IBA Commends Government’s Decision to Suspend Customs Duty on Media, Music, and Film Equipment

The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has expressed its satisfaction with the government’s recent decision to temporarily suspend customs duty on selected equipment used in the media, music, and film industries.

Eustace Nkandu, the Acting Director General of the Independent Broadcasting Authority, welcomed this decision during the 2024 budget address to Parliament by Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, the Minister of Finance and National Planning. This decision entails the suspension of customs duty on relevant equipment for a period of three years.

The IBA believes that this move will have a positive impact on the quality of content broadcasted on radio and television. It is anticipated that stations will take advantage of this opportunity to acquire new equipment, leading to an overall improvement in broadcasting quality. 

Additionally, this initiative is expected to stimulate growth within the media, film, and music sectors.

The IBA encourages both newly licensed stations and existing ones to make the most of this government initiative by swiftly importing broadcasting equipment. 

This development comes in response to a request from the Ministry of Information and Media to promote the viability of the sector by providing a tax holiday for the importation of broadcasting equipment.