Revenues are collected via issuance of passport fees, driver licenses and other services by government. These revenues known as non-tax revenues, have been reported to dwindle from K112.2bn to K96bn in the 2018/19 financial year.

The above has worried economy experts since it has influenced the downwards revision of domestic revenue from K1.052 trillion to K1.036 trillion, presented by the Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe.

However, the poor performance from non-tax revenues is a surprise, considering that the very non-tax revenues were hiked in 2014, in an effort to raise more from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs). Some of the hikes include 300% increase for permits and citizenship fees, as well as 320% increment for passports. The poor results from these MDA’s non-tax revenues calls for scrutiny.