Govt urges stronger focus on delivery of development programmes, amid global shocks

Government has called for intensified implementation of development programmes as Zambia transitions from the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) to the Ninth National Development Plan (9NDP), amid mounting global economic uncertainties. Speaking during the 2026 First Quarter National Development Coordinating Committee (NDCC) meeting in Lusaka on Friday, Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, said Zambia must remain focused on achieving the aspirations outlined in the National Vision 2030 despite global challenges affecting development financing and economic stability. Musokotwane, who also serves as chairperson of the NDCC, said achieving national development goals was a shared responsibility requiring commitment from both government and development stakeholders.

“While it is inevitable to reflect back on this journey, including the numerous successes achieved and challenges we have faced thus far, it is also imperative that we remain focused to ensure that the country is firmly on track to attain our desired aspirations,” he said. The minister urged stakeholders to sharpen implementation of development interventions to optimise economic growth and improve citizens’ welfare. He noted that Zambia was operating in a rapidly changing development finance environment worsened by external shocks, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has disrupted global fuel markets and supply chains.

Musokotwane said Government had continued implementing measures aimed at cushioning the economy from the impact of rising fuel prices and supply disruptions. He disclosed that government recently engaged oil marketing companies to secure petroleum supplies and prevent shortages arising from global energy market instability. “In order to arrest rising pump prices, we have also implemented relief measures, including the suspension of excise duty and the zero-rating of Value Added Tax on petrol and diesel,” he said.

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He said the measures were intended to protect key sectors such as agriculture, which remained Zambia’s largest employer but was heavily dependent on imported inputs for fertiliser production. Musokotwane further revealed that Government was rehabilitating national strategic fuel storage depots and exploring alternative petroleum supply sources to strengthen the country’s resilience against external shocks. On fiscal management, the minister reaffirmed government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline and budget credibility following the successful restructuring of Zambia’s external debt.

He said government would continue strengthening transparency, accountability and efficiency in public financial management systems under the Integrated Public Financial Management Reform Strategy. Musokotwane added that government would sustain investment in education and health sectors while expanding community-driven development through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and social cash transfer programmes.

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