ZRA Trains Journalists in Taxation

The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has stepped up its stakeholder engagement efforts by hosting a comprehensive training workshop tailored for media practitioners in Lusaka. Speaking during the session, ZRA Senior Tax Consultant for Taxpayer Services and Education, Adrian Saluti, underscored that voluntary tax compliance remains the lifeblood of Zambia's socio-economic development process. Mr. Saluti noted that journalists possess a unique platform to demystify complex tax terminologies and educate the wider public on why contributing to the national treasury is a civic duty that directly translates into improved public infrastructure, healthcare, and educational facilities. The initiative comes at a crucial juncture when the government is aggressively expanding the tax base and pursuing domestic resource mobilization to cushion against external economic shocks. By bridging the knowledge gap between revenue administrators and media professionals, ZRA aims to cultivate a more informed citizenry capable of holding leaders accountable while understanding the practical challenges and triumphs of domestic revenue collection. Participants were taken through various modules, including the mechanics of Value Added Tax (VAT), customs and excise regulations, and the digitalization of tax administration systems through the TaxOnline portal. Media practitioners welcomed the engagement, acknowledging that specialized reporting on fiscal policies requires a deep understanding of macroeconomic fundamentals. Many journalists noted that financial journalism in Zambia often focuses narrowly on political commentary, leaving a void in public discourse regarding budget tracking, tax exemptions, and compliance trends. The training provided a timely reminder of the watchdog role the press plays in scrutinizing how public funds generated through taxes are utilized by the state. Looking forward, the ZRA has pledged to sustain such capacity-building workshops across different provinces to