Zambia has experienced a remarkable 60% increase in its revenue collection over the past two years, thanks to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, a senior government official announced on Tuesday.
Felix Mutati, the Minister of Technology and Science, attributed this significant boost to the enhanced capabilities brought about by AI, which has been employed by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the nation’s primary revenue collection agency. Speaking at a lecture on AI held in Lusaka, the capital, Mutati highlighted the transformative impact of the technology on revenue collection and tax compliance.
“Artificial intelligence has come here to stay, and we must embrace it as it has many benefits in many areas such as justice, business, security, and agriculture,” Mutati asserted. He emphasised that AI equips the revenue agency with advanced tools to streamline and bolster revenue collection efforts.
The minister also pointed out AI’s potential in other critical sectors, including its ability to predict adverse weather conditions. Such predictive capabilities are invaluable for planning and mitigating challenges like flooding or drought, which are recurrent issues in the region.
Dingani Banda, the ZRA commissioner-general, elaborated on the specific advantages AI has brought to the agency, particularly in fraud detection. “The ZRA is able to analyse importers and exporters online and detect fraud faster than a human could,” Banda explained. This enhanced analytical capability has significantly improved the agency’s efficiency and effectiveness in combating fraudulent activities.
The adoption of AI by the ZRA is part of a broader strategy to modernise Zambia’s public sector and improve service delivery across various domains. The positive outcomes witnessed in revenue collection could serve as a model for other governmental agencies and sectors to follow, potentially driving widespread technological adoption throughout the country.
As Zambia continues to embrace AI, the potential for further advancements in various fields appears promising. The successful implementation by the ZRA sets a precedent, demonstrating how technology can play a pivotal role in driving national development and economic growth.
