• The new board should develop an action plan to address challenges in tax administration.
• ZRA must attain revenue collection target of above 21 percent of GDP over the medium term.
• Government is committed to ensuring that fiscal sustainability through enhanced revenue collections is restored.
Minister of Finance and National Planning has urged newly appointed Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) board to strengthen measures being administered by the Authority in domestic resource mobilization, through enhanced usage of electronic platforms and increased compliance surveillance to curb smuggling and tax related fraud.
In a congratulatory message to the nine appointees, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane expressed concern over the low compliance levels across several tax types.
According to a statement issued by Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Dr. Musokotwane affirmed Government’s expectation for the board to address the low tax compliance levels by guiding ZRA to enhance tax payer engagements, showcase benefits of paying taxes, and increase automation in order to collaborate tax information, and reduce administrative inertia and fraud.
“The Minister has tasked the new board to develop an action plan to address the challenges in tax administration and ensure that ZRA attains the revenue collection target of above 21 percent of GDP over the medium term,” Mr. Nkulukusa said.
Dr. Musokotwane emphasized Government’s resolve to ensure that fiscal sustainability through enhanced revenue collections is restored, over and above the expenditure rationalization measures that are already being implemented.
Appointment of the new ZRA board is pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 (1) of the Zambia Revenue Authority Act Number 321 of the Laws of Zambia. The previous board was dissolved on 6th December, 2021.
The newly appointed ZRA board members include Dr. Caleb Fundanga, , Grace Neo Likando, Venus Hampinda, Alan Nyirenda, and Dr. Denny Kalyalya.
Others are Nana Munsanda Mudenda, Mutinta MushabatI Pensulo, Willies Chipango, and Valerie Nambeye.
According to Mr. Nkulukusa, the Board Chairperson will be elected by the board from among the members.