
www.rsisinternational.org
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJRISS)
ISSN No. 2454-6186 | DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS | Volume IX Issue X October 2025
The introduction of ETMS has significantly improved Zambia’s revenue collection performance. Before ICT-
driven systems, ZRA collected around ZMW 20 billion annually but often fell short of national budget targets
by 10–15%. With the full rollout of ETMS in 2017, annual collections steadily increased, reaching ZMW 57.1
billion in 2022, representing 19.1% of GDP and exceeding government revenue targets by 5% (ZRA, 2022;
World Bank, 2022). While these outcomes reflect substantial progress, experts caution that technology alone
does not account for revenue growth, as external economic factors also play a role. Moreover, the effectiveness
of ETMS depends on proper staff training, integration within organizational processes, and addressing
challenges such as corruption, outdated infrastructure, and limited coverage of the informal sector.
LITERATURE REVIEW
The Electronic Tax Management System (ETMS) is a secure, web-enabled platform designed to modernize
domestic tax administration by replacing traditional manual systems. It provides an integrated solution that
allows taxpayers to register for Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), file returns, make payments, and
monitor accounts online in real time (Waweru, 2018). Traditionally, government services were linked to
bureaucracy as described by Weberian principles of hierarchy and standardized procedures. However, the rise
of ICT has enabled governments to offer services that are more efficient, accessible, and cost-effective,
reducing transaction costs and improving accountability (Kun et al., 2018).
Globally, the adoption of e-government systems such as e-filing has shown the potential of technology to
transform public service delivery. For instance, in the United States, e-filing reduced refund processing time
from 12 weeks to just 3 weeks and allowed direct bank deposits, improving both efficiency and taxpayer
satisfaction (Harold, 2019, 2021). Beyond efficiency, ICT supports innovation and economic growth by
creating new organizational structures, markets, products, and services, ultimately boosting productivity and
revenue generation (Mugisha, 2021; Crede, 2018; Suluo, 2022). These benefits highlight the role of ICT as
both a service enhancer and a driver of compliance.
In Zambia, however, challenges such as incomplete computerization, outdated systems, and lack of access to
third-party financial data continue to affect tax collection. To address this, reforms have been recommended,
including the use of a uniform Taxpayer Identification Number (TPIN), simplification of tax codes, and
stronger enforcement mechanisms (Moyi, 2006). The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has also introduced
digital controls such as internal audits, segregation of duties, and strict authorization processes to reduce fraud
and revenue leakages (Obat, 2018). Through ETMS, ZRA seeks to balance effective enforcement with quality
service delivery, thereby enhancing voluntary compliance, strengthening trust with taxpayers, and positioning
itself to meet and surpass revenue targets.
Summary of Literature Review.
This table synthesizes eight empirical and review studies relevant to the effect of Electronic Tax Management
Systems (ETMS) and broader e‑government integration on tax revenue collection, compliance, and
governance. It highlights each study’s focus, key findings, and direct relevance to the current study on ZRA’s
ETMS.
Relevance to Current
Study
Chibanda &
Hussein (2019)
Implementation and
effectiveness of
ETMS in Zambia
ETMS enhances transparency,
accountability, and efficiency;
combats fraud and evasion;
limited analysis of staff
capacity and digital literacy.
Supports examining
ETMS’s role in
revenue gains while
highlighting the need
to measure ZRA staff
competence.
Use of Electronic
Tax Registers
(ETRs) among
ETR adoption reduces
underreporting; sector-
specific insights; limited
Informs SME-focused
compliance strategies
within ETMS;