Tuesday, 2nd December, 2025

Tuesday, 2^nd December, 2025

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

DELEGATION FROM THE PARLIAMENT OF UGANDA

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Speaker’s Gallery, of the following members of staff from the Parliament of Ghana:

Mr Richard Omenako Ansah - Compensations Officer;

Ms Doris Dede Sika - Assistant Compensation Officer I ;

Mr Herman N O Oppong Kyekyeku - Assistant Compensations Officer III;

Ms Priscilla Amuakwa Mensah - Account Officer;

Mr Jason Osew-Mantey Akotua - Assistant Account Officer I;

Mr Adam Baduon Nasirudeen - Assistant Account Officer I;

Ms Elayne Emefa Gadzekpo - Assistant Parliamentary Relations Officer

III; and

Mr Godfred Niikoi Kotey - Assistant Technical Officer.

I wish, on behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, to receive the guests and warmly welcome them into our midst.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

OUTSTANDING PARLIAMENTARIANS AWARDS

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, you may recall that, as an initiative of the Office of the Speaker, in 2023, the National Assembly started to recognise and award outstanding hon. Members of Parliament on an annual basis. This initiative seeks to honour hon. Members who have demonstrated exemplary performance in their Constituencies, in Parliament, and in service to the nation at large.

Similarly, as announced on Tuesday, 25^th November, 2025, I wish to remind the House that the Annual Parliamentary Awards Presentation will be held on Wednesday, 3^rd December, 2025, alongside the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Zambia Branch. The Annual Awards for Outstanding Parliamentarians of the Year will be presented in three categories, namely:

The Robinson Nabulyato Award – For the overall best Member of Parliament of the year from each province;

The Nelly Mutti Award – For the Outstanding Woman Member of Parliament of the Year; and

The Wesley Nyirenda Award – For the Outstanding Youth Member of Parliament of the Year.

Hon. Members, to facilitate the nomination process, the Office of the Clerk has circulated nomination forms. Hon. Members are invited to submit nominations in accordance with the following submission requirements:

the nomination forms have been distributed to all hon. Members;

the nomination forms must be clearly completed with the official names of the nominees;

only one hon. Member of Parliament may be nominated per category;

Presiding Officers, Cabinet Ministers, Provincial Ministers and those holding leadership positions in the National Assembly do not qualify to be nominated, but they are eligible to participate in nominating other hon. Members; and

the completed nomination forms must be submitted to the Chamber Assistant by 1800 hours today, 2^nd December, 2025.

Please, use the nomination forms circulated by the Office of the Clerk. Hon. Members are urged to participate actively in this important exercise, as it promotes excellence, dedication, and accountability in parliamentary service

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR MTAYACHALO, HON. MEMBER FOR CHAMA NORTH, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF EDUCATION, MR SYAKALIMA, ON THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice. My matter is directed at the hon. Minister of Education.

Madam Speaker, the introduction of the new curriculum in the country has led to the restructuring of our education system. This move is a step in the right direction. It is highly commendable. However, it has come with huge challenges, especially in rural constituencies. I think, the key changes are that, from Form 1 to Form 4, secondary schools are supposed to be offering sciences such as biology, physics, chemistry, and other subjects. This means that basic schools have been abolished. We had so many basic schools, especially in many parts of the country. Now, those basic schools can no longer offer secondary school education. For a school to qualify as a secondary school, it must have science laboratories, trained teachers –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, please avoid speaking too close to the microphone. Just keep a distance so that we can hear you clearly.

Mr Mtayachalo: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I was saying that we have huge challenges, especially in rural areas, in the sense that basic schools have been abolished, which used to provide Grades 8 to 9. However, those schools can no longer accommodate the secondary school learners. Meaning that they have to be relocated. As you may be aware, in rural areas, the distances are far apart, and this creates a big problem. For example, in the whole Chama District, only three schools have been approved, both in Chama North and Chama South. So, where will we take the children from Form 1 to Form 4? This is a huge challenge.

Madam Speaker, I just came from the constituency. I think that we must be honest with one another. Our people are not happy with the change because there was no consultative process. So, I seek your serious indulgence. Otherwise, this problem is so big that it concerns almost every hon. Member of the Parliament, especially for us in rural areas. For a girl child, it is a big challenge to travel 100 km to find a place to rent.

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious indulgence in this matter.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chama North, this is not a new matter. It has not happened within twenty-four hours. It has been there since the curriculum was changed, way back. So, your matter is not admissible as an Urgent Matter without Notice. Kindly use another platform. Come up with a question and bring it before the House so that it can be attended to by the hon. Minister of Education.

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER FOR KAMFINSA, ON THE ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS, MR LUFUMA, ON THE DISASTER IN KAMFINSA

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for this opportunity to direct an Urgent Matter without Notice at the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House; I cannot see Madam Vice-President today.

Madam Speaker, on 18^th November, I raised an urgent matter after touring my constituency to see the wall fences and houses that had collapsed. You directed me to present the issue to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), and I obliged with the guidance. I wrote a letter to the DMMU National Co-ordinator, which I personally delivered. I also went to the Office of the Vice-President and delivered a letter in my own capacity as Member of Parliament, on the understanding that action would be taken to resolve the problem affecting the houses that I had tabulated. Unfortunately, from 18^th November to today, 2^nd December, no action has been taken despite your guidance that the people in Mulenga Compound, Ndeke Village, New Ndeke Village and Changachanga Compound would be attended to; some of form of relief would be provided.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I received another report that following the downpour that we experienced in the constituency yesterday, Ndeke Village is affected. Some houses and wall fences have collapsed.

Madam Speaker, I complied with the guidance, and I made the necessary report. I have done what an hon. Member of Parliament can do. Unfortunately, there has not been a response from the Government.

I seek your serious indulgence, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you, hon. Member for Kamfinsa. You will recall that a directive was given to Her Honour the Vice-President to come to this House to update the nation on the measures that the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) is taking, following the disasters that have occurred in the country due to the rainy season. We are still waiting for that directive to be carried out by Her Honour the Vice-President.

Can we have an update on the issue tomorrow? It is long overdue.

Mr Lufuma indicated assent.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House will come to the House to update the nation on the measures that the DMMU is considering taking to address the disasters.

MR KAFWAYA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNTE, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, MR MWIIMBU, SC., ON THE CONSTITUTION (Amendment) BILL NO. 7

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, recently, the Oasis Forum’s desire to peacefully protest against the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 was discouraged by the President of the Republic of Zambia.

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: As soon as he discouraged the Oasis Forum from peacefully demonstrating against the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7, we saw demonstrators in favour of the Bill in Choma.

Hon. Government Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: We saw another group of people demonstrating in support of the President, and others demonstrating to apologise to the President in Chingola.

Madam Speaker, is it the policy of the Government that, for people to protest peacefully, they have to be in support of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, otherwise they cannot be granted permission to do so?

Madam Speaker, I feel that this is a very important issue that requires clarification by the UPND Government, and because of that, I seek your serious direction on the matter.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

When did the demonstration happen in Choma?

Mr Kafwaya: I think, in Chingola it happened two days ago.

Interruptions

Mr Kafwaya: Newspapers reported about it. Even today, those reports are in newspapers.

My request is based on today’s newspaper and Facebook reports, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

I advise you to file in a question on the matter so that the hon. Minister can attend to it.

We make progress.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

UPDATE ON MASS VOTER REGISTRATION

The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House and Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity to deliver a Ministerial Statement on the issues concerning voter registration as directed by Madam Speaker. Following an Urgent Matter without Notice raised by Hon. Christopher Kang’ombe, Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa Constituency, I wish to provide an update on the mass registration of voters.

Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to present this Ministerial Statement on the mass registration of voters. As the House may be aware, on 13^thOctober, 2025, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) embarked on a mass registration of voters exercise meant to cover all the 12,152 polling stations countrywide that were being used as registration centres. The Commission’s objective was to maintain an accurate and updated register of voters through the following:

registration of first-time voters who had attained the age of eighteen;

updating the register arising from transfers to new polling stations;

replacement of lost and defaced or damaged voters’ cards; and

removal of deceased voters from the register.

Madam Speaker, the Commission targeted to capture an estimated 3.5 million eligible voters. In line with Section 20 of the Electoral Process Act No. 35 of 2016, the Commission set 30^th April, 2026, as the cut-off date for eligible citizens to register as voters. The cut-off date meant that everyone who would be eighteen years or older on or before the cut-off date was allowed to register as a voter during the 2025 mass voter registration exercise.

Madam Speaker, the Commission recruited the following categories of officers at the constituency and registration centre level to effectively conduct the exercise:

156 Registration Officers and Supervisors;

156 Assistant Registration Officers and Technical Support Officers;

2,312 Assistant Registration Officers and Field Officers; and

over 2,000 Voter Education Facilitators.

Madam Speaker, the commission also developed deployment plans for each constituency, which indicated the registration centres that would be open in a given period. The deployment plans were disseminated to the general public through local authorities, notice boards, public places and various social media platforms. Further, the deployment plans were accessible on the commission’s website and through the use of the unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) short code *214#.

Madam Speaker, it should be noted that political parties were availed the district deployment schedules, which their members should have used to monitor the voter registration exercise. The voter registration exercise initially ran for a period of thirty days; from 13^th October, 2025 to 11^th November, 2025. During this period, the commission noted the concerns that were raised by the public, particularly on publicity and sensitisation for the exercise.

Madam Speaker, in response to the concerns of members of the public, the ECZ enhanced publicity and sensitisation by conducting door-to-door campaigns, mobile publicity using megaphones in collaboration with the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS), public address announcements on community radio stations and announcements on public and private media in major local languages. Further, the commission deployed additional interventions, such as bulk short message services (SMSs) to mobile phone subscribers with support from the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA). In its quest to capture as many citizens as possible, and in response to stakeholder requests for an extension, the commission extended the voter registration period on 11^th November, 2025, from 12^th to 26^th November, 2025. That is fifteen days.

Madam Speaker, during the extension period, the commission increased accessibility to registration centres by deploying registration officers at high-traffic and convenient locations. To this effect, and among several other interventions, the commission partnered with Shoprite Zambia and other chain stores across the country for their outlets to serve as voter registration points during the fifteen-day extension period.

Madam Speaker, the ECZ witnessed an overwhelming turnout across many registration centres during the last two days of the extension period. Despite registration officers working late to clear the queues, a number of citizens could not be attended to, thereby not obtaining the voter’s cards. A further extension, therefore, of three days was made on 26^th November, 2025, covering the period from 27^th to 29^th November, 2025. The mass registration of voters came to an end on Saturday, 29^th November, 2025. The commission, yet again, witnessed citizens turning up to register as voters in large numbers on the last day. The commission endeavoured to attend to those who were in the queues.

Madam Speaker, the ECZ is now consolidating the registration records from across the country. As of 26^th November, 2025, the commission recorded a total of 1,453,462 new registrations, comprising 769,487 females and 683,976 males. The new registration figures per province were as follows:

Listen carefully. New registrations as per province –

Mr Lufuma coughed.

Hon. Members: Water!

Mr Lufuma: Yes, water.

Laughter

Mr Lufuma: Water!

Interruptions

Mr Lufuma: Meya, yes.

Madam Speaker, the figures are as follows:

Province Target Male Female New Registrations % Against

Target

Central 559,368 67,835 75,944 143,779 25.7

Copperbelt 556,825 110,609 121,274 231,883 41.64

Eastern 337,033 67,934 81,293 149,227 44.28

Luapula 222,959 50,183 59,494 109,677 49.19

Lusaka 590,980 99,740 100,627 200,367 33.90

Muchinga 126,034 30,260 30,809 61,069 48.45

Northern 229,914 43,341 45,666 89,007 38.71

N/Western 256,914 49,146 51,887 101,033 39.34

Southern 385,407 101,470 117,496 218,966 56.80

Western 235,158 63,458 84,977 148,455 63.13

Total 3,500,478 683,976 769,487 1,453,463 41.52

Madam Speaker, the commission registered 1,627,910 updates. Updates arose from transfers from one polling station to another, replacement of lost, defaced or damaged voters’ cards, and removal of deceased voters from the register of voters. The updates per province were as follows:

Province Number

Central 127,510

Copperbelt 247,766

Eastern 199,303

Luapula 146,770

Lusaka 210,655

Muchinga 81,769

Northern 141,907

North-Western 108,839

Southern 233,762

Western 139,629

Total 1,637,910

Madam Speaker, the commission is currently consolidating statistics for the entire exercise, and the nation will be informed of the final figures in due course.

Issuance of National Registration Cards

Madam Speaker, the mobile registration exercise was conducted nationwide between 10^th April, 2025, and 27^th November, 2025, across all the regions. The following are the statistics in terms of targets and actual performances:

Registration Targets and Achievements

Madam Speaker, the target was 3.5 million registrations. The actual registered stood at 2,821,387, representing 80.6 per cent of the target. First registration stood at 1,838,627, of which 919,726 were male and 918,901 were female. Replacements stood at 982,760, of which 507,555 were male and 475,205 were female. It should be noted that these figures are preliminary, and do not include statistics from the extension period that run from 26^th November, 2025, to 3^rd December, 2025, when the exercise came to an end.

Madam Speaker, the exercise encountered a number of operational and technical challenges which affected the exercise. These include:

Legacy Systems

Madam Speaker, the registration system remains non-digital, making it difficult to access records, particularly for replacements. First registration entails completing forms that are entered into a form book that creates a citizen’s record and is later extracted and typed as an NRC. This manual process is inefficient when producing an identification (ID) card, especially when overwhelmed with clients. This was compounded by difficulties in efficiently accessing records due to reliance on outdated non-digital systems.

Airtime Expenses

Madam Speaker, high costs were incurred in airtime usage to facilitate communication.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Members, please, if you cannot lower your voices, go and make consultations outside. We are disturbing the proceedings of the House. The consultations are too loud.

Hon. Minister, you may continue.

Mr Lufuma: Most obliged, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, high costs were incurred in airtime usage to facilitate communication for verification of records processes.

Records Access Failures

Madam Speaker, the other challenge faced was the inability to retrieve certain records in real time for individuals seeking replacements.

Poor Network Connectivity

Madam Speaker, there was limited or unreliable network coverage in remote and far-flung areas, thereby, hindering efficient communication and access to records.

Disparity in Centres

Madam Speaker, the commission operated more centres than the national registration department, requiring mobile teams to re-strategise to cater for all the ECZ centres;

Geographical Terrain

Madam Speaker, difficult terrain in certain regions posed logistical challenges for mobile teams. Some areas, which were not covered in the initial phase of the exercise, had to be visited during the extension period.

Delayed Funding

Madam Speaker, the delayed release of funds affected the procurement of both registration materials and equipment on time.

Madam Speaker, going forward, to address the aforementioned challenges and to improve future registration exercises, the Government will consider implementing the following measures:

Adoption of Digital Identification Systems

Madam Speaker, transitioning from the legacy system to secure digital IDs will provide a long term solution, ensuring streamlined records access and efficient verification. The processing time of each client will be reduced and the equipment used; cameras, typewriters, laminators and kiosks, will be replaced by a single kit. So, it becomes cheaper.

System Modernisation

Madam Speaker, upgrading from legacy systems to modern digital platforms will enhance reliability and efficient accessibility.

Enhanced Network Infrastructure

Madam Speaker, investment in improving connectivity in rural and remote areas will reduce communication barriers and promote efficiency when the system becomes digital. That is Hon. Mutati.

Resource Alignment

Madam Speaker, ensuring parity between ECZ centres and national registration resources will prevent operational strain.

Stakeholder Strengthening

Madam Speaker, there is a need to strengthen collaboration between the local government, health, education and the Department of National Registration, Passports and Citizenship. These are strategic partners in achieving national identity.

Stakeholder Sensitisation

Madam Speaker, the District Commissioners (DCs) and Provincial Permanent Secretaries (PPSs) need to be sensitised on the role of the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship, each time they take over office to understand matters of citizenship and eligibility for a National Registration Card (NRC).

Civil Registration

Madam Speaker, it is paramount that birth registration and certification are strengthened in villages, especially those with child-headed homes and vulnerable groups.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the mobile registration exercise successfully registered over 2.8 million citizens, achieving more than 80.6 per cent of the target. However, challenges related to legacy systems, network connectivity, and operational costs limited full attainment of the objectives. The adoption of digital identification systems presents the ultimate solution to ensuring efficiency, reliability, and inclusivity in future registration exercises.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, before the hon. Minister takes the questions, I have been informed that Her Honour the Vice-President, had requested to handle the Ministerial Statement on the measures to handle the upcoming disasters. Therefore, that segment shall wait for Her Honour the Vice-President.

I thank you.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House.

Mr P. Phiri (Mkaika): Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to ask the hon. Minister a question.

Madam Speaker, the extension for the voter registration exercise was given, and we thank the Government for that. However, the issuance of the National Registration Cards (NRCs) was only done once in Mkaika, and most people did not acquire their NRCs, which caused a problem because, during the voter registration exercise, those who had not obtained their NRCs were unable to register as voters. My question to the hon. Minister is: Will he give that chance again to the people of Zambia, especially Mkaika? This is because many people have not obtained their NRCs for them to participate in next year's general election.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, thank you. I also thank the hon. Member for Mkaika Constituency for that very relevant question.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, we will not be able to extend the exercise any longer. We are not giving a chance once again before the elections to issue NRCs to those who were not able to secure the cards. We can only encourage them to go and obtain their NRCs at the district level, which is a continuous process, and be able to participate the next time around, and that is 2031.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Amutike (Mongu Central): Madam Speaker, thank you, and I would also like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement. However, I have noted that the figures he captured were for the mass voter registration and do not include those who were captured during the voter registration that was happening at the provincial headquarters, especially. I want to find out if the voter registration that was happening at the provincial headquarters will continue despite the closure of the mass voter registration.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I am afraid not. The exercise is done and dusted. No more.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I have carefully listened to the hon. Minister, and I would like him to carefully listen to me. We are just celebrating Zambia’s upgrade in sovereign credit rating by Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s (S&P), which is a good thing. This has happened because we are part of the global village. We have met the standards because we are working hard, and it is being recognised. Therefore, we will see investment in this country.

Madam Speaker, similarly, for elections, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) is part of the global institutions that have benchmarks, and one of the benchmarks for new registration is 85 per cent to 90 per cent. We need to celebrate the work of the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government. Now, they are saying that the exercise is no more at 42 per cent. The role of ECZ is to franchise people in this democracy, and democracy is expensive. Therefore, can the Government go back to rescind that decision and add more days? If, within six days, they have been able to increase from 29 per cent to 42 per cent, we can imagine what would happen if they added another thirty days? We will not accept that the Government does not have money when it is on the right economic trajectory.

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Kantanshi for recognising the achievements that have been attained by the United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Government in the sector of economic development. However, the ECZ sets timelines to meet. If we extend, we will not be able to meet those timelines to compile and prepare the registers for inspection, and then finally, be available for the voting exercise. So, because of those timelines, unfortunately, we cannot extend. We have been encouraging citizens to go and register. The Zambian people have a problem. They like last-minute exercises. When they hear that the exercise is closing tomorrow, that is when they want to go and register. That attitude should stop. We gave them enough time: one month, then fifteen days, and finally, three days. That is more than enough.

Madam Speaker, we would love to meet those benchmarks that the hon. Member has mentioned, but I am afraid we have timelines to stick to.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, the challenges that the officers deployed by the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) encountered were very clear, and we spoke about them here. We also had some engagements with the ECZ. This time around, instead of officers being at polling stations throughout the period of registration, they were moving from one station to another. This posed a serious challenge in terms of sensitising the people on when the ECZ officers were going to be at particular polling stations. That, coupled with the lack of issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) in many areas, hampered the turnout of people at registration centres. My hon. Colleague from Kantanshi has spoken to the percentage that the Government has achieved against the targets, which were informed by the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) demographical figures. The Government failed to achieve the target; it is literally below par.

Madam Speaker, why does the Government not consider continuing the registration exercise at provincial headquarters, which the hon. Member of Parliament for Mongu Central referred to? Why not continue the exercise at the district level, so that people can still go and access NRCs and register at one point, since they cannot go to all polling stations? Would that not be the ideal way of meeting the people halfway, whom the Government has seemingly left out?

Hon. UPND Member: Question!

Mr Kampyongo: Disfranchised. I mean, it is the same thing.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Are you done, hon. Member?

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am done. I hope that the hon. Minister has understood that we do not have to leave anyone behind in this mammoth exercise of the general elections.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The Acting Leader of Government Business in the House may respond, and then I will take the point of order.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for that very important question. Basically, that question is the same as that of the hon. Member for Kantanshi.

Madam Speaker, as I said, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) publicised the programmes and the schedules for all the 12,156 polling stations. So, the citizens in those particular polling stations knew when and where the ECZ officers were going to be, and should have taken time to go and register. As it is, we have run out of time. We would love to extend the time. Personally, I would like to extend the time because I want my niece, grandchild and brother to register as voters. I need their votes. I love votes. However, we are limited by the strict timelines. We have a target to meet. Ultimately, we need to prepare the voter register so that it is ready to be used on 13^th August, 2026. We are constrained because of the timelines. Although I would love to extend the time, it is not possible to do so.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mutelo: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, I am grateful to you. My point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71. Recently, we saw civil servants under the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), under the Ministry of Tourism in Livingstone, protest against the hon. Minister of Tourism.

Madam Speaker, was the hon. Member of Parliament for Lunte in order to insinuate that all those who protest are United Party for National Development (UPND) members? Were those people who protested in Livingstone, the civil servants, members of the UPND? From where I stand –

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, those are UPND workers.

Mr Mutelo: No.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you so much, hon. Member for Mitete. You should have raised that point of order during the Urgent Matters without Notice segment. I am sure that you are talking about the Urgent Matter without Notice that was raised by the hon. Member for Lunte. That matter was not admissible.

So, your point of order, hon. Member for Mitete, is not admissible at this point.

Mr Katakwe (Solwezi East): Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister said that the target for the voter registration exercise was registration of 3.5 million people. However, only 1.4 million people registered. The hon. Minister talked about some measures in his Ministerial Statement, but I did not hear him talk about increasing the number of polling stations because the population has increased in the country. The number of polling stations has remained stagnant, and this is one of the factors that has contributed, possibly, to the low turnout. Hence, we missed the target.

Madam Speaker, does the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) plan to increase the number of polling stations, so that a number of people are not disfranchised in 2026? I say so because I wrote to the ECZ on the number of polling stations needed in my constituency so that they can be used for voter registration, but there was no response. I want to know if the ECZ has plans to increase the number of polling stations because the population has increased.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I thank Hon. Katakwe for that very important question.

Madam Speaker, increasing the number of polling stations is entirely a different exercise altogether, and it was not considered during this exercise. However, the ECZ, I am sure, can consider increasing the number of polling stations. The hon. Member’s submissions have been taken on board.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, we have a lot of work to do today. We have six Bills to consider. Then we have more than ten Votes to look at today. So, let us not waste time on points of order. We have a lot of work to do.

In fact, the first hon. Member who had indicated to raise a point of order was the hon. Member for Nyimba. That will be the last point of order so that we make progress. We have a lot of work to do. Remember, the Committee of Supply is supposed to start today, and it will run for five days.

The hon. Member for Nyimba may raise his point of order.

Mr Zulu: Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to raise a Point of Order. My Point of Order is based on Standing Order No. 71.

Madam Speaker, when I rose on the Floor of this House to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, I asked the Vice-President and the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security about what the problem has been with the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship issuing National Registration Cards (NRCs) in Nyimba Constituency, in Luangwa Ward in particular.

Madam Speaker, 8,000 voters were registered in Nyimba District and the exercise was completed within three weeks. Sadly, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security acted late and only allowed the issuance 4,000 NRCs. As I was leaving Nyimba today, less than 2,000 cards have remained out of the 4,000 cards that were processed on Friday in Luangwa Ward of Nyimba Constituency.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to tell the people of Zambia that people went to get NRCs and do voter registration at the eleventh hour? Is he in order to accuse innocent people, who were left in queues trying to get NRCs when materials had ran out? Those people are now being told that they went to get NRCs and voter’s cards at the last minute.

Madam Speaker, even right now, I can call the Office of the President in Nyimba to take pictures of the queues at the district registration centre in Nyimba so that we can see the queues of people who are there. Is the hon. Minister in order to accuse innocent people that they went to get voter’s cards and NRCs at the eleventh hour?

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

The hon. Minister was trying to emphasise the fact that there is a tendency in Zambia of people not usually seizing an opportunity early enough. That is what I heard from the hon. Minister. People like queuing up at the last minute. Had people queued up on day one or day two of the voter registration exercise, more people would have been registered. That is what the hon. Minister was trying to say. So, I would not say that the hon. Minister was out of order. Those are things that we see. So, he was not out of order.

Hon. Member, maybe, find a way of engaging the hon. Minister and continue negotiating with him, although he has said that the voter registration exercise had a timeframe. There are many other activities to follow, but find a way to fully understand the situation and explain it to people in your constituency.

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity. I would like to thank the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House for the Ministerial Statement.

Madam Speaker, indeed, the voter registration exercise and the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) had huge challenges. In the Ministerial Statement, the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House has admitted that there were quite a number of challenges due to dysfunctional equipment. In the past, equipment used to be tested adequately before it was deployed into the field. I would like to know whether the equipment that was used was adequately tested in view of what happened throughout the country.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank Hon. Mtayachalo for that very important question.

Madam Speaker, before deployment, the ECZ looked at those issues. The ECZ looked at the efficiency of the equipment to be used in the field. The equipment was checked before it was transported into the field for use by the teams that were allocated. Sometimes, internet connectivity was a challenge. I am afraid that there was nothing the ECZ could do regarding that issue. We have to improve the internet connectivity in this country. Otherwise, the equipment was properly checked and it was functional before it was taken into the field.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mrs Chonya (Kafue): Madam Speaker, I thank you so much for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, first of all, I would like to commend the women of Zambia for their patriotism, based on the statistics presented before us. In almost all the cases, they were the majority in turning up for registration. So, I think it is important to put that on record.

Madam Speaker, I would like to find out from the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House whether the New Dawn Government is seriously thinking about improving the status of women through the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 10 …

Interruptions

Mrs Chonya: … so that their representation –

Interruptions

Mrs Chonya: It is Bill No. 7. I am sorry, it is Bill No. 7.

Mrs Chonya: That Bill would ensure that women’s representation in the political space is adequate. I do not think that women are turning up in large numbers to register as voters so as to continue being dominated by men in the political space. I want to hear the comments of the hon. Minister on that issue.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Kafue Constituency. I join her in commending the patriotism shown by our womenfolk. They beat the menfolk in all instances regarding registration. So, congratulations to them. In that regard, the New Dawn Government would like to reward the womenfolk. That is why the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 has categorically stated that women shall have proportional representation. There is a preference for more women’s presentation because they deserve it. Therefore, I would like to ask the hon. Member of Parliament for Kafue to support the Bill once it is brought to the Floor of Parliament.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity given to me to ask a supplementary question to the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House. Further, I would like to thank him for the statement.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has passionately talked about the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7. That Bill is poisonous to the nation and I do not think that it will be supported.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, the importance of voter registration cannot be overemphasised, as it forms part of the electoral process. It is a process whose credibility must be upheld. In this case, the only institution mandated to do voter registration and announce the number of registered voters is the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ).

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister for Southern Province was recently on record of having announced that the Southern Province had registered 420,000 voters. To the contrary, we have been told that the total number is 385,407. I would like to find out from the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House which one is the correct figure for the total registered voters in the Southern Province. Was the hon. Minister for Southern Province given the responsibility of announcing the number of registered voters?

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, indeed, the ECZ is the institution that announces the figures, as it were. As such, this Minister, acting as the Leader of Government Business in the House, has come here, for and on behalf of the ECZ, to give the correct figures. So, the correct figures are the ones I have given on the Floor of the House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for the statement.

Madam Speaker, I think that it is very important for the people of Zambia to know some of the difficulties we went through during the voter registration process, especially in the Southern Province, specifically in Bweengwa, or Monze District. It was extremely difficult. Many people have not registered up to now, as a number of youths who obtained National Registration Cards (NRCs) did not register as voters. Anyway, we will follow your guidelines.

Madam Speaker, what criteria was used to come up with the targets in the provinces, especially in the Southern Province? The population in some of the districts or provinces is lower than other districts or provinces, but you find that areas with many people have lower targets than those areas with fewer people.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, the criteria used to come up with the targets, if you look at the targets, you will see that they are good compared with the actuals, was properly done. We were guided by the census information that the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) generated, if I can say that. So, we used ZamStats figures to come up with the targets.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kasandwe (Bangweulu): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, my supplementary question is a follow-up to the question that Hon. Amutike, Member of Parliament for Mongu Central, asked concerning provincial voter registration.

Madam Speaker, continuous voter registration is a –

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Kasandwe: Sit down!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Just continue, hon. Member.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, continuous voter registration is a constitutional matter. Responding to that constitutional matter, the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), at some point, established thirty permanent registration offices; three per province. My hon. Colleague asked a question on whether the continuous voter registration would continue in those thirty centres, and his question was about the province. I know that there are thirty permanent registration centres.In his response, the hon. Minister said that the exercise is done and dusted. That is misinformation.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, ask your question.

Mr Kasandwe: Madam Speaker, my question is whether it is possible for the hon. Minister to consult the ECZ on the other corner to give him factual information, because those centres are continuous.

Mr Lufuma consulted the staff from the ECZ.

Laughter

Mr Lufuma: You wanted me to consult. I have consulted.

Mr Kasandwe: Thank you!

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, continuous voter registration centres have been established in thirty districts, just like the hon. Member has said. It will resume, meaning that it has stopped.

Mr Kampyongo: Question!

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, it will resume in the year 2027, after elections.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, I was paying attention to the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House. You may recall that I raised this issue as an Urgent Matter without Notice. I am happy that he has acknowledged that I raised the matter.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has highlighted about seven challenges; efficiency, a lack of talk time, failure to retrieve data, geographical terrain and late release of funds. He indicated that these are the reasons we failed to hit the target. Having identified these challenges, like the lack of efficiency, it means that things have been put in place to have an efficient system. Where funds were not released on time, funds have now been released on time, meaning that the things were attended to. After these challenges have been attended to, there are more workers and an efficient way to deal with the problem, I want to know whether it would then not be prudent to say that more days can now be allocated?

Madam Speaker, that is my question.

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, we allocated more time and tried to address the challenges so that we could hasten the process. The time, unfortunately, is fixed, and time waits for nobody. We did what we could. We made good on dealing with some of those challenges, and did our best. The time limitation will not allow us to extend further than that, because we need to finish the register, inspect it and ensure that it is finalised for 13^thAugust, 2026. That is the limitation that we have, unfortunately. This is a learning curve. The ECZ will definitely improve. Come 2031, when we go digital, we will be more efficient.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, are you satisfied?

Mr Kang’ombe: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

We make progress.

_______

BILL

FIRST READING

THE BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES BILL, 2025

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, I beg to present a Bill titled the Banking and Financial Services Bill, No. 36 of 2025. The objects of the Bill are to:

provide for the regulation and supervision of financial service providers;

provide for ownership and control of financial service providers;

provide for the incorporation of standards, principles and concepts of environmental, social and corporate governance in systems and structures of financial service providers;

provide for the resolution powers of the Bank in relation to a failed bank or financial institution;

provide for innovative and inclusive financial services;

provide for financial reporting and accountability of financial service providers;

provide for market conduct and financial consumer protection mechanisms;

provide for the winding-up process for financial service providers;

provide for monitoring compliance with anti-money laundering and countering of terrorism financing and proliferation financing among financial service providers;

provide for the enforceability of close-out netting of transactions;

repeal and replace the Banking and Financial Services Act, Cap. 387;

repeal the Money-lenders Act, Chapter 398; and

provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker: The Bill is referred to the Committee on National Economy, Trade and Labour Matters. The Committee is required to submit its report on the Bill to the House in due course. Hon. Members who wish to make submissions on the Bill are free to do so within the programme of work of the Committee.

______

QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER

Madam Speaker: By prior arrangement, the question will be asked by the hon. Member for Chilubi.

Hon. Members: He is not in the House.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: He is not in the House, therefore, the question lapses.

Mr Fube entered the Assembly Chamber.

Interruptions

Mr Fube: Question No. 114, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Mr Fube: Apologies, Madam Speaker. I went to the loo.

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member! I will use my discretion. We will take the question.

THE NATIONAL HOUSING POLICY

114. Mr Fube (Chilubi) (on behalf of Mr E. Tembo (Feira)) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development:

when the National Housing Policy was issued by the Government;

when the Policy will be revised; and

what the housing deficit in the country was, as of July, 2025.

The Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Rural Development (Eng. Milupi)): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government issued a Housing Policy in 1996, which was revised in 2020 to cover the period 2020 to 2024.

Madam Speaker, the review of the National Housing Policy commenced in September 2025 and is still ongoing.

Madam Speaker, the housing deficit as at July 2025, will only be determined when the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats) releases the Housing and Household Characteristics Report from the 2022 Census of Population and Housing.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister stated that the process of reviewing the policy started in September 2025. I would like to find out from him what the challenges are that have prevented the policy from being reviewed, especially since the Housing Policy, which covered the period 2020 to 2024, has expired.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, as I said, the review of the National Housing Policy commenced in September 2025. It means that only some months have passed in between. He will appreciate that, in those few months, he cannot say we faced a challenge, because the policy was to run until 2024. Then 2025 in September we started the review. So, there are no challenges here.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, we had a Population Housing Census in 2022, which gives a picture of how the housing units are distributed. However, the housing units targeted here are not necessarily for all the Zambian citizens, who are roughly 20 million. The housing units that we want to identify from the same question are for those officers whom the Government is responsible for, like teachers and staff in ministries. I think that is not a complicated exercise to grasp as things stand, because the Government has establishments in each and every ministry of workers who need housing. The Government also pays housing allowances to workers. So, given that data, the Government can come up with statistics of who deserves a house from the Government and those who are benefiting from housing allowances. So, since this is not for all citizens–

Mr Nkandu: What is your question?

Mr Fube: Excuse me, Sir.

Interruptions

Mr Fube: So, since that is not for –

That is an Anti-Doping chairperson, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, just concentrate so that you wind up your question.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, what I want is for the Government to use the statistics of those getting housing allowance and units that are occupied by Government workers to come up with a deficit list. Does the Minister have a rough estimate of the number of people receiving housing allowance and those occupying Government houses? That is what the question wants to establish.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, I will not answer off the cuff. I need to go and check the data.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, the issue of the National Housing Policy is similar to the Land Policy. Actually, these two issues, I can describe them as issues that are intrinsically linked. What I want to find out from the hon. Minister is whether he thinks the policy they are working on involves other stakeholders, such as the financiers, land developers, including the civil service, because as a nation, I believe we are developing. Looking at the standards of housing we have, most of them lack essential services. People are building houses in areas where councils are not providing water or a road network, bringing future challenges like cholera and all sorts of diseases. As the ministry reviews this policy, has it brought in stakeholders from other disciplines to ensure a comprehensive National Housing Policy?

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, just like when making any other policy, we involve others. So, even on this one, we are doing that.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mutale (Chitambo): Madam Speaker, the housing policy is a very good policy. Now there is one component I just want confirmation on. When implementing the housing policy, will the Government also look into things like the strategic implementation plan? The hon. Minister did not mention it. Was it there, or will it be there, so that Zambians can be assured that there will be a strategic implementation plan? This will enable them to know the timeframes in which the houses will be built.

Mr Syakalima: Madam Speaker, indeed, it will be there.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

_______

BILLS

SECOND READING

THE INCOME TAX (Amendment) BILL, 2025

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Madam Speaker, the Bill before this House is principally seeking to amend the Income Tax Act, so as to:

introduce income tax concessions for public-private partnership projects in the railway sector;

remove carry forward time limitations of disallowed interests;

increase the amount allowed as a deduction for a business that employs a person with a disability to two thousand five hundred Kwacha per annum from two thousand Kwacha per annum;

extend the requirement to keep books of accounts in United States Dollars to a person carrying out mineral processing;

allow a business that qualifies for voluntary registration under the Value Added Tax Act, Chapter 331, to register for turnover tax;

increase the turnover tax threshold for artisanal and small-scale mining from eight hundred thousand Kwacha to five million Kwacha to align with the standard turnover tax threshold;

align the legal framework with international standards governing the disclosure of information received under an international agreement in respect of exchange of information;

reduce the penalty for an overdue payment of turnover tax from five per cent per month or part of the month to zero point five percent per month or part of the month;

introduce an anti-fragmentation rule that treats related business activities carried out by an enterprise at one or more fixed locations in the Republic, as a single permanent establishment, where the combined business activities are not of a preparatory or auxiliary nature;

extend the charging of advance income tax on foreign remittances above two thousand United States Dollars to financial institutions and other platforms;

remove penalties chargeable on a taxpayer that has made a voluntary disclosure to the Authority;

increase the turnover tax and the rental income tax exempt threshold to thirty thousand Kwacha per annum from twelve thousand Kwacha per annum; and

provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, this Bill is straightforward and I commend it to the House.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, in accordance with the terms of reference under Order No. 204(4)(d) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, the Planning and Budgeting Committee was tasked with scrutinising the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 19 of 2025, for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. In undertaking this task, the Committee engaged a broad range of stakeholders, including State and non-state actors.

Madam Speaker, the Bill seeks to amend the Income Tax Act in order to support investment, enhance revenue mobilisation and improve tax administration. One of its key features is the introduction of special tax incentives for public-private partnership (PPP) projects in the rail sector, aimed at supporting the rehabilitation of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway system. These measures intend to attract long-term private capital into a sector that is critical for national and regional trade.

Madam Speaker, stakeholders agreed that the proposed tax incentives for the railway sector would improve the viability of the project during the construction and early operational years. However, they were concerned that while the incentives could attract investment, they represent significant loss of revenue for the Treasury. They submitted that the Government should publicly disclose the long-term cost of these incentives in line with international principles on tax incentives.

Madam Speaker, the Committee observed with concern the absence of public disclosure on the fiscal cost of the incentives provided to the special purpose vehicle for the rail project. The Committee is aware that international best practices require governments to publish expected revenue losses, justify exemptions and assess whether the incentives provide value for money. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government publicly discloses the expected fiscal costs of all major PPP tax incentives beyond the rail sector, and ensure that they are included in the annual tax expenditure reports issued by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also observed that the Bill proposes to remove all time limits for carrying forward disallowed interest expenses. While this could enhance investor certainty for long-term projects financed by debt, the Committee is concerned that unlimited carry forward could erode the tax base. International guidelines under the Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS) framework encourage reasonable limits to prevent abuse and protect the revenue base. Therefore, the Committee urges the Government to reconsider the removal of time limits on the carry forward of disallowed interest expenses in order to balance investor confidence with the need to safeguard public revenues.

Madam Speaker, the Committee further observed that extending advance income tax to non-banking digital remittance platforms will promote fairness and compliance across the financial sector. However, the Committee is concerned about reported delays by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in refunding advance income tax to taxpayers even after they have obtained tax-clearance certificates. These delays create liquidity challenges for businesses. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the ZRA should put in place timely and efficient refund mechanisms to ensure that compliant taxpayers are not disadvantaged.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also observed that the Bill is proposing to reduce the penalty for late payment of turnover tax from 5 per cent to 0.5 per cent a month. While this may encourage compliance amongst most businesses, the Committee is concerned that the significant reduction may weaken the deterrent effect against non-compliance. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Government should periodically review the impact of the reduced penalty to ensure that it continues to support compliance without encouraging delays in payments.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to express the Committee’s deep appreciation to all the stakeholders who made submissions. The Committee also wishes to express its gratitude to you and the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and support rendered throughout this process.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Madam Speaker, I just have two issues to comment on regarding this Bill.

Madam Speaker, the first issue has to do with the concerns that have been raised by your Committee. Indeed, for our country to attract foreign direct investments (FDIs), particularly in the railway sector, it is very important that stabilisation clauses, such as on the tax incentives, are put in place. However, your Committee has observed that there is a need for us as a nation to know the losses that are going to arise because of those incentives. Apart from that, your Committee in its observations has highlighted that this should not only happen in the railway sector, but in other sectors as well. That is what your Committee is recommending.

Madam Speaker, as the hon. Minister introduces tax incentives, we expect him to also introduce restrictive measures when it comes to the tonnage that will be transported on our roads. The Government can give those incentives to the railway sector and money can come in, but there are people who own trucks. We find that most cargo will still be transported via roads, instead of the railway lines. Therefore, we should anticipate investors to request extended periods for tax incentives.

Madam Speaker, apart from that, once investors are given more tax incentives, we are likely to shift the burden for revenue mobilisation to small-scale businesses. Therefore, it is my expectation and wish that the hon. Minister will look into the issue of disclosure of losses, as recommended by your Committee.

Madam Speaker, your Committee has also raised great concern on the removal of time limits on interest expenses. I hope that with the reforms that the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) is undertaking, the delays will be addressed.

Madam Speaker, my final comment is on the Committee’s recommendation to reduce the penalty for late payment of turnover tax. That is a welcome move because many businesses have been facing serious challenges. The 5 per cent penalty for late payment of turnover tax has led to some businesses closing down. I am sure that when the Government introduces certain penalties, it is done to encourage compliance and not to make businesses suffer. If we are a nation that makes decisions based on data, we are likely to see the revenue that will arise from late payment probably growing beyond 5 per cent. For big or medium companies, just a 5 per cent turnover charge can make them abandon operations altogether. So, the Committee’s recommendation is something that is very welcome for the people of Chama South. However, as I had earlier indicated, the Government needs to ensure that it ring fences that investment by introducing other measures that will counter the use of our road network so that the cargo that is supposed to be moved on the railway system goes on the railway system. When we check on what is happening on our roads, we will discover that we are spending a huge amount of money to repair the roads. Look at what is happening on the Great North Road, the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway and roads on the Copperbelt, as well as the road leading to the southern part of our country. If we reduce the number of trucks using our roads and direct certain cargo to the railway lines, we will promote investment in the railway sector. Otherwise, I am in support of the amendment.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I would like to just make a few comments on the proposed amendments to the Customs and Excise (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025.

Madam Speaker, whilst there are progressive proposed amendments, there are also concerns that were shared by stakeholders. For example, in Clause 10 of the Bill, the hon. Minister is proposing to amend Section 162 –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, which Bill are you looking at because we are looking at the Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I beg your pardon. I thought it was the next one, the Customs and Excise (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: We are still on the Income Tax (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025.

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Mr Kampyongo: Efyo tulushila bola lyonse.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Maybe, you will come in when we move to the Customs and Excise (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I thank you so much for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, the Committee that scrutinised this Bill has made some observations on page 11 of its report. I am interested in the one labelled, “Transparency on fiscal costs of public-private partnership concessions”.

Madam Speaker, let me put it clearly, and it says:

“The Committee observes that there is no public disclosure on the expected fiscal costs of the tax incentives granted to the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) special purpose vehicle. It emphasises that transparency is essential for accountability and value for money. In line with international best practices, including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) public-private partnership principles and a platform for collaboration on tax incentives guidelines, the Government should publish projected revenue losses, justify exemptions and conduct periodic evaluations.”

Madam Speaker, the concessions will affect people. When you give tax incentives, you are reducing your tax benefits from a particular source. When you reduce the national tax benefits, particularly in the current situation in which the National Budget has been expanding on an annual basis, you are increasing the tax burden on ordinary Zambians. In this case, there is an expansion in taxes for investors in the financial markets for those who buy treasury bills and Government bonds.

Their withholding tax will increase by 5 per cent, from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. There is also a tax increase for those who transact using mobile money. That is why it is important to establish incentives so that people are aware of what will be lost through the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) deals. What is the loss for the people of Zambia in giving away the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) for that many years? What is the burden to the people of Zambia? That is transparency. Your Committee observed that the TAZARA concession will follow the same method that the United Party for National Development (UPND) used on the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway concession.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, to date, the UPND Government has failed to tell the people of Zambia the losses being incurred for giving away the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway. That, according to your Committee, is bad practice.

Mr Nkandu: Do not mention the UPND!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister is saying that I should not mention the UPND, yet the UPND is the one that gave the road away.

Madam Speaker, it is very important to adhere to transparency.

Mr Nkandu: Mention your political party!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, when a transparent environment is created, it gives an opportunity to the people to scrutinise the way their affairs are being managed. When information is not disclosed, for example, the fact that the money collected from the toll gate on the Masangano/Luanshya Road is not given to the Government but to the concessionaire is it a challenge. It is important for the Zambians to know how much money the country is losing. If the people are informed, then they will say whether it was worth it for the UPND to give the road for so long or it was worthless. In that way, as the Government enters into the TAZARA concession, it takes into account what the people are saying. It is just good governance practice to be open with the people, because this is public business. The money being lost does not belong to the UPND. It is not for anyone. It is for the people.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

Please, avoid being emotional.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I am not emotional, whatsoever.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The money cannot be for the United Party for National Development (UPND). We all know that we are talking about Government money, not UPND money.

You may continue.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the money that the Treasury will lose through the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway on account of the three tollgates in Chisamba, Manyumbi and Kafulafuta is not for the UPND Government. It is for the people. Therefore, the people should be informed. What is their loss? What are they forgoing through the PPP? In fact, there are other issues to discuss because, as we all know, it is not a PPP. The funding is coming from the Government, but the Government is losing.

Madam Speaker, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the principles of PPPs state that the Government needs to be transparent. That is the only way the Government can be judged. Speculations will be limited, and public participation encouraged, even supporting the Government if it does the right thing. However, this strong desire is evident, because after the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway, it has moved on to TAZARA. The same method of lack of transparency is being seen on the TAZARA concession. How will the Zambian people evaluate the performance of the UPND without the UPND being transparent?

Madam Speaker, I wish to recommend that the UPND Government does something different, as it enters into a PPP with TAZARA because if it does what has been done on the concession on the road I have referred to and the Chingola/Chililabombwe Road, then, the people of Zambia will say that that is the UPND’s mentality, inclination, governance style, and how it thinks it should govern them and, therefore, they will boot it out of office.

Madam Speaker, I support the Bill.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Committee and those who have debated.

Madam Speaker, let me take a few moments to respond to some of the issues. Firstly, on transparency. For the last one year, the Government has published all the tax incentives that are provided on the ministerial website. Hon. Colleagues who are interested in finding out the tax incentives that have been provided should note that this information is publicly available on the ministerial website. Apart from that, in case some people think this man speaking here sits in a corner and does the tax incentives, I want to report that every tax incentive that is provided, first of all, is evaluated within the ministry by the experts. Secondly, it is taken to the Cabinet, where the Statutory Instruments (SI) to support the proposed incentive are provided. So, all the incentives that are provided are published but, on top of that, the Cabinet clears them, so there is no question of underhanded schemes.

Madam Speaker, on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), I think, my hon. Colleagues are saying that we are losing a lot of money, as a result of the concession. Actually, the country was losing a lot of money without the concession because, almost every month, TAZARA management would ask the Treasury for money to pay salaries. With the concession, no one will ask the Treasury to pay salaries. So, we are saving money as a result of the concession. On top of that, the Government will be getting a share of the revenue that will be generated from the concessions. the Government's share from the concessions will also increase, if the volume of cargo increases, as we anticipate it to, and taxes will be paid. So, when you consider all those facts, it is before the concession that we are losing money. When the concession kicks in, we will not only be saving money, but we will get more money.

Finally, Madam Speaker, I would like to say that Hon. Mung’andu is right. With the TAZARA fixed, some of the heavy cargo that moves on the road will be removed. It is possible to do that because then we can tell the transporters, those who transport stuff, to not move their cargo on the road, but on the train because it will be efficient. Therefore, it becomes possible to now carry the loads on the train. On top of that, …

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Dr Musokotwane: … when cargo moves on the road, we know how much damage is caused. When cargo is transferred from the road onto the railway line, the money that the Government spends on repairing roads becomes savings. So, how can someone turn around and say that the concession will be a loss? The truth is that we will gain because we will be getting tax revenue, concession shares, and we will save money from having no destruction of roads. This is a gain, it is not a loss.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read the second time.

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 10^th December, 2025.

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE (Amendment) BILL, 2025

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be now read a second time.

Madam Speaker, the Bill before this House is principally seeking to amend the Customs and Excise Act so as to:

revise the exercise of customs and exercise duty payable on certain goods;

introduce specific duty rates on hybrid vehicles;

introduce excise duty on firearms and bullets;

revise the list of goods subject to surtax at importation; and

provide for matters connected with, or incidental to, the foregoing.

Madam Speaker, this Bill is straightforward, and I commend it to the House.

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, in line with the Committee's terms of reference under Order No. 204(4) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Order, 2024, the Planning and Budgeting Committee was tasked to scrutinise the Customs and Excise (Amendment) (No. 2), Bill No. 20 of 2025, for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. The Committee interacted with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Executive, Civil Society and think tanks, to consider the Bill. Most of the stakeholders who appeared before the Committee generally supported the Bill.

Madam Speaker, the Committee wishes to commend the Executive for several progressive amendments contained in the Bill. Notably, the increase in customs duty on powdered milk imported for resale from 25 per cent to 40 per cent, a measure that will help curb the reconstitution and dilution of powdered milk by some operators, and importantly, protect small-scale dairy farmers. Further, the Committee commends the Executive regarding the reduction of excise duty on its selected clear beer, a step that is expected to enhance competitiveness within the sector and help reduce illicit traits.

Madam Speaker, the Committee is concerned that an increase in customs duty on powdered milk used for processing may raise production costs, both for domestically consumed products and for exports. This, in turn, could erode the competitiveness of Zambian products in regional and international markets and ultimately, reduce revenue collection, contrary to the objectives of the measure. In this regard, the Committee strongly recommends that the Executive amend this provision and consider appropriate compensatory measures.

Further, Madam Speaker, the Committee urges the Executive to conduct a comprehensive national assessment of the milk value chain to ascertain actual supply capacity, the industrial reliance on powdered milk, and the potential implications of future tax changes. Such evidence should guide subsequent tariff decisions to ensure that policy interventions support the growth of the sector.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, I wish to place on record that the Committee supports the Bill, subject to the Executive addressing the concerns expressed in this report. I wish to extend the Committee's gratitude to all stakeholders who made submissions and to you, Madam Speaker, and the Clerk of the National Assembly for the guidance and the support rendered throughout this important study.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu). Thank you so much, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to make a few comments on the proposed amendments to the Customs and Excise Bill.

Madam Speaker, indeed, like the chairperson has submitted, there are a few concerns that have been raised. There is Clause 10, which the hon. Minister is using to amend Section 162 of the Principal Act. This clause seeks to empower the Commissioner-General to dispose of seized goods that are perishable, dangerous, or unsuitable for storage before the conclusion of an appeal, while safeguarding the rights of owners by providing for funds of the value of the goods if the appeal is decided in their favour.

Madam Speaker, while this approach is progressive and aligns with international customs practices, there is a concern regarding the compensation and how it is computed. This is because, in many cases, the computed compensation does not reflect the fair market value of the goods, and there is no clear appraisal procedure followed to ensure fairness and lessen conflicts that end up at the Tax Appeals Tribunal.

The other matter, Madam Speaker, is the issue that the chairperson of the Committee spoke to. They have decided to reduce the Excise Duty on selected clear beer from 50 per cent to 40 per cent. On one hand, we are reducing the duty on beer, and on the other hand, we are deciding to increase the customs duty on powdered milk for further processing from 15 per cent to 20 per cent. What this will do is that apart from affecting the deficit that we have in terms of consumption, which the local markets cannot even meet, there are challenges such as making –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I had just started making observations on some of the concerns raised in the report regarding the amendments to the Customs and Excise Act.

Madam Speaker, I was bringing to the attention of the hon. Minister that whilst the Second Schedule of Clause 12 is proposing to reduce excise duty to 40 per cent from 50 per cent on selected clear beer, the First Schedule of Clause 12 is proposing to increase customs duty from 15 per cent to 25 per cent on imported powdered milk meant for further processing. The net effect of this proposal will be the increase in production cost of beverages, confectionary, baby cereals and milk-based products. I would like the hon. Minister to balance the scale because some milk products are meant for export markets. So, increasing the taxes on these products will make them uncompetitive. Regarding the milk we are talking about, we have a deficit; demand outstrips the current production capacity of milk products like baby cereals. So, the hon. Minister should reconsider and strike a balance.

Madam Speaker, with those few proposals, I submit.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER

CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF ZAMBIA (Amendment) BILL, 2025

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members will recall that the consideration of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 was deferred on 26^th June, 2025.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: This was in line with Standing Order No. 121(1), which states that:

“A Member who sponsors a Bill may defer or withdraw the Bill at any time by formally writing to the Speaker stating his or her decision.”

Hon. Members may wish to note that Standing Order No. 122(1) also provides that:

“A Bill that has been deferred for a period exceeding six months is deemed withdrawn by the Member sponsoring the Bill.”

In this regard, I wish to inform the House that I have received communication from the hon. Minister of Justice indicating that the House immediately resumes consideration of the Bill.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: To this effect, the Select Committee that was constituted to scrutinise the Bill will commence its meetings immediately.

I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

______

Mr Chinkuli (Kanyama): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity you have given to me to add a word to the debate on the Bill in question.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, I just want to look at two or three clauses that are of interest under the Customs and Excise (Amendment) Bill No. 2. I want to look at Clause 3, which is in Section 12(1). This will sit well with an institution legally mandated to conduct arrests. As you may be aware, arrests of people regarding anything to do with customs were done by customs officers. This time around, we are saying, let those who are legally mandated to do so conduct arrests, and I have no issue with that. The concern I have about this is that customs issues are somehow technical. We are looking at crimes to do with customs. Is the entity we are bringing on board going to manage those crimes? Are we going to ensure that the police learn the type of goods that are prohibited and what smuggling is?

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

The voices are too loud. Kindly lower your voices so that we get what the hon. Member on the Floor is debating.

Mr Chinkuli: Madam Speaker, the question is: Have we considered capacitating police officers to understand undervaluation, smuggling, or prohibited goods? If we do not sensitise or train police officers on these issues, we are not going to achieve what we want. This is the reason you realise that each time we make an excellent law like this one, we are still at the same page. We are not progressing. That is my concern on this matter.

Madam Speaker, let me come to Clause 5, Section 56. This is where the Commissioner-General is mandated to administer the agency, bonds, and the like. What used to happen is that, the moment you import goods using security such as a bond, certain Government institutions would be attached to that transaction. They would ask for levies of some kind. Now, there are items that are secured by a bond. I know that at times, goods just disappear. When they are secured by a bond, the Commissioner-General can ensure that taxes are collected. What will happen is that concentration will be only on customs duty, which could be 10 per cent, and Value Added Tax (VAT). Now, what will happen to institutions like the Zambia Bureau of Standards (ZABS)? Revenue or levies were never collected. So, this law will empower the Commissioner-General to ensure that all levies and taxes are accounted for, so that the relevant institutions benefit from them.

Madam Speaker, the final issue I want to talk about is Clause 6, which talks about using the free on board (FOB) value in order to ensure that the taxable value reflects a free market. We are looking at exporting goods from the exit point, which is the border. In this regard, I am happy that we have come up with the Minerals Regulation Commission because this is the entity that is going to determine the value of minerals that are being exported. By so doing, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) will be able to determine the mineral value and constitute the right duties to be collected.

Madam Speaker, I also want to look at the monopoly that the Minerals Regulation Commission will enjoy. This commission is mandated to issue certificates after determining the value of minerals to be considered. Now, the danger is that such a scenario is prone to abuse, and we have been talking about corruption. Therefore, why not consider having separate officers who are trained on evaluating minerals for purposes of export? I would have preferred a situation in which there are officers who are mandated or encouraged to carry out independent evaluations so that they provide checks and balances on the Minerals Regulation Commission. leaving the commission to carry out mineral evaluation alone will make it prone to abuse. Otherwise, with those few remarks, I want to support the amendments to the Customs and Excise (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2025 and I wish everyone to support it.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The hon. Member for Chama South will be the last one to contribute on this Bill.

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, this Bill seeks to amend taxes on two items. One of them is imported powdered milk for resale, on which customs duty will increase from 25 to 40 per cent. Then another item it seeks to make tax changes on is clear beer. I will start with the issue of clear beer.

Madam Speaker, my submission on behalf of the people of Chama South is that the percentage that we are seeking to reduce should have been the other way around. We need almost 100 per cent tax on clear beer.

Mr Shakafuswa: Question!

Mr Mung’andu: Madam Speaker, one of the reasons I say that is that if you just drive on Tokyo Way towards the Community House, you will see that there are shebeens that have been set up along the road. Even if the police go there to remove the people operating there, they still go back in the evening to sell beer all over the place. What type of nation are we building if alcohol can be sold almost everywhere in whatever packaging is available? So, for me, one of the ways we can restrict access to beer, particularly for young ones, is by imposing more taxes, as opposed to reducing them. If we do that, no one will die. It may just have an economic effect, but if we completely eradicate beer from our country, no one will die. Instead, we are likely to have healthy people in this nation. So, economically, there may be an impact and I know that some people are saying that beer production is an important industry.

Madam Speaker, I also have some comments on the issue of milk. Although the observation that has been made by your Committee is that the increment on import duty for milk will protect local small-scale dairy farmers, we have to be very careful. We can have a sharp rise in prices of goods and services that are directly linked to imported powdered milk. For example, do we have statistics on how many litres of milk we produce as a nation? What is the demand? The Committee’s report should have included that information. The Committee that was chaired by our able hon. Member for Moomba should have sought to understand the demand levels for milk consumption, both directly and through associated products, and what impact the increase will have on those products. Tomorrow, we might just wake up to find that the biscuits that are produced by local manufacturers almost 100 per cent dependent on imported powdered milk, which is reconstituted. We will end up doubling the prices for locally produced products. The House may be aware that a sustained increase in prices triggers or is a contributing factor to inflation.

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, request a comment from the hon. Minister on the measures that have been put in place to address such issues. If possible, he can include the information on milk consumption. Should it come out that, at the moment, our dairy farmers are capable of meeting our dairy needs, I have no doubt I will be 100 per cent in support of the proposed measures.

Madam Speaker, with those few remarks, I thank you.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker, allow me to commend the Committee for its thorough and objective analysis of the Bill. I also extend my appreciation to all the stakeholders who made submissions to the Committee. I wish to take note of the observations made by the Committee, as well as issues raised by hon. Members of Parliament.

Madam Speaker, with regards to concerns that increasing the customs duty on powdered milk imported for further processing from 15 per cent to 25 per cent may raise production costs and make locally produced goods less competitive in regional and international markets, the Government acknowledges the importance of ensuring competitiveness, particularly given that powdered milk is a key industrial input. The concerns are understandable and I will, therefore, withdraw the proposal and undertake a national assessment of the milk value chain to establish the actual production capacity, industrial demand and the role of powdered milk in food processing.

Mr Shakafuswa: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the Committee also expressed concern that while the Executive's intention in increasing surtaxes on selected locally produced goods is to protect domestic industries, this approach may not be sustainable in the medium to long term. The Committee fears that such measures could reduce Zambia's export opportunities, particularly in light of indications that some trading partners are considering retaliatory measures.

Madam Speaker, while these concerns are noted, it is important to emphasise that the application of surtaxes is a carefully targeted and temporary measure aimed at addressing specific market distortions that undermine the competitiveness of local industries. Furthermore, the Government continues to engage with trading partners through bilateral and regional mechanisms to prevent escalation of retaliatory measures. At the same time, we are actively pursuing broader tax reforms and domestic resource mobilisation strategies that do not rely on surtaxes, in line with the Committee's observations. These include improving tax administration efficiency.

Madam Speaker, the Executive is committed to ensuring that any relevant measures adopted promote industrial growth, uphold Zambia's trade competitiveness and preserve constructive relations with our trading partners.

Madam Speaker, an issue was raised about the fairness in the disposal of perishable goods. I have taken note, and will liaise with the Commissioner-General to ensure that there is a fair way of arriving at such values.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chisopa interjected.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Mkushi South, please, stop shouting. You are disturbing the proceedings.

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 10^th December, 2025.

SECOND READING

THE VALUE-ADDED TAX (Amendment) BILL No. 21 of 2025

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time.

Madam Speaker, the Bill before this House principally seeks to amend Value-Added Tax (VAT) so as to provide for remission of unrecovered tax, fine or interest due.

Madam, this Bill is straightforward, and I commend it to the House.

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, in accordance with its terms of reference under Order 204(4)(d) of the National Assembly Standing Orders, 2024, the Planning and Budgeting Committee was tasked to scrutinise the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill No. 21 of 2025, for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

Madam Speaker, in undertaking this task, the Committee engaged a broad range of stakeholders, including state and non-state actors.

Madam Speaker, the Value-Added Tax (Amendment) Bill seeks to modernise the framework for writing off irrecoverable VAT debts. Currently, the law allows the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to write off only the principal tax amount, and only after all collection options have been exhausted. The Bill expands this authority to include writing off tax interest and fines and provides a clear process for dealing with long-outstanding VAT debts.

Madam Speaker, stakeholders welcome the Bill as a practical and timely reform. They noted that irrecoverable VAT debts, some of which date back many years, impose an administrative burden on the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and distort the accuracy of revenue accounts. By providing a structured framework for cancelling unrecoverable tax debts, the Bill will help maintain cleaner tax records, focus collection efforts on debts that can be recovered and improve the overall efficiency of tax administration.

Madam Speaker, stakeholders also raised several important concerns. They noted that while the Bill provides for writing off tax debts, it does not include requirements for public disclosure or reporting of the amounts that have been written off. They cautioned that without transparency, there is a risk that the power to cancel debts could be abused inconsistently by the Minister and the Commissioner-General.

Madam Speaker, the Committee observes that the Bill does not provide for any formal reporting or public disclosure of decisions to write off tax debts. The Committee is of the view that transparency is essential to ensure that the cancellation of tax debts is applied fairly and consistently, and that the process is not used to favour specific taxpayers. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Bill be amended to include clear measures that promote transparency, such as the periodic publication of data on tax debts written off with justification for each case and enhanced oversight for significant write-off decisions.

Madam Speaker, the Committee also observes insufficient internal controls within the ZRA, currently, to ensure that tax debt write-offs are used appropriately. Without robust safeguards, there is a risk that this power could be abused to conceal weaknesses in tax collection. Therefore, the Committee recommends that the ZRA puts in place strong internal control mechanisms, including clear reviews and approval procedures to uphold fairness, consistency and accountability in the process of cancelling tax debts.

Madam Speaker, the Committee further observes that the Bill does not define key terms, such as insolvency, inactivity and cost of collection, even though these terms form the basis for decisions to write off tax debts. The Committee is concerned that without clear definitions, the process could become inconsistent and lead to disputes between taxpayers and the ZRA. In this regard, the Committee recommends that the Bill be amended to include definitions of these terms to enhance predictability, promote consistency, application of the law and improve administrative efficiency.

Madam Speaker, as I conclude, allow me to place on the record the Committee's gratitude to all the stakeholders who made submissions to it. The Committee also extends its sincere appreciation to you and the Clerk of the National Assembly of Zambia for the guidance and support rendered throughout this process.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Allen Banda (Chimwemwe): Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, the object of the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, No. 21, of 2025 is to amend the Value Added Tax Act to provide for remission of unrecovered tax, fine or interest due. One of the reasons is to amend the recoveries on a taxable supplier who is deceased, which makes so much sense. If a company is inactive for ten years, it also makes sense. However, insolvency brings up a lot of questions. What type of insolvency is the Bill considering? Is it cash insolvency or balance sheet insolvency? Is it that perhaps some companies are trying to take advantage and get into insolvency after having accumulated debt? That is why, if you listen to your Committee's report, it says that there should be a clear definition of “insolvency”.

Madam Speaker, next year, at this time, we should brace ourselves because many companies are likely to fold, and the insolvency will be a real concern. The reason is the introduction of the Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT). Taxing 1 per cent on companies that are not making any profits will probably take them under.

Madam Speaker, the other issue is the suspension of the withholding tax agency. I do not know whether the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, along with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Director-General, have visited the Copperbelt and observed that people are struggling. Their accounts are in red. It seems they do not pay on time, simply because the mines are not paying them. This is not a hidden secret. Everybody knows that the mines and the Government are culprits. They were tax agents; they failed to give money to the ZRA on time. So, I do not know why the ZRA and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning believe that things will change if they trust the supplier or contractor. Suppliers and contractors are failing to do that. Worst still, they cannot access their tax clearance certificate because their accounts are in red. I know that next year, this will work. So, maybe, this Bill will help them, but I hope that the hon. Minister and the Director-General of the ZRA will look into it.

Madam Speaker, let me talk about public disclosure. It is true that public disclosure should be encouraged. We know that many people would start accusing the Director-General of the ZRA, especially, saying, “Why has he looked at this company and not another company?” It could be a company of a politician like me. If I qualify, I should benefit from the amendment, but disclosure should be done so that everybody knows that it is done perfectly, clearly, and nobody should worry about it.

Madam Speaker, let me look at the misuse of the remission powers. Yes, this should be done by human beings. Sometimes, we may think that they are misusing it. Perhaps they are looking at one or two things. Obviously, if my colleague has a similar problem, like a debt with the ZRA, but it is written off, while mine is not, yet, we are going through the same problems, programs, and everything that we have offered is the same, then that is likely to cause confusion.

Madam Speaker, let me look at the last issue. Your Committee report addresses up-to-date records. The ZRA records are never up-to-date. Once the accounts for most people who have debt with the ZRA are reconciled, six months down the line, the same amount–

Mr Jamba: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Jamba– Sorry, for Mwembezhi–

Laughter

Hon. Government Member: Yes, it is for Jamba!

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Sorry, I have created another constituency. My apologies, hon. Member for Mwembezhi.

Mr Jamba: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, I am not admitting any points of order because we are behind time.

Mr Jamba: Yes, Madam Speaker, okay.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can just write. Is it –

Mr Jamba: I will be quick, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, we cannot hear the hon. Member who is debating. We cannot hear anything from what he is talking about. May he please try to speak English slowly as an African? His points are very valid, but the way he is using his English–

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Mr Jamba: Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I am not taking that point of order.

Laughter

Mr Allen Banda: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. He distracted my line of thought.

Madam Speaker, I was talking about records being up-to-date. No record is up-to-date with the ZRA. The ZRA is a big institution, but it has a very bad system when it comes to reconciliations. Certain people on the Copperbelt have had their accounts audited by the ZRA, reconciled, and put to proper use. However, after eight months, when people are transferred from one office to another, the figures resurface. What happens? That particular company has to go back and start doing reconciliations, and most companies on the Copperbelt cannot hire accountants on a full-time basis. So, meaning they have to spend money by seeking help from other accountants.

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I wish to thank you, and I agree with this, and I support the Bill.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mung’andu (Chama South): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, let me state that I am in support of the Bill with the following comments, understanding that the Bill seeks to take care of the Value Added Tax (VAT) debt management.

Madam Speaker, the House must appreciate the causes of VAT debt before the authorities are given the power to cancel or write off. If that is not done, we risk promoting certain bad behaviour by taxpayers. At times, there are reasons companies accumulate VAT debt. Among them, it could be that they are passing through a very difficult financial situation. At times, it can be an accounting error, or indeed, for investment purposes. They would like to reinvest the money and ignore paying the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). Unless that analysis is well understood, and definitions, frameworks are put in place to ensure that the VAT debt is not deliberately accumulated, hoping to be at one point cancelled or written off, we risk promoting bad behaviour.

Madam Speaker, your report has raised concerns about the administrative powers that will be given to ZRA officials to decide which company or which VAT debt should be written off. I am very confident that the hon. Minister will give us a comment on the prevention of abuse by those who will be charged with that responsibility so that the VAT debt does not disadvantage the Treasury of our country today and in the future.

With these two comments, Madam Speaker, I must mention that we are in support of the Bill.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

That is a good example of not using all the minutes allocated by going straight to the point.

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving the people of Chilubi the opportunity to debate on this Bill.

Madam Speaker, the issue that we are talking about in the Value Added Tax (Amendment) Bill, No. 21, starts with Article 198 of the Constitution, which talks about principles that guide public finance, and among them is accountability and transparency. I would like to register that when we look at the VAT, it is the widest tax implemented in Zambia. When it comes to debt recoveries and many others, we will find that the categories of companies that have received VAT refunds mainly are those that are of particular awareness and corporate standing. I will give an example. The VAT is taxed on finished products at the point of sale, where it is collected and recorded.

Madam Speaker, you will find that those selling groceries in my village and many other people pay VAT. However, we lose a lot of revenue through VAT because we seem to not pay much attention to small-scale enterprises, which are also involved in the VAT arrangement. So, that in itself does not capture the accountability and transparency required by Article 198 of our Constitution.

Madam Speaker, I know the issue of insolvency has already been addressed, but I want to talk about registration of VAT. For us to realise more benefits, I think, we need to scale up registration of VAT.

Mr Nkandu: It is time up.

Mr Fube: There are disturbances, Madam Speaker. Somebody is saying, “time is up.” Can I be protected from such characters?

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I am listening, hon. Member. Just continue. In fact, your voice is loud and clear; I can get you.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, what I am trying to underscore is that – even the one who is saying, “Question!” should know that this is adding to the National Budget of 2026, because this is supporting the money Bills of 2026.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Fube: That is why the hon. Minister has brought the Bill. That is what I am trying to underscore.

Madam Speaker, for his own information, it is not everything that we oppose. This is about patriotism. We know that taxes are supposed to be captured. Hon. Nkandu said, “Question!” yet he is not understanding what I am trying to underscore.

Madam Speaker, I want to address Article 199, which qualifies what we are talking about. On whether a tax should be imposed, Clause 2 says that we are to provide a waiver or vary an amount as prescribed. What we are doing now is actually prescribing. Powers are exercised through a Statutory Instrument (SI), meaning that the hon. Minister has the leverage to come up with a particular SI on this. What I am trying to underscore is that, in actual sense, this is an imposed tax because it caters to different people. Even children pay VAT when they buy sweets. That is …

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Fube: … what we are supposed to realise.

Madam Speaker, what I am trying to say is that VAT is supposed to be the broadest tax contribution to the 2026 Budget.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, –

Mr Fube: He is irritating me. I want to comment.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Chilubi, please, continue. Just look in my direction.

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, even if I look in your direction, my thought has already been disturbed.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There is what we call –

Order, hon. Member!

Mr Fube: I think, the hon. Member for Kaputa can continue from where I ended.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Chilubi, I am sure you know that some words are allowed to be used in the House, such as “Question!” and others. Those words are allowed to be used in the House. However, when you were debating, I guided you to continue because I was able to get you. Your debate is loud and clear because you are addressing me, not the hon. Members who are seated at the back. So, you may continue with your debate. Address me as you debate.

Interruptions

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Members on my right!

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, I have lost my thought; it is not that I am disrespecting you. I want the hon. Member for Kaputa to continue where I ended my debate, since he can also add his voice to the debate. No one is stopping anyone from debating.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Fube: It is not about you, Madam Speaker. I think, you have seen how the hon. Minister behaves most of the time.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Can we have order in the House.

Hon. Member for Chilubi, are you done with your debate?

Mr Fube: Yes, Madam Speaker.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I wish to support the enactment of this Bill. If you have the power to cancel the principal amount, you should have the power to cancel interest and fines. Expecting money or accounting for money, which will never come, is imprudent. Therefore, let us give the Minister the power to cancel the principal, interest and fines. I join the Committee in supporting this Bill with reservations.

Madam Speaker, the Committee has raised reservations that the hon. Minister should take note in sincerity. The Committee said that this Bill lacks public disclosure. There is no formal reporting. Also, the Committee talked about this Bill failing to define key words such as “insolvency.” If the Bill does not provide for formal reporting to the public, it means that the public will not know who will benefit from the Minister’s discretion. This is a public undertaking. Therefore, the public should know who benefits from the actions of the Minister and when those people benefit. This should not become like the issue of domestic arrears, where the Government is paying those who are supplying goods and services now and failing to pay those who supplied those things ten years ago. If we provide mechanisms for disclosure, we will improve accountability on the part of the Minister. The public should know why particular people or companies are given concessions.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, the Minister may ignore to tender the reasons for giving incentives to certain taxpayers if he is not compelled to disclose the people or the companies he gives incentives, when and why he gives them, and what his relationship with them is. Look at what happened at the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA), where we were told that no one can supply medicine there unless they are cleared, and unless ZAMMSA knows who cleared them. So, if this becomes a problem even in the cancellation of taxes that are due, then, governance breaks down completely. We all know that it is important for the people of Zambia to have a governance system that cannot entirely collapse. We know the extent to which it has collapsed, but the limited …

Hon. UPND Member: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: … portion remaining must remain standing.

Madam Speaker, this is why I join the Committee of the National Assembly in insisting that we have no choice but to add to this Bill a procedure for the Minister to disclose the entities he gives benefits to, why and when, so that it is clear that principle is applied over all other considerations. This way, consistency and comparison will be achieved. We need to be able to compare beneficiaries and their circumstances, then, we can say that the Government acted faithfully.

Madam Speaker, equity is important. How do you assess equity without the aforementioned disclosures? How do you do that? It is impossible to assess equity, fairness and biasness without doing that. So, what we are saying is that to eliminate suspicions of biasness, unfairness and lack of equity, we should bring about transparency.

Madam Speaker, earlier, we were talking about transparency. It is the same Committee which raised the issue of transparency on the previous Bill. The same Committee has raised the same issue on this Bill, which tells you that there is something grossly wrong about transparency and accountability when it comes to the UPND Government.

Hon. UPND Members: Question!

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, this Bill must be amended.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kambita: On a Point of Order, Madam Speaker.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thank the Committee for its report and those who have debated on this Bill.

Mr Chaatila: Apart from Kafwaya!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, regarding the issues of transparency and reporting on remission decisions, I think we are flogging a dead horse.

Mr Nkandu: Ehe!

Dr Musokotwane: We are flogging a dead horse because that is already happening.

Mr Kambita: Hammer! Voice up!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, it should be noted that the Bill requires the issuance of a statutory instrument (SI). As you are aware, SIs must be published by the Government Printer and submitted to this House. It is not just about printing and publishing, but SIs must be submitted to this House within twenty-eight days for consideration by your Committee; the Committee on Delegated Legislation.

Madam Speaker, those who want transparency on issues must make sure that they wait every end of the month for the SIs. That is when they will know exactly who has received the remissions.

Mr Chisopa: Mwalipela ama tollgates. Tukafipoka ngatwaisa!

Dr Musokotwane: Further, they should read your Committees’ reports because those are issues that come before the Committees here. They should read when those issues are reviewed. So, transparency is already taken care of.

Madam Speaker, I think, with that, I have addressed the major concerns.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee on Wednesday, 10^th December, 2025.

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

THE INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY BILL, 2025

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 2 – (Interpretation)

The Minister of Information and Media (Mr Mweetwa): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 2:

on page 8, in lines 18 to 19 by the deletion of the definition of “broadcasting station”; and

on page 9, in lines 10 to 11 by the deletion of the definition “residence permit”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 3, 4 and 5 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 6 – (Constitution of Board)

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 6, on page 13, in line 21 by the deletion of the letter “(h)” immediately after the word “to” and substitution therefor of the letter “(i)”

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 6, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 7, 8 and 9 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 10 – (Licence and Classes of Licence)

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I beg to movement an amendment in Clause 10, on page 15:

in line 19 by the insertion of the word “and” immediately after the semi-colon;

in line 20 by the deletion of the semi-colon and the word “and” and the substitution therefor with a full stop; and

in line 21 by the deletion of paragraph (c).

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I would like to draw the attention of the Member, my colleague, Hon. Kampyongo, to the fact that in terms of Clause 10, on page 15, amending this particular Clause by the deletion of the word ‘and’ is unnecessary because the definition of the words “online broadcasting” is acceptable. Therefore, the subsequent deletion of the same cannot stand because the proposal of deleting the word ‘and’ was in contention that ‘online broadcasting’ was supposed to be deleted.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, whilst I appreciate the justification given by the hon. Minister, and objecting to this amendment, what needs to be known here is that “and” is connected to Clause 10(1)(c), which I was proposing to have deleted. For an ordinary citizen, this intends to regulate online broadcasting, which is quite broad. We are talking about podcasts, online broadcasting and livestreaming. So, the concern is that if we regulate, it will mean that even those who want to broadcasting or livestream, for example, a kitchen party or family event, if not licensed, will be found breaching the law. In short, this law is trying to shrink online space for people. The hon. Minister moves with people who would want to broadcast what he does in the constituency, but if they do not have licences, they will be liable if found livestreaming those activities. There is a need for clarity and, I think, they can focus on licensing and regulating mainstream media institutions than media houses.

I submit, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I gave a simple answer because I took it that this matter was ironed out last time it came up. For the sake of refreshing my dear hon. Colleague’s memory and for avoidance of doubt, let me draw his attention to the definition of online broadcasting so that what he has said is sought to be regulated by this law can be clarified.

“‘online broadcasting service’ means a broadcasting service delivered over internet protocol based networks such as internet radio, internet television or internet protocol television, video on demand, web television, but does not include …”

Mr Chairperson, the hon. Member should pay attention to this

“… (a) corporate audio or audio visual communication;

(b) a broadcasting service that primarily provides data or texts, whether with, or without, audio or video clips such as an online newspaper, blog, weblog, audio or audio visual clips;

(c) personal audio or audio visual streaming on social media or any other similar broadcasting service; or

(d) a broadcasting service or class of broadcasting service as the Authority may determine;”

Mr Chairperson, so, the hon. Member’s fears are already catered for, because they fall within the exclusion or the clawback Clause of the particular provision.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Question that Clause 10 be amended put and negatived.

Clause 10 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 11, 12 and 13 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 14 – (Qualification to apply for broadcast licence or broadcast-related licence)

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 14, on page 17, in lines 7 to 11 by the deletion of Clause 14 and the substitution therefor of the following:

14. (1) A person shall qualify to apply for a broadcast licence under this act if that person–

is a body corporate where sixty per cent of the shareholders are citizens; and

complies with requirements as prescribed.

(2) A person shall qualify to apply for a broadcast-related licence under this Act if that person

is a body corporate;

has a valid broadcast licence, or an equivalent licence, issued by a relevant authority in a foreign country; and

complies with requirements as prescribed.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 14, as amended, ordered to stand of the Bill.

Clause 14 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 15 – (Prohibition of providing online broadcasting services without online broadcasting licence)

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 15, on page 17, in lines 12 to 18 by the deletion of Clause 15.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, you will note that, as a result of the retention of the previous proposal to delete the provision relating to online broadcasting, this particular proposal, and I think one or two that will follow, equally fall out because they relate to a matter which has now taken pre-eminence, as already provided.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, on the Clause under consideration, and to which I am proposing to move amendments, if they have to make exemptions, the law must be clear. The hon. Minister has talked about the definition of online broadcasting, if there are no provisions or exemptions, there is a likelihood that those who will be enforcing the law can pounce on anyone, if it is not clear in the law. Further, I am also concerned about Clause 15(2), where it is proposed that a person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fee not exceeding 500,000 penalty units or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both. This is extreme. The punishment that is being prescribed for breaches could be a threat to the media fraternity. I propose that the ministry revisits these proposed punitive measures. The ministry can either opt for administrative penalties without the five-year jail sentence. We are encouraging media freedom. Indeed, a mere breach, may be someone not understanding the parameters of online broadcasts, and are found broadcasting without licences. Are we saying that they should be liable to a five-year sentence? I think, this is too much. That was the rationale behind the proposed amendments.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, the point that has to be heard is the fact that this particular provision relates to an entity, which is already licenced, deciding, in breach of the licence, to carry on broadcasting. There is no invitation by this provision at law that someone should breach the law.

Mr Nkandu: Nothing at all!

Mr Mweetwa: If anything, this is meant to deter people from carrying on broadcasting for which they were licenced and now their licence is no longer subsisting because in the minds of ordinary members of the public, they have already held themselves as being licenced and therefore, they can mislead the public. It is not about an ordinary person just going to broadcast like the broadcasting that was envisaged in the initial arguments of my brother. It is someone who is already licenced, but opts, having made the public believe the same to be a licensee, proceeds now to begin broadcasting online without a licence. Therefore, there is nowhere where the law invites anyone to commit the offence. If anything, the law encourages entities or individuals to not commit the offence. The beauty is that the law is clear beforehand. One needs to know that if he/she commits such a crime, this is a punishment so that we can have an orderly society.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Question that Clause 15 be amended put and negatived.

Clause 15 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 16 – (Application for Online Broadcast Licence)

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 16, on page 17, lines 19 to 31 by the deletion of Clause 16 and the substitution therefor of the following:

16. (1) Subject to section 13(4), a person that intends to provide an online broadcasting service shall apply to the Authority for an online broadcast licence in a prescribed manner and form on payment of a prescribed fee.

(2) A person shall qualify to apply for an online broadcast licence under this Act if that person complies with requirements as prescribed.

(3) The Authority shall, within ninety days of receipt of the application under subsection (1), grant or reject the application.

(4) The Authority shall, where the Authority grants an application under subsection (3), issue the applicant with an online broadcast licence in a prescribed manner and form on terms and conditions that the Authority may determine.

(5) The Authority shall, where the Authority rejects an application under subsection (3), inform the applicant, in writing, stating the reasons for the rejection.

Question that Clause 16 be deleted agreed to.

Clause accordingly deleted.

Interruptions

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): I am teaching you legislation.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that Clause 16, be amended with the words as circulated. I just pray that the amendment that the hon. Minister has spoken to, is the same amendment that I have proposed.

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, you know what you are supposed to read. You have the order of proceeding on how you should proceed. It does not allow you to say that. You know what you are supposed to say.

Mr Kampyongo: Apologies, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 16, on page 17, in lines 19 to 31 by the deletion of Clause 16.

The Deputy Chairperson: Question that Clause 16, as amended, stands part of the Bill. As many as are of that opinion, say ‘Aye’.

Hon. PF Members: Aye!

The Deputy Chairperson: On the contrary, say ‘No’.

Hon. UPND Members: No!

Interruptions

Mr Mweetwa: This is a procedural matter, Mr Chairperson.

The Deputy Chairperson: What did you say, hon. Minister?

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, the amendment was already moved by me. Therefore, the hon. Member would not move an amendment that has already been moved. That is the precedent of this House because the amendment was already moved. By being moved by ourselves it means such an amendment is already agreed by ourselves. So how can he move an amendment that we are moving ourselves? How?

The Deputy Chairperson: No, you are the one who is moving the amendment. You are the one who is moving the amendment. So, you have to move it through the House. You need the support of the House. Maybe, you did not hear the question. I will rephrase it.

Hon. Members, you should be attentive. Be very attentive. If it is the hon. Minister –

Mr Chisanga interjected.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order, Hon. Chisanga!

If it is the hon. Minister moving the amendment, you have to be attentive equally; if it is the other side, you have to be attentive because my role is simply to read.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I have an amendment to move, but if that amendment is the same as the one moved by the hon. Minister, I will go with that amendment as proposed by the hon. Minister. I just want to make it clear to the hon. Colleagues. We are avoiding Bills to come back from being assented to as we have experienced.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I was just saying if the proposed amendment that I am moving–

The Deputy Chairperson: Just read your document.

Mr Kampyongo: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 16, on page 17, in lines 19 to 31 by the deletion of Clause 16.

Question that Clause 16 be further amended put and negatived.

Clause 16 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 29 – (Programme Standard)

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 29:

on page 20, in line 34 by the deletion of the word “licence” and the substitution therefor of the words “broadcast licence or an online broadcast licence”; and

on page 21, in line 2, by the deletion of the word “licence” and the substitution therefor of the words “broadcast licence or an online broadcast licence”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 29, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

GENERAL AMENDMENT

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move a general amendment in clauses 15 to 43, on pages 17 to 26, by the renumbering of clauses 15 to 43 as clauses 14 to 41, respectively.

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I wish to indicate, firstly, that such an amendment was not shared. As for the substance of the proceeding, in terms of amendments on pages 17 to 26, they are not necessary because the renumbering that is being called for in terms of clauses 15 to 43 has already been taken care of. What occasioned the proposal to amend was the contemplated deletion of the provision relating to online broadcasting, which has been maintained. Therefore, the structure of the numbers remain in situ.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Question that clauses 15 to 43 be renumbered as clauses 14 to 41, put and negatived.

First Schedule ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to.

THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL BROADCASTING CORPORATION BILL, 2025

Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 2 – (Interpretation)

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move the following amendments in Clause 2, on page 7:

after line 9 by the insertion of the following new definition:

“public service broadcaster” means a broadcaster that serves public interest in the provision of broadcasting services and is accountable to the public;; and

in lines 12 to 13 by the deletion of the definition of “residence permit”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 3 and 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 5 – (Functions of corporation)

Mr Mweetwa: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 5, on page 8, as follows:

in lines 2 to 13 by the deletion of subclause (1) and the substitution therefor of the following:

The Corporation is a public service broadcaster responsible for providing broadcasting services in a balanced manner that reflects public interest;

after line 13 by the insertion of the following new subclause immediately after subclause (1):

Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of the Corporation are to –

promote production and broadcasting of local content;

provide varied and balanced programming that reflects the diversity, culture, norms and beliefs of the Republic;

establish and maintain audio and audio-visual libraries and archives containing materials relevant to the functions of the Corporation, and to make available to the public such libraries and archives; and

establish a radio channel or television channel as the Corporation may determine.; and

in lines 14 to 16 by the renumbering of subclause (2) as subclause (3).

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 5, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 6, 7, 8, 9 –

Mr Fube: Mr Chairperson, I indicated to speak on Clause 6.

The Deputy Chairperson: What did you say, hon. Member?

Mr Fube: I indicated to speak on Clause 6.

The Deputy Chairperson: Which clause did you indicate to speak on?

Mr Fube: Clause 6.

The Deputy Chairperson: You indicated late.

We make progress.

Mr Fube: I indicated the minute you mentioned the clause.

The Deputy Chairperson: I did not see any indication to speak. That is why I proceeded to Clause 9.

Let us make progress.

Clauses 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 21 – (Editorial Policy)

Mr Fube: Mr Chairperson, on behalf of the people of Chilubi, I would like to submit that the issue of the State-owned broadcaster in Clause 21, tallied with the editorial policy, goes hand in hand –

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Mr Fube: That is indiscipline.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

The Deputy Chairperson: Order, hon. Member!

This is just a procedural matter. There is no amendment for you to debate. There is no provision for that.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Clauses 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

First and Second Schedules ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Title agreed to.

_______

HOUSE RESUMED

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bills were reported to the House as having passed through Committee with amendments:

The Independent Broadcasting Authority Bill, 2025

The Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation Bill, 2025

Report Stages on Wednesday, 3^rd December, 2025.

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Occupational Health and Safety Bill, 2025

_______

COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY

[THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE (INCLUDING CAPITAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTORY EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR 1^ST JANUARY, 2026 TO 31^ST DECEMBER, 2026

VOTE 01 – (Office of the President – State House – K163,469,036)

The Minister of Defence and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Lufuma): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move that K163,469,036 be approved in respect of Head 01 – State House to meet the expenditure for the year ending 31^st December, 2026.

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Thank you, Mr Chairperson.

Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment on page 6, Table 5: Programme Budget Allocation by Sub-Programme: Under Programme 3425: Presidential Advisory Services, Sub-programme 005: Project Implementation, Monitoring and National Security Advisory Services, by the deletion of K7,058,011.

Mr Anakoka: Mr Chairperson, I was about to indicate that we do not support the proposed amendment by the hon. Member for Lunte, because it is not grounded in serious analysis and understanding of what Programme 3425 is supposed to deliver, specifically Sub-Programme 005.

Mr Chairperson, project implementation, monitoring and national security advisory services are very important, and are a highly specialised support system that is made available to the Presidency. Therefore, it is not in any way to be confused with the functions that are performed by the Zambia Army, the Zambia National Service (ZNS), or even the State security services. That is conflicting issues.

Mr Chairperson, the proposal is not even to reduce, but to completely delete that service from Head 01. That means basically, to delete the opportunity for the Presidency to be avail this important support service. For this reason, we do not support the proposal.

Mr Chairperson, let me also take this opportunity to indicate to my colleague that in his misunderstanding of what this Head and sub-programme are actually talking about, he accused ZNS that it is currently training people on how to handle guns, who will then be led to go scot-free. As far as the country knows, the current voluntary training that is being undertaken by ZNS is in skills that are meant to enable these young people to get back to their homes and be able to earn a living for themselves. So, they are being skilled in agricultural methods, in processing methods, and many other necessary skills that are important for their individual survival.

Mr Chairperson, the suggestion that this is an Army that is being trained, that has the potential to go and become a militia, is not only misleading, but also mischievous.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Anakoka: Mr Chairperson, given that my colleague was only indicating that this service should be eliminated from the–

The Deputy Chairperson: Hon. Member, you are running out of time.

Mr Anakoka: Mr Chairperson, with these few words, I am glad to say that we do not support the proposed amendment by the hon. Member.

I thank you, Mr Chairperson.

The Deputy Chairperson: Order!

(Debate adjourned)

_______

The House adjourned at 1855 hours until 1430 hours on Wednesday, 3^rd December, 2025.

____________

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