ActionAid Zambia (AAZ) has called for a progressive tax system in the country to support gender equality and ensure sustainable financing for essential public services.
Speaking during a tax awareness workshop organised in partnership with the Tax Education Alliance, Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia Association of Manufacturers and Zambia Tax Platform, AAZ Country Director Faides TembaTemba said progressive taxation is key to promoting inclusive development.
Ms. TembaTemba noted that a fair and progressive tax system is critical in funding social services such as education, healthcare and social protection programmes that women and girls depend on daily.
“Zambia cannot achieve meaningful gender equality if the country’s tax structures fail to adequately resource public goods that support citizens’ well-being,” Ms. TembaTemba said.
She highlighted that progressive taxation provides a more stable and reliable way of financing development, especially as Zambia continues to navigate debt challenges.
According to Ms. TembaTemba, heavy reliance on external borrowing and unpredictable grants can limit fiscal sovereignty and undermine long-term development planning.
She said the workshop forms part of activities marking the 2026 Global Days of Action on Tax Justice for Women’s Rights, being held under the theme “Tax Justice for the Human Right to Care.”
Ms. TembaTemba further stressed that the workshop aims to deepen understanding of the 2026 tax reforms and their impact across different sectors of the economy while also addressing gender-related barriers within the tax system.
She emphasized the importance of dialogue among taxpayers, civil society, the private sector and government to ensure tax reforms are inclusive and well understood.
The AAZ Country Director added that improving transparency and communication between tax authorities and taxpayers can help build trust and encourage voluntary tax compliance.
She noted that a well-designed progressive tax system is not only a tool for raising revenue but also an instrument for promoting justice, reducing inequalities and expanding opportunities for citizens.
“However, we feel this can only happen when taxpayers are informed, engaged, and supported, but also when tax authorities collaborate with the public to create a fair predictable and accountable fiscal environment,” Ms. TembaTemba remarked.
Ms. TembaTemba expressed hope that the discussions would strengthen collaboration and help shape a fair, predictable and accountable fiscal environment that benefits all citizens.
