On 29 October 2026, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) convened a dedicated media workshop at its Lusaka headquarters to brief journalists on the latest taxation reforms, compliance initiatives, and digital transformation projects. The workshop formed part of ZRA’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy to foster a culture of voluntary compliance and to demystify recent policy shifts affecting businesses and individuals across the country. Senior officials from the Domestic Taxes, Customs Services, and Taxpayer Education divisions presented comprehensive updates on the implementation of the Smart Invoice electronic invoicing system, the Extended Voluntary Disclosure Scheme (EVDS), and the suspension of import duties on strategic commodities such as wheat. The event also addressed the authority’s efforts to enhance service delivery through the TaxOnApp mobile platform and the integration of artificial intelligence in risk profiling.
The workshop underscored the critical role of the media in disseminating accurate tax information to the public, particularly in the context of Zambia’s ambitious domestic resource mobilization targets under the Eighth National Development Plan. Participants were guided through the revised penalty framework, the new presumptive tax thresholds for informal sector operators, and the procedural requirements for the 100% penalty waiver available under the EVDS, which runs until 31 December 2026. ZRA Commissioner General emphasized that the authority’s shift towards data-driven compliance, supported by the recently upgraded ASYCUDA World customs platform and the Integrated Border Declaration Form, aims to reduce clearance times and curb revenue leakages at border posts.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Taxpayer Education Drive: ZRA unveiled a multi-channel communication campaign featuring simplified tax guides in local languages, radio and television spots, and social media infographics targeting informal traders, SMEs, and corporate taxpayers. The campaign aims to increase filing rates for Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and Turnover Tax by at least 15% over the next fiscal year.
- Digital Compliance Infrastructure: The Smart Invoice system, now mandatory for all VAT-registered taxpayers, was demonstrated with live walkthroughs of the taxpayer portal, mobile application, and Virtual Sales Data Controller (VSDC) integration. Officials highlighted that real-time transaction reporting has already improved VAT collection efficiency by 22% since its phased rollout in 2024.
- Targeted Relief Measures and Amnesty: The suspension of import duty on wheat, effective 11 September 2026, aims to stabilize food prices and support the agricultural value chain. Concurrently, the EVDS offers a 100% waiver on penalties and interest for voluntary disclosures made before year-end, providing a window for non-compliant taxpayers to regularize their affairs without financial burden.
- Customs Modernization and Trade Facilitation: Partnership with UNCTAD under the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) enhancement project will introduce predictive analytics for cargo risk assessment, electronic single window integration, and paperless clearance at Chirundu and Kazungula border posts, targeting a 30% reduction in dwell time by 2027.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement