Strengthening Domestic Tax Collection is Critical to Financing National Development

By Ellen Hambuba The Zambia Revenue Authority says strengthening domestic tax collection is critical to financing national development, creating jobs and improving the livelihoods of citizens. Zambia Revenue Authority-ZRA Commissioner General DINGANI BANDA says Zambia is intensifying efforts to improve tax compliance, modernise tax administration and broaden the tax base to ensure sustainable financing for public services and development programmes. Mr BANDA says stronger domestic revenue mobilization would help the country withstand external economic shocks, including rising fuel price, climate-related disruptions and debt pressures. He says ZRA’s contribution to financing the national budget had increased from approximately 49 percent in 2021 to more than 73 percent currently. Mr. BANDA says the authority was strengthening tax administration through digital technologies, improved information sharing among public institutions and enhanced compliance monitoring. He further says in the mining sector, Zambia has strengthening technical and regulatory capacity to ensure that taxes due from mineral production were accurately assessed and collected. He was speaking during the 2026 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand. Mr BANDA said the reforms align with Zambia’s proposed 1.4 billion US Dollars Extended Credit Facility programme with the IMF, following a staff-level agreement reached on October 9, 2026. Presenting the IMF’s October 2026 Fiscal Monitor, IMF Fiscal Affairs Department Director RODRIGO VALDÉS highlighted the importance of well-designed taxation in supporting economic growth while maintaining adequate revenue collection. And World Bank Group President AJAY BANGA has also underscored the need to use limited public resources more effectively, mobilize private investment, strengthen institutions and create jobs. This is according to a statement made availed to ZNBC by the office of the Secretary to the Treasury.