Socialist Party (SP) President Dr. Fred M’membe has called on President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government to revisit mining concessions and tax waivers as a strategy to boost dollar inflows into the national treasury.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. M’membe highlighted the economic potential of such measures, emphasizing their potential to benefit the Zambian economy significantly. He, however, expressed concern that the government has a tendency to disregard advice, which he believes hinders progress on critical issues.
“Tax waivers amounting to $2 billion per annum could be redirected to employ 3 million farm workers,” Dr. M’membe stated, pointing out the tangible impact of addressing tax incentives on job creation and economic growth.
Dr. M’membe criticized the UPND administration, arguing that its current policies are depriving Zambians of improved living standards. He cited the lack of better salaries, infrastructure development, social amenities, education, and healthcare services as evidence of missed opportunities to enhance national well-being.
The Socialist Party leader urged the government to take concrete action based on the solutions and advice offered by various stakeholders, emphasizing the need for policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Zambians.
“Acting on these solutions will ensure that Zambians see tangible improvements in their daily lives,” Dr. M’membe said.
The call for a review of mining concessions and tax policies comes amid broader debates on how Zambia can maximize its resource wealth to address economic challenges and foster sustainable development.
The Norwegians have been willing (from MMD through UPND years) to help us build capacity in mining taxation, but we’re our own worst enemy. Sealing corruption loopholes appears unwelcome to those close to the action!
Some of these inveatments run into billions of $$ and should be treated differently to some of smaller ones. one should also bear in mind there is a differnce investing in a 3rd 4th world country and a 1st world one
He is right as we can’t afford tax concessions
When we are streching our hands to IMF .let
All tax be applied to mines which are making
Big profits when zambians are struggling to
Make ends meet.
How did Zambians allow Musokotwane to get away with this daylight robbery while overtaxing them?
What is needed is to implement sound tax policies that balance investment attraction with effective tax collection. Revisiting mining concessions and so called tax waivers should be analysed in this context. Successful countries involved in copper mining often implement tax policies that balance investment attraction with effective tax collection.
The UPND does not subscribe to socialist policies that will bring more harm than good to Zambia.
The best thing for Fred is to win the presidential elections and introduce his socialist ideas.
Otherwise , HH and the UPND government are doing okay
Our best minds, some of the best world consultants………
Have been working and advising preceding GRZs on mineral tax for decades…….
This is not a new thing………
Actually all cooperating partners look at our mineral tax regime and help would not be granted if they thought we are giving away too much as tax breaks……..,including the IMF and world bank……..
I think just the words
“ mining concessions and tax waivers “ make nice sound bites as amunition for the opposition without much aknow…….
FWD2031
Mr. Meembe just go and sleep. You see, rushing things will get us nowhere, and remember when you rush, you crush.
Don’t waste your time aba balilya indalama shabene.
This administration doesn’t have the capacity to do what you have requested. Instead, ask mining policies and tax waivers to revisit government
MINING TAX IS A POLITICIAN’S WEAKNESS EVER IN ZAMBIA! THIS CORRUPTION STARTED FROM PRIVATISATION AND EMBRACING OF FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENTS – THIS EXCACERBATED CORRUPTION PRACTICES WITH OUR LEADERS! RB FAILED, SATA FAILED, LUNGU FAILED AND HH HAS FAILED TOO!
ALOT IS WRONG ABOUT THESE MINING CONCESSIONS AS WE DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY GIVE TO THESE POLITICIANS THAT MAKES THEM NOT TO IMPLEMENT TAXES WHICH IS THE MUCH NEEDED INCOME TO IMPROVE LIVES OF THE PEOPLE.
HH WAS ADVOCATING FOR MINING TAXATION BUT WHEN HE TOOK OVERPOWER HE HAS DONE THE OPPOSITE. WHAT A SHAME!
Why some mining company are not considering students whom they sponsored for employment upon completion of their studies?
HH is a big letdown. What is sad is that the UPND are even bragging that they’ve offered unprecedented concessions to foreign companies. This level of colonialism mentality is embarrassing.