Crafting Change for Citizens

Mukelebai says Designing Designing practical solutions that improve livelihoods and social equity is what citizens expect of government 

By Francis Maingaila, 

Lusaka, Zambia24 (17-09-2025)  - The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has urged the Zambian government to act swiftly to address gaps in policy implementation and social protection, warning that delays risk undermining inclusive growth, citizen trust, and poverty reduction efforts. 

The call followed President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, 12th September, which outlined macroeconomic stabilization and sectoral reforms but left key issues unresolved.

> “High debt service obligations, combined with contractionary monetary policies that raise borrowing costs and reduce household disposable incomes, threaten inclusive growth.” – Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai, CSPR

In a statement, CSPR Country Director Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai said the President’s speech outlined macroeconomic stabilization and sectoral reforms.

Mukelabai, however, expressed concern that the address lacked clear strategies on health insurance financing, debt risk management, and contingency measures for social spending—issues made more pressing as Zambia awaits approval of a 12-month International Monetary Fund Extended Credit Facility.

Although 92% of Zambia’s external debt has been restructured, the government has not disclosed critical details on interest rates, repayment schedules, or bilateral agreements, Mukelabai noted.

The CSPR welcomed government efforts to diversify the energy sector, pointing to the 94MW Copperbelt Energy solar plant, the 100MW Chisamba solar project, and the 300MW Maamba thermal plant.

 "Slow implementation continues to leave households and small businesses grappling with prolonged load shedding." – Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai, CSPR

She also urged transparency in the TAZAMA pipeline open-access diesel regime to ensure citizens benefit from lower fuel costs.

Highlighting economic progress, Mukelabai pointed to growth in non-traditional exports to $3.6 billion and the operation of 87 companies in special economic zones.

She noted, however, that industrial yards under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) have underperformed, while continued reliance on copper exposes the economy to global commodity price fluctuations. 

She urged accelerated investment in value addition, import substitution, and job creation.

Mukelabai commended government interventions during the 2024 drought, including emergency cash transfers and the Cash for Work programme, but warned that the absence of defined social spending floors and contingency plans undermines effective service delivery.

“Macro-economic policies, sectoral reforms, and social protection measures must translate into tangible benefits for the most vulnerable citizens.” – Isabel Mutembo Mukelabai, CSPR

She also raised concerns over the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), whose claims rose from K677.3 million in 2019 to K1.7 billion in 2024, calling for sustainable financing of universal health coverage.

On agriculture, CSPR welcomed reforms in the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), including e-vouchers, irrigation expansion, mechanization centres, and private-sector engagement.

Mukelabai highlighted persistent gaps in credit risk management, input supply chains, price stabilization, and market access.

 She urged strengthening the Smallholder Agriculture Finance Facility (SAFF) with clear performance indicators, risk mitigation strategies, and integration with input supply systems to protect rural livelihoods and enhance climate resilience.

She concluded that while the President’s address sets a credible reform agenda, Zambia’s progress on poverty reduction, social equity, and citizen trust will depend on structured, transparent, and data-driven implementation.