Botswana’s 2024 budget unveils plans for e-invoicing implementation

Botswana’s 2024 budget aims to modernize the Income Tax Act in response to the changing global business environment. Key proposals include reviewing and modernizing tax laws, implementing electronic invoicing for efficient VAT collection, incorporating digital sales into taxation, optimizing e-services for enhanced accessibility, and digitally tracking excisable goods.

No exact date known yet.

Cape Verde Implements Self-Invoicing Ordinance

• Cape Verde has introduced a self-invoicing Ordinance to regulate the issuance of invoices by purchasers on behalf of taxable suppliers.
• The ordinance applies to entities with organized accounting obligations, including public entities, organizations, small businesses, and taxpayers classified as microenterprises.
• Invoices must clearly mention the goods seller or service provider and can be processed electronically through digital channels like SMS, email, or electronic mailbox.
• The self-billing regime is applicable only to transactions associated with the acquirer’s main activities.
• Microenterprise taxpayers have the option to choose coverage under the self-billing regime while still maintaining the obligation to issue invoices.
• The ordinance came into effect on 1 January 2024, the day after its publication.

Kenya Extends E-Invoicing Grace Period for Non-VAT Registered Taxpayers Until March 31, 2024

• Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) announced grace period for non-VAT registered taxpayers to onboard to e-invoicing platform until March 31, 2024
• No penalties will be imposed on businesses during grace period for not issuing electronic invoices
• E-invoicing mandate in Kenya requires invoices to be sent to KRA’s platform in regulated format
• All businesses, including those not registered for VAT, required to use electronic Tax Invoice Management System (eTIMS) for e-invoicing as of September 1, 2023
• Starting January 1, 2024, business expenses not documented with electronic tax invoices are ineligible for tax deductions.

Malawi paves the way for e-invoicing

• Malawi will abolish the use of Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFDs) and move towards an e-invoicing system. 
• On 23 February 2024, the Finance Minister of Malawi, Chithyola Banda, announced these changes during the 2024/25 Budget Plan presentation. 
• The new system will lead to a more effective and accurate collection of VAT and will reduce compliance costs.
• Further details will be announced by the Malawi Revenue Authority.  
• No exact date known yet

Mauritius Implements Mandatory E-Invoicing for Large Taxpayers by May 2024

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) is implementing mandatory e-invoicing in phases.

• Large taxpayers with a turnover of RS 100 million must comply by May 15, 2024.
• The rollout started in 2023, with electronic billing systems already in place by June 1, 2023.
• Large taxpayers are expected to issue invoices through the MRA’s Electronic Billing System from May 15, 2024.
• Other taxpayer categories’ timelines will be confirmed later in 2024.
• Generating an EBS e-invoice involves certification with the MRA, creation via accounting systems, transmission to the MIRA system, and customer verification through the MIRA system.
• The new regime uses JSON format via API to MRA and covers sales invoices, credit notes, and debit notes.
• Fines for non-compliance range from MUR 5,000 to 10,000 per month, up to a maximum of MUR 200,000.
• The effective date for e-invoicing is May 15, 2024.

Namibia Plans Introduction of Government-Controlled VAT E-invoicing Regime

• Namibia has unveiled plans to introduce a government-controlled VAT e-invoicing system, according to the recent budget announcement for the 2024/25 fiscal year.
• The Namibia Revenue Authority (NamRA) will oversee the implementation of this electronic invoicing regime.
• While similar systems have been implemented in other countries, Namibia will review these models to develop its own tailored approach.
• The move towards e-invoicing aims to enhance efficiency, transparency, and tax compliance in Namibia’s business landscape.
• Date of implementation is not yet known.

Rwanda’s New E-Invoicing Enforcement Drive to Boost Tax Compliance and Consumer Incentives

• Rwanda’s Government is implementing an E-Invoicing Enforcement Drive
• The goal is to improve value-added tax compliance rates
• Incentives will be offered to consumers who request electronic invoices

Zambia: E-Invoicing Obligation Commences July 1, 2024

The Zambian Revenue Authority (ZRA) announced that as of July 1, 2024, all VAT registered taxpayers are mandated to issue e-invoices through the Smart Invoice software solution implemented by ZRA.