Over 40,000 Jobs Achieved, Outperforming Employment Projections

By Alice Lubasi

Over 40,000 jobs were actualized against the pledged employment of 38,119.

Finance Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE says this was as of December 2024.

And Dr. MUSOKOTWANE says tax expenditures have contributed to enhancing economic growth, reducing poverty and improving social equity.

The Minister says tax expenditures accounted to Public Benefit Organisations have enabled low-cost services in the areas of education, health, and other humanitarian relief services throughout the country.

In a statement to ZNBC news, Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said a strong economy anchored on increased investment flows increases the revenue base and the Government’s capacity to finance infrastructure and public services.

He said Government remains committed to ensuring that tax expenditures remain carefully aligned with the long-term goal of inclusive growth, transparent and sustainable fiscal policy.

MEANWHILE, the Zambia Revenue Authority -ZRA – targets to collect K155.7 billion in taxes in 2025.

ZRA says it looks forward to support from tax payers towards meeting the Parliamentary target.

The tax authority collected K148.5 billion in 2024, with k17.6 billion paid out as refunds, resulting in a net collection of k1309 billion.

This is against a Parliamentary target of k125.3 billion.

The collection represents a surplus of k5.6 billion above target.

ZRA has since thanked taxpayers for contributing towards the gross revenue collection last year.

This is according to a New Year message posted on ZRA’s Facebook Page.