Tough Talk, Real Action

Cabinet Approves Bold Reforms to Boost Governance, Economy, and Security

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (July 3, 2025) – The Zambian Cabinet has approved a series of far-reaching reforms targeting illegal mining, economic stabilization, and public sector governance.

Speaking at a press conference, Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the government is taking firm and deliberate steps to safeguard national resources and enhance service delivery across sectors.

He said Cabinet authorized the deployment of defense and security forces to clamp down on illegal mining, particularly in tin and lithium-rich areas, where illegal foreign and local operations have surged.

The move follows a troubling rise in unlicensed activities by artisanal miners and foreign nationals exploiting strategic minerals.

Mweetwa explained that Zambia is losing significant revenue through smuggling, while unregulated mining continues to pose serious environmental, safety, and human rights concerns.

He added that long-term corrective measures will include issuing mining licenses to local cooperatives to ensure that communities benefit directly from the country’s mineral wealth.

Several progressive bills were approved to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks. The Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Amendment Bill introduces clearer definitions, tougher penalties, and enhanced support services for survivors.

The Procurement and Supply Bill modernizes outdated procurement laws to improve efficiency, transparency, and value for public money.

The Teaching Profession Bill introduces professional exams and standardizes qualifications for teachers across all sectors, aiming to restore dignity and competence in the education system.

The Cotton Bill is expected to stabilize prices and improve livelihoods for cotton farmers by reforming the Cotton Board and introducing seed zoning mechanisms.

The Lands and Deeds Registry Amendment empowers the Chief Registrar to cancel fraudulent or irregular land titles without resorting to protracted court proceedings.

Judicial reforms include increasing the number of High Court judges from 90 to 100, and fixing the number of Court of Appeal judges at 31, in a bid to reduce the growing backlog of cases and accelerate justice delivery.

The Occupational Health and Safety Bill mandates the formation of safety committees in workplaces, placing workers’ rights and wellbeing at the center of industrial development.

Access to Information Regulations were approved to operationalize the 2023 law, aimed at promoting transparency, empowering citizens, and curbing misinformation.

Small Claims Court reforms will broaden the court’s jurisdiction to help resolve minor civil disputes faster and reduce pressure on higher courts.

Mweetwa also announced the commissioning of a 100MW solar power plant, with a second one expected by August 2025, as part of government’s plan to reduce dependency on the Maamba Coal Plant and alleviate load-shedding.

He defended Zambia’s continued electricity exports under SADC energy cooperation agreements, saying the foreign exchange earnings from exports outweighed the temporary domestic trade-offs.

He further reported that inflation had dropped significantly from 15.3% to 10.1% in June, and that fuel prices had declined due to market liberalization.

Mweetwa called on businesses to reflect the reduced fuel costs in their pricing structures and pass on the benefits to consumers.

He also highlighted that the country recorded a strong harvest despite early drought conditions, bringing relief to both consumers and farmers.

On constitutional reform, the government has deferred the controversial Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 following widespread criticism over limited stakeholder consultation.

Although the Constitutional Court found no legal flaw in the bill, Mweetwa said the government decided to suspend the process to allow for broader public engagement and national consensus.

He explained that the bill is intended to clarify timelines for election petitions ahead of the 2026 general elections and not to undermine democratic principles.

Cabinet also addressed the ongoing legal case in South Africa concerning the burial of a former Zambian president.

Mweetwa revealed that the government has filed a lawsuit seeking interment at the Presidential Memorial Site, and is actively pursuing a negotiated settlement ahead of the August 4 court hearing.

“We urge all parties to avoid politicizing the matter and to respect the wishes of the family,” he said.

As part of broader cost-saving measures, he said ministries have been instructed to cut down on non-essential expenditure and prioritize virtual meetings to reduce travel and administrative costs.

Mweetwa concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development, accountability, and the rule of law, saying the newly approved reforms are part of a broader national agenda to modernize governance, unlock economic growth, and improve the quality of life for all Zambians.