MTN Mobile Money, Barclays Bank and ZRA partner for mobile tax payments

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.

MTN Mobile Money customers will now be able to settle their ZRA taxes on their mobile phones on a system that is powered by Barclays Bank Zambia Plc. Customers will be able to move money from their Barclays accounts to their mobile wallets and pay the taxes anywhere, anytime.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mr Charles Molapisi noted that MTN’s Mobile Money which was launched in 2011 leverages on a mobile platform that allows customers to deposit and withdraw money, make fund transfers, have access to banking services, make NAPSA contributions, pay bills, buy goods and have access to more than 17,000 mobile money agents throughout Zambia.

Mr Molapisi pointed out that to drive MTN Mobile Money’s next phase of growth, we have 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.

Commenting on the partnership, Barclays Bank Zambia Plc Managing Director, Mrs Mizinga Melu said, “At Barclays, we are committed to spearheading 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,” Mrs Melu added.

ZRA Commissioner-Finance, Mrs Brigitte Muyenga said, “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.”

“In this era of technology innovations, ZRA will continue to leverage on technology and has embarked on introducing robust mechanisms that are centered on taxpayers’ needs. The authority is partnering with various institutions including banks and mobile service providers to innovate and introduce services that will be available to tax payers across the country,” Mrs Muyenga added.

Source: MTN Zambia