Zambia Targets 82 Percent Domestic Financing of 2026 National Budget

Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa says Zambia is expected to finance about 82 percent of the 2026 National Budget through domestically generated tax and non-tax revenue.
Mr. Nkulukusa says this marks a significant increase from 55.2 percent recorded in 2021 and reflects Government’s commitment to reducing dependence on borrowing and external financing while strengthening domestic resource mobilisation.
He says the shift represents important progress towards fiscal self-reliance, giving Zambia greater control over financing its national development priorities.
Mr. Nkulukusa was speaking when newly sworn-in Tax Appeals Tribunal Chairperson Diana Bunting and members of the Tribunal paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Finance and National Planning following their swearing-in before the Court of Appeal.
He says an independent and efficient Tax Appeals Tribunal is essential in strengthening taxpayer confidence, encouraging voluntary tax compliance and ensuring the timely resolution of tax disputes.
Mr. Nkulukusa notes that unresolved tax disputes create uncertainty for businesses, increase penalties for taxpayers and delay Government revenue collection, adding that all parties lose when cases are not resolved promptly.
He further says following progress in Zambia’s debt restructuring programme, Government’s focus has shifted to attracting investment, expanding economic activity and increasing the domestic revenue base through ongoing tax reforms.
The Secretary to the Treasury has reaffirmed Government’s commitment to safeguarding the Tribunal’s independence while providing the administrative and financial support needed for it to effectively discharge its mandate.
Meanwhile, Tax Appeals Tribunal Chairperson Diana Bunting says reducing the backlog of unresolved tax cases will be one of the institution’s immediate priorities.
Ms. Bunting says the Tribunal will strengthen case management, improve the scheduling of hearings and ensure the timely delivery of well-reasoned decisions to enhance access to tax justice.
She has also called for increased funding to support circuit hearings, digital case management systems, staff development and the eventual transformation of the Tribunal into a specialised Tax Court with full-time members.
And Tax Appeals Tribunal Registrar Yiyemba Kanganja Chirwa says procurement of renovation works for the Tribunal’s permanent offices is underway, with the institution expected to relocate before the end of 2026.
Mrs. Chirwa adds that the Tribunal has developed a Client Service Charter aimed at improving service delivery and addressing concerns raised by taxpayers.