The Zimbabwean government has collected $30.8 million from a special surtax on sugar content in beverages since its implementation earlier this year.
The revenue from this levy is earmarked for purchasing cancer treatment equipment.
George Guvamatanga, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, disclosed this information in a letter to the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) on December 13, 2024. ZADHR had inquired about the collection and allocation of the sugar tax.
In their request, ZADHR sought clarity on the specific cancer drugs and equipment purchased with the funds and the hospitals that had received these supplies.
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Guvamatanga responded by explaining that the procurement of medical supplies is handled by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, advising ZADHR to approach that ministry for detailed information.
The sugar levy, introduced on February 9, 2024, through the Customs and Excise (Tariff) (Amendment) Notice, 2024, aims to reduce excessive sugar consumption, which has been linked to certain types of cancer. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube had previously justified the levy, citing public health concerns and emphasizing that the funds would be strictly reserved for cancer treatment and equipment.
This initiative reflects the government’s broader efforts to address the rising health risks associated with high sugar intake while improving access to critical cancer therapies.