ZRA Commissioner Advocates for Africa’s Role in Shaping Global Taxation Systems.
The Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Dingani Banda, has called for greater involvement of African nations in global discussions about international taxation frameworks, ensuring the continent’s economic interests are properly considered.
Mr. Banda was speaking during the New International Tax Framework Seminar hosted by the World Bank Group in Washington, D.C., when he stressed the importance of creating a taxation system that not only supports Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM) but also attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
He pointed out that Africa currently captures just 4% of global FDI, with limited investment in key sectors such as extractives, finance, and construction.
Held from January 30 to 31, 2025, the seminar, themed "Opportunities for Promoting a Positive Business Environment for Sustainable Growth," offered a space for discussing ways to foster economic growth through improved taxation policies.
Mr. Banda shared Zambia’s success in enhancing its social contract with its citizens, which led to an increase in ZRA’s contribution to the national budget from 49% in 2021 to 71.7% in 2025.
He explained that this progress, was driven by a focus on strengthening domestic resource mobilization instead of relying on borrowing.
“This renewed social contract has led to significant achievements, including the re-introduction of free education, allowing 2 million children to return to school, a rise in the Constituency Development Fund to K36.1 million per constituency in 2025 from K1.6 million in 2021, and expanded spending on social safety nets such as health programs and cash-for-work initiatives,” Mr. Banda noted.
He also emphasizes the government’s aim to stabilize tax policies and curb revenue leakages, with a target tax-to-GDP ratio of over 21% by 2027, compared to the current decade-long average of 17.1%.
During the seminar, Mr. Banda held discussions with Manuela Francisco, the World Bank’s Global Director for Economic Policy, who reaffirmed the institution’s support for Zambia’s efforts to improve tax administration.
He met with Regina C. Boma, the Charge d’Affaires at the Zambian Embassy in the U.S., to explore ways to enhance taxpayer education among Zambians living abroad.
Mr. Banda’s advocacy for Africa’s greater participation in shaping global tax policies highlights the continent’s need for fair representation in global economic matters and the pursuit of sustainable growth.
This is according to a statement issued by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).