DigiTax, the Kenyan eTims tax compliance solution owned by Namiri Technology, has made its foray into the Zambian market in response to the country’s recent shift towards electronic invoicing regulations. To spearhead its operations in Zambia, Gilbert Lungu has been appointed as the platform’s country manager. Lungu brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held several high-profile positions in the telecommunications and fintech sectors, including roles at MTN Business Zambia, Airtel Zambia, Cellulant Zambia, and Hobbiton Technologies Limited.
The strategic expansion into Zambia is aimed at supporting local businesses in adhering to the Smart Invoice compliance requirements set forth by the Zambian government. These new regulations, part of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Act No. 27 of 2023, mandate the use of Smart Invoices starting from July 1, 2024. The government’s initiative is designed to enhance tax compliance, increase efficiency, and combat fraud, ultimately boosting the country’s revenue collection capabilities.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has introduced a software-based solution that will oversee the electronic management of invoices and inventory data, enabling direct transmission of this information to the ZRA. This move comes as a progression from the previous use of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs), which were limited to recording transactions for Value Added Tax (VAT) and Insurance Premium Levy (IPL) purposes.
The new Smart Invoice system expands its scope beyond VAT and IPL to encompass additional taxes and levies, including Sales Tax, Rental Income, Tourist Tax, and Local Electricity Consumption Tax. Caine Wanjau, the CEO of Namiri Technology Limited, heralded DigiTax’s expansion into Zambia as a significant achievement, expressing excitement about the opportunity to assist Zambian businesses in meeting the upcoming e-invoicing and tax compliance standards.
DigiTax provides a robust solution that integrates seamlessly with existing business management systems, features an intuitive Dashboard for users, and ensures full compliance with the regulations set by the Zambia Revenue Authority. In the Zambian market, DigiTax will vie with other ZRA-approved software vendors for Smart Invoice integration, such as Zamcube ERP Solution, ISHYGA, and EBIZFRAME.
This development not only propels Zambia’s digital transformation journey forward but also places the country in step with other African nations that have already embraced electronic invoicing regulations, including Burundi, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and Mauritius. The expansion of DigiTax into Zambia is a testament to the growing trend of digitalization across the continent’s tax systems.
