Zambia seeks USD22-million in tax on internet calls

Zambia expects to raise USD22-million annually in new tax on internet phone calls.

The cabinet approved a 30 ngwee (0.3 kwacha; USD0.03) daily tariff charged on online phone calls. Transport and Communications Minister Brian Mushimba said that the government considered concerns raised by telecom operators. He added that there was “a quick realisation by government that there is a huge revenue loss that comes with internet calls.”

Information Minister Dora Siliya, announcing the cabinet approval, said the government’s decision was aimed at protecting jobs in the telecommunication industry. The country has three telecom operators; state-owned Zamtel, Bharti Airtel and MTN. She said about 80{780f53c297e2c008074d23b865a0ce0b35a4f08852d8e1e49466a5a902c4e44e} of Zambians are using WhatsApp, Skype and Viber to make phone calls. The levy will be charged through telecom operators and internet providers.