The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) says the Smart Invoice System has significantly improved tax compliance and helped curb revenue leakages since its rollout in 2024.

ZRA Corporate Communications Manager, Oliver Nzala, says the system was introduced primarily to fight tax evasion and enhance  revenue collection in the area of Value Added Tax (VAT) among other types of taxes, noting that uptake among taxpayers has been encouraging.

In an exclusive interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Mr Nzala disclosed that 41,800 taxpayers have so far been onboarded onto the Smart Invoice System, describing the response as positive despite a few operational challenges.

He explained that while the Authority has faced some implementation hurdles, most have been resolved, especially since the authority has provided a platform to get feedback from its clients.

Mr Nzala indicated that other challenges are still being addressed as ZRA continues to enhance service delivery and system efficiency.

“There’s so much more we want to do in terms of enhancing the system and its user-friendliness so that everyone is comfortable with whichever platform they are using.

“We keep working to seal revenue leakages and also curb issues of illegal financial flows, and this has helped reduce issues of VAT frauds, the ones we are dealing with are the ones that were existing on the manual framework,” he stated.

Mr Nzala further indicated that compliant taxpayers are already benefiting from the system through faster and easier VAT refunds, simplified stock management, and user-friendly system enhancements, which make compliance easier and more transparent.

Looking ahead, Mr Nzala emphasised that electronic invoicing is the future of business in Zambia, adding that the Smart Invoice System will play a key role in shaping tax compliance in the coming years.

He further urged members of the public to always demand receipts after every purchase, saying this promotes accountability and supports the government’s efforts to mobilise domestic revenue.