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Government slaps heavier taxes on alcohol, betting and soft drinks

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GOVERNMENT has decided to reach deeper into people’s pleasures, announcing a wave of tax hikes that will hit bars, betting shops, and soft drink shelves hard.
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Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane says it is all part of a plan to raise extra money for the country’s K33.6 billion supplementary budget without running to borrow.
Dr Musokotwane last week presented to Parliament Supplementary Estimates No. 1 for 2025, and this week returned with a more detailed explanation that included tax hikes which will likely sting the average Zambian’s weekend routine.
Topping the tax list is a jump in excise duty on spirits and wines from 60 percent to a sobering 80 percent.
The government is also ending the 40 percent excise duty suspension on clear alcohol and replacing it with a straight 50 percent tax.
In cigarette corners, the cost of a puff is going up too, with excise duty per 1,000 sticks rising from K452 to K750.
The booming betting industry, which has become a religion for many, will now be taxed with a fresh 10 percent excise duty on betting services.
This is to formalise the industry and plug revenue leaks from unregulated operations.
Meanwhile, those addicted to fizzy soft drinks will also feel the pinch, with government proposing to double excise duty on sugary beverages from K1 to K2 per litre, another hit for those who pair their bottle of cola with a plate of chips and chicken.
Furthermore, the Ministry plans to raise the withholding tax on interest from government securities from 15 percent to 20 percent, potentially squeezing the returns of local banks, institutions, and individual investors.
The Minister told Parliament that the new measures are meant to boost domestic resource mobilisation without running back to borrow.
He said the targeted revenue will be complemented by an extra K1 billion to be raised through regulatory levies collected by agencies such as the Energy Regulation Board and Civil Aviation Authority.
Of the K33.6 billion supplementary budget, K11 billion will be used to settle fuel arrears, K8.5 billion to service debt, K6 billion will go towards agriculture, while the rest will support education infrastructure, social cash transfers, and other social sectors.
Parliament received the supplementary estimates today through the Expanded Planning and Budgeting Committee as changes, including the new taxes, are expected to take effect this July, meaning Zambians might need to sip and bet a little less or dig a little deeper into their pockets.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 3, 2025
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Radiation Protection Authority unveils new board, sets fresh direction

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THE Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) has unveiled its new board, marking the beginning of a renewed push for stronger radiation safety, improved oversight and tighter accountability in the sector.
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The unveiling ceremony was officiated by Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati, who called for transparency, unity and collective decision-making.
Mutati challenged the board to handle internal disagreements constructively while upholding risk management at all levels.
He reminded the new board that the mandate before them is heavy, emphasising that the board must operate in alignment with national priorities and remain firmly accountable to the citizens.
“You don’t exist in isolation, you exist to assist us deliver on our priorities as government and to ensure a safe environment for the people.”
” You also assist to ensure that resources given to you whether from government or statutory instruments are properly accounted for because that money is for the citizens,” he stated.
Mutati also urged the new board to grow its revenue base without compromising financial discipline.
He warned that government will not hesitate to act if the board fails to uphold accountability and performance standards.
“If management doesn’t perform to your expectation, as a board you have the responsibility to take appropriate action because if you don’t, we will take appropriate action on you,” Mutati cautioned.
He stressed that transparency, accountability, collective responsibility and sound risk management must guide every decision the board makes.
“Take responsibility by ensuring that management remains aligned and works in the best interest of the people of Zambia,” added Mutati.
Meanwhile, the new board chairperson Msafiri Sinkala pledged to steer the authority with firmness, keep a close eye on performance and make sure the institution meets its target in a manner that reassures the public and restores confidence in the sector.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba December 3, 2025
MINES Minister Paul Kabuswe has expressed shock that developmental stories on social media attract as few as 20 likes and 13 comments, compared to scandals […]
THE Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has revealed how two employees of a government institution allegedly stole over K20 million meant for public use by diverting […]
SOUTHERN Province Administration has refuted claims circulating on various social media platforms that oil has been discovered in Choma. Wisdom Himanteka, Principal Public Relations Officer, […]

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Rural communities to get electricity connections at K300 only

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GOVERNMENT has reduced the cost of getting electricity connections in rural and peri-urban areas from K4,846 to only K300.
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Energy Minister Makozo Chikote announced the change today at the launch of the ASCENT Zambia Programme in Lusaka.
He said the big reduction is part of a US$250 million project supported by the World Bank to help more Zambians access electricity and clean cooking.
The programme aims to connect over 1.6 million people in the next five years.
According to the Ministry of Energy, Chikote said applications for the cheaper connections will start on 22 December 2025 and the goal is to connect 100,000 households in the first year.
Chikote noted that only 51 percent of Zambians have electricity and in rural areas the number is even lower at 33 percent.
He said the new programme will help close this gap and improve people’s lives.
He encouraged people to apply and directed ZESCO and the Rural Electrification Authority (REA) to inform communities across the country.
“Our desire is that a farmer in Eastern Province can refrigerate his produce, a schoolgirl in Northern Province can study under proper lighting, and an expectant mother in Western Province can access safe and reliable health services,” he said.
REA acting chief executive officer (CEO) Eng. Alex Mbumba said the agency will work closely with ZESCO to ensure the project is implemented smoothly, especially in areas that have been underserved.
ZESCO managing director Eng. Justin Loongo said the programme is a game changer that will help families access clean and reliable electricity.
The World Bank and COMESA also promised to continue supporting the programme with funding and technical help.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 3, 2025
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About 30,000 to 50,000 people will have minimal worries concerning load shedding in Kafungalubala Village as President Hakainde Hichilema is scheduled to commission the nation’s […]

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Zambia’s trade engine roars to life

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ZAMBIA has switched on a new gear in its global trade journey after officially joining the ATA Carnet Convention, a system set to make cross-border business smoother, faster and cheaper.
This move ushers Zambia into an elite network of nations using the ATA Carnet, a global customs document often dubbed the ‘passport for goods.’
The historic milestone was sealed yesterday when Zambia’s ambassador to Belgium, H.E Mary Chirwa deposited the instrument of accession at the World Customs Organisation (WCO) headquarters in Brussels.
According to a statement by First Press Secretary at the Embassy of Zambia in Brussels, Belgium, Aswell Mwalimu, with this tool, Zambian entrepreneurs, exhibitors and manufacturers can now send professional equipment, samples and products abroad for trade fairs and events without paying customs duties or taxes.
Mwalimu said Zambia has gained fast-lane access to world markets.
Witnessing the handover were WCO Secretary General Ian Sanders, and senior officials Michelle Millan and Gael Grooby, who commended Zambia for its commitment to modernising trade systems and boosting regional competitiveness.
This achievement, realised under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, underscores government’s push to transform Zambia into a regional trade powerhouse through efficiency, technology and global partnerships.
“This achievement is more than a technical milestone. It’s a powerful statement that Zambia is ready to compete and collaborate on the global stage,” sais Mwalimu.
He added that development will not only simplify exports but also project Zambia’s growing confidence in the international trade arena.
Also present at the ceremony were First Secretary (Trade and Investment) Melissa Summerton Sylla and other diplomats from the Zambian Mission in Brussels.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 9, 2025
THE partnership between Zambia and Japan is evolving beyond traditional aid into a long-term, collaborative development model based on mutual respect, technical cooperation, and sustainable […]
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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema is today expected in Solwezi to commission the US$1.2 billion S3 expansion project at First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi Mine, a development set […]

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