By BUUMBA CHIMBULU
THE Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Dingani Banda, has called on staff to intensify efforts in mobilising domestic resources, amid declining Official Development Assistance (ODA) from cooperating partners.
Mr Banda said Government was increasingly relying on revenue generated internally, placing ZRA at the heart of national economic sustainability.
He was speaking during a post-Labour Day celebration in Lusaka recently.
“With donor aid shrinking and budget support declining, it is our duty as ZRA to ensure that we mobilise sufficient domestic resources. This year alone, we are expected to contribute up to 70 percent of the national budget. If external support continues to fall, the pressure will only increase,” Mr Banda said.
He noted that Government’s fiscal strategy was shifting away from borrowing towards enhanced domestic revenue collection to finance national development priorities.
Mr Banda urged ZRA employees to view their roles as essential in securing the country’s economic future.
“Just like in any household where you cannot depend on borrowing forever, as a nation, we must rely on our own resources. That is why ZRA’s contribution to the national budget has steadily increased from 49 percent in 2021 to 70 percent this year,” he explained.
The authority was targeting to cover 80 percent of Zambia’s domestic resource needs by 2025, with other government institutions expected to raise the remaining 20 percent.
Meanwhile, Mr Banda underscored the importance of integrity and professionalism within the authority, disclosing that 10 employees had been dismissed since January this year for various disciplinary infractions, mainly involving integrity breaches.
“Working for ZRA is not just a job — it is a calling. We collect the resources that help government buy medicine, build schools and improve lives. Integrity must be at the core of everything we do,” he stressed.
He also raised concern over rising absenteeism levels, revealing that the rate had increased to 0.79 percent — equivalent to 316 workdays lost — compared to a baseline of 0.68 percent.
“This is a growing concern to the ZRA board. We have observed worrying patterns, such as spikes in sick leave around weekends and holidays.
These trends are affecting productivity. Let us take responsibility and manage our careers with seriousness,” he urged.
Mr Banda further highlighted ZRA’s ongoing shift to data-driven systems and home-grown technological innovations aimed at enhancing tax administration and curbing illicit financial flows.
He cited Zambia’s recent hosting of an African Union workshop on tax and illicit financial flows as a testament to the country’s growing leadership in tax reforms.
“Innovation is not limited to ICT. It extends to tax policy, ownership reforms through institutions like PACRA, and new models such as advanced income tax. These home-grown solutions will shape Zambia’s future of work and support inclusive economic growth,” he said.
The Commissioner General commended senior management members who represented the Authority at Labour Day events in various provinces, describing their participation as a demonstration of ZRA’s commitment to employee welfare and collaboration with other public sector institutions.
He further urged staff to remain disciplined, dedicated and focused on delivering the Authority’s mandate.
“ZRA is needed now more than ever. Your families, your communities, and your country are counting on you. Let’s rise to the occasion and deliver,” he said.
Several employees were honoured during the event for their outstanding contributions to the Authority’s overall performance.
