Zambia simplifies VAT refunds to resolve row with mining companies

Zambia has relaxed the rule requiring exporters to produce documents from destination countries to claim tax refunds, the revenue authority said, in a move to resolve a row that threatens investment in Africa's second-biggest copper producer. Zambia has been withholding the VAT payments from mining companies and other exporters it says have not produced import certificates from destination countries - a step the government says is needed for greater transparency.