host one of the three e-learning platforms in the WCO East and Southern Africa region a move designed to empower customs administrations with the latest blended learning strategies South Africa and Kenya pioneered.

"I am pleased to inform you that 22 member States in the ESA region will be able to access our system and benefit from these training modules," said Mr Pasi.