Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The former Minister of Health and Child Care, Obadiah Moyo, has suggested that the government should consider introducing a salt tax on manufacturers whose food products exceed proposed sodium limits as a way of promoting a healthier society.
Moyo, who is the national health advisor for the National Men’s Forum for Economic Development, a private organisation, said:
“First, we set sodium limits for processed products — soups, stocks, processed meats, salty snacks. Second, manufacturers must reduce salt to meet those limits.
“Third, if they exceed the threshold, they pay a higher excise tax; the saltier the product, the higher the rate.
“Fourth, I want families to hear this — consumers are not taxed. You are protected by cheaper, lower-salt options and by warnings about salt use at home.
“Revenue from non-compliant manufacturers can be channelled to prevention: BP screening, education in clinics and schools, treatment support.
“The tax itself nudges industry and shoppers toward healthier choices.”
Moyo said high salt intake can lead to high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of chronic kidney disease, stroke, and heart failure.
Zimbabwe introduced a sugar tax in 2024, officially known as the Special Surtax on Sugar Content, as part of efforts to tackle non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity by discouraging excessive sugar consumption.
The measure was announced as part of the 2024 National Budget and was initially expected to take effect on 1 January 2024. However, it was eventually implemented in February 2024 through Statutory Instrument 16 of 2024.
Under the current system, the tax is set at US$0.001 per gram of added sugar for ready-to-drink beverages and US$0.0005 per gram for cordials and concentrates.
The government has said the funds raised from the levy are earmarked for the health sector.
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