The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) says the country’s Gross Domestic Product growth is dependent on tax collection, and that there is a need for more Zambians to be paying tax to grow the economy.
ZRA Commissioner General, Dingani Banda says for this reason, the Commission has identified debate in schools as one of the drivers to educate members of the public on the importance of tax compliance.
He said this through ZRA Director tax services and education, Mirriam Sabi, during a ZRA 2024-2025 smart voices grand finale school debate between Chinika Secondary school and Matero Boys Secondary school in Lusaka today.
Mr Banda further acknowledged that through tax compliance, Zambia’s economic growth can be improved to be channelled towards the free education policy among other sectors.
He stressed that by introducing tax education to learners at a tender age, will enable them to grow with the understanding that Zambia’s economy is anchored on ZRA’s tax collection.
“We are firm believers in closing the information gap among all stakeholders, recognising that children have little or no information on tax and taxation system in Zambia, we selected eight schools in Lusaka as pioneers for the first ever secondary school debate, ” he said.
And Lusaka District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), Ian Miyoba said debate plays a critical role in sharpening the minds of learners to critically analyse issues.
Mr Miyoba emphasised the need for an awareness campaign on tax compliance, and that through debate in schools about tax compliance, masses can be educated on the significance of paying tax.
“Government does not take debate in schools for granted as it is crucial to train and sharpen minds of learners on various issues such as tax compliance, sensitising Zambians on the taxation system through debate is one of the ways to develop the country’s economy,” he said.
He has since commended ZRA for the initiative to invest huge sums of money in educational activities aimed at reducing information gap on tax matters among other issues in the country.
Matero Boys Secondary school are the ZRA 2024-2025 smart voices inaugural debate winners, and have walked away with k50,000 first prize, while Chinika Secondary school, who are runners up pocketed k30,000.
