The only LuSE listed mobile telecommunications company has issued a statement regarding recent social media allegations regarding its tax affairs.
In a SENS Announcement aptly titled “STATEMENT ON AIRTEL TAX OBLIGATIONS WITH ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY”, Airtel Zambia Plc advised stakeholders to ignore the malicious statements that had gone viral.
“We refer to the market announcement that was published on 19th August 2021. Airtel Networks Zambia wishes to clarify to all its stakeholders, who include its esteemed customers, not to pay any heed to the malicious and mischievous message being circulated regarding its Tax Liability”, read the statement issued on 20th August 2021 by the company’s Corporate and Communications Office.
The company further categorically stated that “the news is without any basis as, Airtel has discharged and continues to discharge all its statutory liabilities on time and prides itself in being a model corporate citizen”.
The statement also served as a reminder to all concerned the substantial investment the company has made in the last 3 years. “Airtel Networks has invested over 100 million US Dollars in the last 3 years in building a 100% 4G network to bridge the digital divide in Zambia”.
Furthermore, the company also indicated that it was compliant with all statutory requirements and had made public all essential documents for stakeholders to verify. “All the Financial Statements of Airtel Networks Zambia PLC are in the public domain by virtue of it being listed on the Lusaka Securities Exchange”.
The company has signaled that it intends to ignore the malicious statements and will remain razor focused on Zambia. “We remain committed to Zambia and will continue to work resolutely without any distractions”
