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Acting Finance and National Planning Minister, Charles Milupi, has emphasised the importance of digitalisation in enhancing domestic revenue mobilisation.
Milupi said this during the 5th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) in Lusaka on Wednesday.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Economic Management and Finance, Danies Chisenda, Milupi highlighted the need for resilient tax systems using technology to ensure sustainable revenue collection for national budgets.
He expressed concern that rapid technological advancements often leave tax administrations in developing countries behind.
“It is generally agreed that technological change has disrupted traditional commerce not just within our borders but globally.
“The rapid pace of advancement has tended to leave many tax administrations behind, especially those in developing countries. Therefore, it is pleasing to see our tax authorities on the continent embracing technology,” Milupi said.
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Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner-General, Dingani Banda, also addressed the event, noting the transformative impact of the digital revolution on revenue collection and management.
He underscored the potential of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms to streamline processes, improve accuracy and enhance operational efficiency.
“By harnessing the power of digital tools, we can gain valuable insights into taxpayer behaviour, identify patterns of non-compliance, and tailor our enforcement efforts to target high-risk areas,” Banda said.
He also stressed the need for African tax administrations to develop home-grown digital solutions to reduce dependency on expensive private ICT vendors.
ATAF Executive Secretary, Logan Wort, pointed out critical issues facing tax administrations, including debt management, post-COVID recovery, digital economy challenges, and illicit financial flows.
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