The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Investment Climate Facility (ICF) for Africa, with the intention to modernise the authoritys operations
According to ZRA commissioner general Berlin Msiska, the collaboration is the second phase of an on-going US$15.4mn modernisation project, which intends to increase effectiveness of the organisation’s operations.
Msiska explained, “The government of Zambia shall contribute US$13.3 mn to the project, while the ICF shall contribute up to US$2.2mn.
“The implementation of the project is a major timely step in the modernisation of operations of the authority, as it will result in increased effectiveness and efficiency in the way we do our business.”
As part of the project, ZRA plans to have an integrated online filing and payment system fully operational by next year, thereby improving service delivery across tax categories in the country. This will also help build awareness and educate the public about the country’s tax regime and ZRA’s services.
Msiska pointed out, “Since its inception, the ZRA has endeavoured to increase revenue collection and in recent years has embarked on a modernisation programme to enhance effectiveness and efficiency in revenue administration and service delivery.
“The ICF for Africa supported the implementation of the first phase in respect of Zambia’s tax modernisation.”
Msiska added that the selection of IT solutions for the integrated tax administration system, development and full operation of the call centre and completion of small and medium tax payer segmentation have been satisfactorily achieved.
ICF CEO Omari Issa said that modernisation of the system would facilitate the meeting of tax obligations by small and medium taxpayers.
“Many revenue authorities are modernising their facilities, streamlining their procedures. People are looking at ways to pay taxes more efficiently,” Issa concluded.
Nawa Mutumweno
