Summary: Zambia is rich in natural resources, and is the 7th largest producer of copper globally. However, despite having this potential source of wealth, ordinary Zambians are not benefitting. This is largely due to the shockingly low amount of tax that Zambia is able to collect from the extractives industry. Mineral loyalty rates are set at just 3%, despite the price of copper rising steadily in the world economy. Adding to the problem is the issue of tax dodging by some unscrupulous companies, which the Zambian government estimates has cost them around $1 billion in lost revenue. The failure to raise revenue through taxation has restricted the ability of the Zambian government to invest in public services that could help lift people out of poverty. Many people lack access to basic services like education, healthcare and sanitation facilities. As the world's most powerful leaders meet in Mexico at the G20 summit in June, we're calling on them to make sure that tackling tax dodging is on their agenda. You can add your voice to our campaign at www.christianaid.org.uk/tax
