• The considerable consultation set period of up to 30th June, 2023 will create room for stakeholders to participate.
• Participation in the budget formulation process is made to ensure that Government and stakeholders move together.
• Clearly state the areas of public expenditure that need effective alignment with the Eighth National Development Plan.

Ministry of Finance and National Planning reveals it has commenced preparations for the 2023 National Budget and the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), important economic policy tools which help to shape the direction of economic policy and other development priorities.

Acting Secretary to the Treasury Danies Chisenda in a statement invited members of the public, private sector, public sector, civil society and other stakeholders to submit tax, non-tax and expenditure proposals, for review and possible inclusion in the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 MTEF.

Mr. Chisenda noted the Ministry is confident that the considerable consultation set period of up to 30th June, 2023 will create room for citizens – including the youth, women groups, the private sector, public sector, and all other stakeholders and interest groups to participate in the formulation of the Budget and the Medium Term Expenditure Framework.

He explained the Ministry’s appeal to citizens for participation in the budget formulation process is made to ensure that Government and stakeholders move together in streamlining taxation, creating a conducive policy environment for business, creating employment opportunities, generating wealth and facilitating a sustainable future for all citizens and prosperity for the nation.

Mr. Chisenda guided citizens to outline the pitfalls of the current tax and non-tax policy regime and explain how local businesses and other developmental affairs are negatively impacted, as a result.

“Clearly state the sector or policy area of interest for which remedies or stimuli are sought and whether such remedies or stimuli relate to policy, strategy, programme, tax, or non-tax measures,” he added.

He further pointed out on the guideline to clearly state the areas of public expenditure that need effective alignment with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and their expected impact on economic recovery and growth, fiscal sustainability, social sector expenditure, public welfare, and general public service delivery and justify why the Government should undertake the suggested measures and the expected positive impacts.