*SME Growth Needs Clearer, Simplified Tax Models*
By Kelvin Chisanga
Zambia’s 2025 supplementary budget has introduced several significant amendments to the income tax framework, reflecting the government’s strategic focus on enhancing revenue collection, curbing tax avoidance and fostering economic development.
The simultaneous increase in the turnover tax rate to 5% and indirect exposure to Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) places an additional financial burden on these businesses, many of which operate with slim profit margins.
While the introduction of the Minimum Alternative Tax (MAT) is considered as a positive step toward ensuring a fairer tax system and increasing government revenue, it presents particular challenges for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Without simplified tax filing procedures, targeted capacity-building initiatives, and meaningful incentives to encourage formalization, these reforms risk pushing many SMEs further into the informal sector.
This outcome would be counterproductive, as it undermines the very goal of broadening the tax base and improving compliance.
However, to maximize the positive impact of MAT and other tax reforms that Zambia is trying making up, policymakers must strike a careful balance providing support that enables SMEs to grow and comply, rather than inadvertently discouraging formal business activity.