The Economics Association of Zambia has backed Zambian Breweries efforts to stop illicit unregulated alcohol that is denying the nation more than US$100 million in unpaid annual taxes and duties.
The support came as executives from EAZ toured the company’s Mungwi Road plant in Lusaka and discussed, among other issues, the impact of illicit and unregulated alcohol, which has been robbing the nation of its revenue and destroying the morals of citizens, especially youth, who easily access junta ad tujilijili in the communities.
Zambian Breweries Country Director Jose Moran was thankful to EAZ for being one of the associations spearheading a vibrant economy by drawing attention to issues and challenges denying the nation its wealth in taxes.
“Zambian Breweries is a big tax payer and we are here to create wealth for all Zambians, and I believe we are here to stay for a hundred years more. We are very hopeful that our relationship with EAZ will help foster a vibrant economy through tackling challenges involving the beer industry, such as illicit alcohol and policies,” he said.
A study conducted in 2017 indicates that about 69 percent of the alcohol on the market is smuggled or illegally produced, which denies the government its share in taxes.
Mr. Moran said Illicit alcohol is something that the company see as a problem as it is unethical competition.
He said it is very cheap and very harmful to people as evidenced in the communities were a lot of minors consume and abuse this alcohol.
And EAZ President Dr. Lubinda Haabazoka and his executive, expressed happiness with the commitment shown by the brewing company to create a vibrant economy through aligning with the Seventh National Development Plan and Vision 2030 goals.
Dr Haabazoka said Illicit alcohol is something government should tackle immediately.
“We cannot be losing over US$100 million just through illegal brewing and selling of counterfeit and smuggled alcohol. Not only does government lose revenue but it also loses healthy citizens who can contribute to national socio-economic development”, he said.
Dr Haabazoka said the association will tighten up and enhance awareness of the illegal trade and production of alcohol so that it is curtailed by the relevant bodies.
That is ZRA’s mandate. EAZ find your footsteps!
Alcohol whether brewed and sold by Zambia Breweries has the same moral effects on consumers. You sound like ZB alcohol does not distroy morals. That is further from the truth, they are all the same.
Just wanting to appear relevant.
Ba EAZ banakolewa chabe
One state house spokesperson in one African country will fall with a thud, a research carried out in the said country has revealed. The level of arrogance, insolence, indiscipline, lack of respect, not knowing his boundaries and a serious manifestation of dementia and intelligentsia deficiencies is visible for all to see.
Futile effort. Big corrupt dealers are behind the junta. No way you can kill their business. Infact most of them are legal though illicit. Just because i drink tujilijili does not mean i can drink a mosi. EAZ, what sorts of economists are you?. Advise ZB to package tu junta. Thats the market target. Cheers to the junta. Have one on me! And while we are at it, when will ZB bring a kachasu processing plant. All these wasted mangoes and wild fruits!!!!!
Zambia Breweries must codify its product. It may cost $25 Million. However, that is nothing compared to $75 Million saved. The market is getting more sophisticated everyday. There is need to be innovative. It is unfortunate that ZRA does not possess the capacity to seal loopholes in tax evaders.
Dont prohibit, but regulate…. Rather than prohibit local brewers and distillers our government should regulate them and ensure that the processes involved are hygenic and the products are just as healthy as those of the commercial producers. This will in turn create jobs for local brewers and if they are formal and regulated they will pay their fair share of taxes. Furthermore the local brewing and distillery processes will develop to current standards. If we deny our local brewers a chance to produce, they will remain undeveloped and we will continue calling them illicit. Look at munkoyo, thats a very popular beverage which if given a chance can become a very popular beverage in many parts of our country…. Why should it just be castle and mosi and all other imported nonsense costing…
No mention of praise for the government and ECL. This is a first for this cadre habazoka. Maybe he is losing hope since the appointment is not forthcoming.