ZICA president, Mwenye, calls for critical review of new tax reforms ahead 2026 business year

The Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) president, Yande Siame Mwenye, says Zambia’s tax landscape is undergoing significant transformation, driven by national development priorities, fiscal consolidation efforts and the government’s push to broaden the tax base while protecting taxpayer rights.

Speaking on Friday at the 2026 Tax Updates Workshop held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Mwenye told council members, senior accountants, resource persons and participants that the 2026 National Budget signaled wide-ranging reforms aimed at enhancing compliance and efficiency in tax administration, while supporting productive sectors of the economy.

She called on accounting and tax professionals to critically examine the evolving tax environment and assess its practical implications for businesses.

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“One of the key issues under discussion at the workshop was the newly introduced Minimum Alternative Tax, which, while intended to secure government revenue, poses challenges for loss-making companies, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), start-ups, thin-margin businesses and capital-intensive sectors,” she said.

She urged participants to carefully analyse the tax’s impact on cash flow and long-term business sustainability during the workshop sessions.

The ZICA president also raised concern over growing tax disputes in Zambia, emphasising the need for increased awareness and understanding of taxpayer rights.

Mwenye thanked facilitators from KPMG, PwC and HEPTA Advisory Services, as well as officials from the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, describing their contribution as “a rare combination of expertise” that would benefit professionals and the wider economy.

She encouraged participants to openly share their day-to-day challenges to help generate practical, workable solutions.

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