MTN Mobile Money, Barclays Bank Zambia Plc and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) have partnered to launch the mobile tax payment for Mobile Money customers aimed at increasing financial inclusion and tax compliance in the country.

In a statement, Wednesday, MTN communications manager Lisa Mulozi, said MTN Mobile Money customers would now be able to settle their ZRA taxes on their mobile phones on a system that is powered by Barclays Bank Zambia Plc.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Zambia chief executive officer, Mr Charles Molapisi, pointed out that to drive MTN Mobile Money’s next phase of growth, the company had partnered with ZRA and Barclays to allow Mobile Money customers to remit their domestic taxes such as Turnover Tax; Base Tax; Income Tax; Value Added Tax; Withholding Tax and Pay as You Earn Tax. Other tax types covered include: Property Transfer Tax; Mineral Royalty; Medical Levy Tax; Presumptive Tax and Insurance Premium Levy,” read a statement.

And Barclays Bank Zambia Plc managing director Mizinga Melu stated that the move would spearhead digital banking and financial inclusion.

“We realise that the financial landscape has continued to evolve, and we need to constantly look at improving our product offering hence our excitement to partner with MTN and ZRA on the launch of the mobile tax payment solution. Over the last three years, Barclays has invested K43 million in technology to ensure that our customers and stakeholders enjoy world class banking solutions that are easy and convenient to use. This investment has also meant the upgrade of our mobile, online and e-commerce platforms of which one is powering the mobile tax payment solution we are launching today,” read the statement.

ZRA Commissioner-Finance Brigitte Muyenga observed that the partnership would improve tax compliance.

“It is our belief that tax compliance should not be an added cost to tax payers, hence ZRA will keep modernising its business processes in order to provide efficiency. Today, we celebrate the launch of MTN Mobile Money tax platform, which is powered by Barclays with a vision of enabling taxpayers enjoy the simplicity of paying tax conveniently and at their own time, without having to queue up at ZRA office because this time, everything will be done on their fingertips wherever they are,” stated Muyenga.