The New Heritage Party (NHP) has accused the UPND-led government of financially persecuting Zambian-owned businesses while offering favorable treatment to foreign companies. The opposition party claims the government is using tax holidays and other incentives to favor non-Zambian businesses, while imposing harsh penalties on local entrepreneurs.
According to NHP, the government is exploiting state institutions, including the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), the police, and other agencies, to intimidate and silence citizens. The party cited the case of Spax Mining, a Zambian-owned company that was fined five million Kwacha for tax evasion, while foreign mining firms continue to benefit from tax exemptions, costing the country billions in lost revenue.
NHP also criticized the government's treatment of small businesses, including mobile money operators and market traders. It claims that excessive council fees and the destruction of trading booths in major cities like Lusaka, Livingstone, and Solwezi have driven many local businesses to the brink of collapse.
“The UPND-led government must stop using the rule of law as an excuse to persecute and suppress citizens,” said Aggephrey Brill, Chief Spokesperson for the NHP. “The law is being abused to silence Zambians while foreign businesses continue to exploit our resources without consequence.”
The NHP is calling for immediate reforms, including the abolition of tax holidays and exemptions for foreign businesses, and a fairer, more inclusive approach to supporting local enterprises. The party is also demanding that the government provide viable alternatives and solutions to the challenges faced by Zambian-owned businesses.
“This is not the Zambia we fought for,” Brill added. “We demand a level playing field for all businesses and equal treatment under the law.”
As the battle between the government and local entrepreneurs intensifies, the NHP is rallying citizens to join the fight for a fairer and more just Zambia.
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