ZRA Champions Trust-Based Tax Compliance at Regional Conference
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), in partnership with the International Trade and Investment Center (ITIC), is hosting a Comparative Compliance Conference aimed at promoting trust-based initiatives to enhance trade facilitation and tax compliance in the country.
The conference, which began on 25 August 2025 and concludes today, aligns with standards set by the World Customs Organization and emphasises the importance of trust between tax authorities and taxpayers, requiring high ethical standards from all participants.
Speaking at the event, ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda highlighted Zambia’s strong tax performance, noting that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio has averaged 18.3% over the past five years, surpassing the continental average of 15%.
He stressed that this achievement underscores the need for reforms that encourage voluntary compliance, including the upcoming Cooperative Compliance Initiative.
“Developing a technologically efficient and data-driven tax system is essential for the success of these initiatives. Recent investments in advanced systems aim to improve efficiency and service delivery for taxpayers,” Commissioner Banda said.
He added that ZRA’s new operating model, introduced in 2024, positions the authority as a leader in compliance programmes and reflects its commitment to fostering collaborative relationships with taxpayers.
Daniel Witt, ITIC President, emphasised the need for a shift from a confrontational approach to a partnership model, particularly for multinational companies. “Taxpayers seek a stable, transparent, and honest tax administration, rather than complete alignment on every detail. Establishing a predictable and competitive tax regime is critical,” he said.
The conference has brought together representatives from African authorities, including Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia, to share experiences and best practices in implementing trust-based compliance frameworks.
