Business journalists have been challenged to learn how electronic billing machines work to be able to report accurately about them. All business people are required by law to issue customers e-receipts for items bought.

"These machines will not only help in making tax collections efficient, but they are also useful to the taxpayer in terms of reducing paperwork in form of receipt books and minimising the risks of theft by employees,” Rwanda Revenue Authority’s Placide Kiboga, said during journalists’ training organised by the tax body. 

The training at Lemigo Hotel in Kigali aimed at equipping journalists with basic knowledge and skills on reporting about the project.

Kiboga said that soon, all business people would start issuing receipts asking customers not to pay operators before they receive e-receipts. 

The tax body last month warned it will penalise businesses that do not have e-billing machines effective April 1.

The tax body introduced the machines in 2012, but business operators have been slow in embracing them.