Zambia vs Malawi
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇿🇲 Zambia — Council & Local Authority Taxes
Zambia's 10 provinces and 117 district councils levy property rates, business levies, and market fees. The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) administers all national taxes. Zambia is a major copper producer — copper revenues and royalties are key fiscal inputs. The country completed an IMF-backed debt restructuring in 2023 after defaulting in 2020. Mineral royalty taxes are significant: copper 5.5% (open cast) to 8.5% (underground). The government has been diversifying the tax base away from mining dependence.
🇲🇼 Malawi — District & City Councils
Malawi's 28 district councils and city/town assemblies levy property rates, trading licences, and local service charges. The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) administers national taxes. Malawi is landlocked and one of the world's poorest countries — highly dependent on tobacco exports (declining due to health campaigns), tea, and sugar, plus significant international aid. An IMF Extended Credit Facility has been supporting fiscal consolidation. The kwacha has experienced significant depreciation, complicating tax bracket real values over time.
Zambia vs Malawi: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇿🇲 Zambia has a higher top income tax rate (0–37.5% vs 0–35%). 🇲🇼 Malawi is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Both countries have comparable consumption tax rates (16% vs 16.5%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: Corporate rates are similar in both countries (30% vs 30%).
📈 Capital Gains: 🇿🇲 Zambia taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 30%), benefiting investors.