Govt opens window for submissions on 2025 National Budget, proposals close April, 28

Government has started receiving submissions from stakeholders on the preparations for the 2025 National Budget and the 2025 – 2027 Medium Term Budget Plan.

Secretary to the Treasury, Felix Nkulukusa, in a statement issued on Monday directed that all proposals should be submitted between April 1 and April 28, 2024.

Nkulukusa expressed confidence that the set period created considerable room for citizens, including the youth, women groups, the private sector, public sector and all other stakeholders and interest groups to participate in the process.

He directed that the submissions must outline the pitfalls of the current tax and non-tax policy regime while explaining how local businesses and other developmental affairs were negatively impacted.

The proposals are also expected to clearly state the sector or policy area of interest for which remedies or stimuli were sought and whether such remedies or stimuli relate to policy, strategy, programme, tax, or non-tax measures.

The proposals, Nkulukusa directed, must justify why the government should undertake the suggested measures and the expected positive impacts.

“Our appeal to citizens for participation in the budget formulation process, therefore, is made to ensure that the government and stakeholders move together in streamlining taxation and creating a conducive policy environment for business.

“All submissions will be considered objectively and on merit. As a way of ensuring that proposals are evaluated professionally, an inter-ministerial team, will, where necessary, invite those who will submit proposals for further discussions or clarification on any matter concerning their submissions,” he said.

He encouraged submission which clearly stated the areas of public expenditure that needed effective alignment with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

Submissions are expected to state their expected impact on economic recovery and growth, fiscal sustainability, social sector expenditure, public welfare, and general public service delivery.

“To facilitate inclusive and transparent budget preparations, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will be conducting broad-based consultations on the 2025 National Budget and the 2025-2027 Medium Term Budget Plan,” Nkulukusa said.

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