By Francis Chipalo First Female Independent Presidential Candidate for 2026, Rev. Dr. Given Katuta has called on government to urgently “reclaim Zambia’s economy” for Zambians, saying locals are being pushed to the margins in their own country. Dr. Katuta said in a statement that Zambia opened its doors to foreign investment with expectations of jobs, […]

By Francis Chipalo

First Female Independent Presidential Candidate for 2026, Rev. Dr. Given Katuta has called on government to urgently “reclaim Zambia’s economy” for Zambians, saying locals are being pushed to the margins in their own country.

Dr. Katuta said in a statement that Zambia opened its doors to foreign investment with expectations of jobs, skills transfer, and shared prosperity. However, she argued that the opposite is happening.

“The time for silence is over. In mines, shops, farms, and construction sites across this country, Zambians are being treated as second-class citizens. Our youth are unemployed while work permits are abused. Our businesses are sidelined while foreigners are given priority,” she stated.

Dr. Katuta identified three areas where she said government has failed Zambians.

She noted that immigration, labour, and business laws exist but are not applied equally.

“Compliance must not be selective. The law must apply to everyone — whether black, white, or Asian. No sacred cows,” she said.

Dr. Katuta said many investors come, make money, and leave without building local capacity.

“We demand mandatory skills transfer, real employment of Zambians in management, and increased Zambian participation in supply chains,” she demanded.

She said jobs that Zambians are qualified to do are being given to foreigners.

“Work permits should only be issued where there is a proven skills gap, and with a clear exit plan for Zambians to take over,” she added.

The presidential candidate has since urged government to immediately launch a nationwide compliance operation involving Immigration, ZRA, PACRA, the Ministry of Labour and the Police.

The operation, she said, should audit workplaces and businesses, deport illegal immigrants, and blacklist companies that violate the law.

“Zambia welcomes investors, but they must respect our people, our laws, and our dignity. Come to build with us,” she added.

Dr. Katuta further stressed that Zambia is not for sale.

“Zambia belongs to Zambians. We are not xenophobic. We are patriotic. We are simply saying: Zambians must come first in Zambia,” she said.