Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Zambia have committed to campaigning for changes to the country's taxation policies and pushing for equitable and just tax frameworks by adopting the United Nations Tax Resolution.
During a three-day capacity-building training held in Siavonga, Zambia, from the 4th to the 6th of April 2023, representatives drawn from CSOs and faith-based organizations across the country agreed that voices must be amplified in international tax negotiations and reforms.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Jonathan Lea-Howarth, Country Director, Norwegian Church Aid & Dan Church Aid Zambia, noted that the training was a good starting point for the Zambian CSOs and would allow them to begin a process of engaging their national government to support international tax reform such as the proposal for a UN Tax convention.
“Pursuing a UN Tax Convention that provides hope for a more inclusive international tax cooperation framework means that the voice of the poor can be amplified in tax negotiations, a process we believe is long overdue,” Jonathan added.
In Zambia, CSOs have been working to raise awareness among their members on these issues and to build their capacity to advocate for tax policy reforms that address double taxation and promote fair and just tax policies. The training's key focus was to provide the CSOs with the knowledge and tools they need to engage with policymakers and the government to advocate for policy reforms that support sustainable economic growth and development.
“The capacity building has been impactful; this has equipped me with in-depth knowledge on how to engage the government on different levels on tax issues,” Vincent Phiri, Finance Manager, Media Institute of Southern Africa, Zambia.
Training CSOs in Zambia on international tax reforms and the proposal for a UN Tax Convention is essential to building a more informed and engaged civil society that can play a meaningful role in shaping tax policy and promoting economic development.
The training was jointly implemented by Action Aid Zambia, Norwegian Church Aid, Oxfam in Zambia, Save the Children Zambia, and Tax Justice Network Africa (TJNA).