Copperbelt University and Tax Regulator in ICT MOU
Zambia’s top tertiary institution the Copperbelt University and the tax regulator Zambia Revenue Authority signed an Information Communications Technology – ICT memorandum of understanding that would see development of a local tax administration system last week. This follows the need for the technology inclusion in the tax administration system to enhance efficiency and eventually lower costs associated with physical tax collection.
Zambia Revenue Authority ( ZRA) expressed concern at the low confidence levels shown in local technological solutions by Zambian industries and as such decided to partner with the Copperbelt University so as to benefit from some of the initiatives the School of Technology students are currently working on.
With an annual budget of ZMW100million (USD10million) Copperbelt University will be able to tap into the ZRA ICT budget rather than allow foreign engineers to benefit instead.
Commissioner General Kingsley Chanda said most Zambian industries and ICT service Providers import technological solutions and other accessories at the cost of local job creation and foreign exchange preservation and as such challenged local providers to step up to provide homegrown solutions.
He said there’s need for Zambians to start developing and utilizing the capable human resource in universities to create technological solutions for use in local institutions which would create a pipeline for job creation for the skilled information and communication graduates apart from creating the nation’s own intellectual property.
And speaking at the same function CBU Acting Vice Chancellor Dr Shadreck Chama said the university will provide a system that will easily trigger tax audits to ensure proper management of revenue documents.
Dr Chama added that the MOU is a clear testimony of the confidence that the industry has in the unique strength and leadership that CBU has in ICT development, education and research.
During the signing ceremony students took time to show case their various inventions on information and Communication technology (ICT).
Most of these products focused on the promotion of e-business in the small medium enterprise - SME which is in line with the government policy on E commerce. The students also demonstrated their skills in Electronic engineering