GOVERNMENT, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, has commenced preparations for the 2023 National Budget and the 2023-2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

Acting Secretary to the Treasury Danies Chisenda has called on members of the public, private sector, among others, to submit tax, non-tax and expenditure proposals for review and possible inclusion in the 2023 national budget as well as the 2023-2025 MTEF.

In a statement, Tuesday, Chisenda said government had set a considerable consultation period of up to June 30 to ensure that many stakeholders were involved in the process.

“The public is hereby notified that the Government through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning has commenced preparations for the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The National Budget and the MTEF are important economic policy tools which help to shape the direction of economic policy and other development priorities. To facilitate interactive preparations, the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will be conducting broad-based consultations on the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 MTEF. Members of the public, private sector (micro, small, medium and large inclusive), public sector, civil society and other stakeholders; are hereby invited to submit tax, non-tax (such as user fees and fines) and expenditure proposals for review and possible inclusion in the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 MTEF,” he stated.

“To ensure that as many stakeholders as possible are involved in this open and transparent process, a considerable consultation period of up to 30th June, 2023 has been set. The ministry is confident that the set period will create considerable room for citizens – including the youth, women groups, the private sector, public sector, and all other stakeholders and interest groups – to participate in the formulation of the 2023 National Budget and the 2023 – 2025 medium term expenditure framework.”

Chisenda said all submissions would be considered objectively and on merit.

“All submissions will be considered objectively and on merit. As a way of ensuring that proposals are evaluated professionally, an inter-ministerial team will, where necessary, invite those who will submit proposals for further discussions or clarification on any matter concerning their submissions. All proposals should be submitted between 23rd May, 2022 to 30th June, 2022,” he said.

Chisenda said the ministry was looking forward to focused and participatory provincial sessions as stakeholders would be making their submissions.

“Our appeal to citizens for participation in the budget formulation process is made to ensure that the Government and stakeholders move together in streamlining taxation; creating a conducive policy environment for business, creating employment opportunities, generating wealth and facilitating a sustainable future for all citizens and prosperity for the nation. The Ministry is looking forward to focused and participatory provincial sessions. Citizens and stakeholders that wish to make proposals, should follow the guidelines below: 1. Outline the pitfalls of the current tax and non-tax policy regime and explain how local businesses and other developmental affairs are negatively impacted as a result,” said Chisenda.

“2. Clearly state the sector or policy area of interest for which remedies or stimuli are sought and whether such remedies or stimuli relate to policy, strategy, programme, tax, or non-tax measures. 3. Clearly state the areas of public expenditure that need effective alignment with the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and their expected impact on economic recovery and growth, fiscal sustainability, social sector expenditure, public welfare, and general public service delivery; and, 4. Justify why the Government should undertake the suggested measures and the expected positive impacts thereof.”