By Francis Chipalo OPP President Dr. Brian Mushimba says Zambia “gave its economy to foreigners” through 1990s privatization and has pledged a “hard shift” to state participation in strategic sectors if elected. Commenting on Zambia’s economic direction, Dr. Mushimba said the privatization drive excluded citizens who lacked capital to buy state firms, leaving foreign investors […]

By Francis Chipalo

OPP President Dr. Brian Mushimba says Zambia “gave its economy to foreigners” through 1990s privatization and has pledged a “hard shift” to state participation in strategic sectors if elected.

Commenting on Zambia’s economic direction, Dr. Mushimba said the privatization drive excluded citizens who lacked capital to buy state firms, leaving foreign investors in control of factories and industries.

“When a government chooses not to participate in economic activities, the country’s economy gets turned over to those with money — in our case, foreigners,” he said.

He questioned whether Zambia can prosper when “its means of production are controlled by foreigners,” and argued free markets alone won’t deliver national goals because “they are driven by profits only.”

Dr. Mushimba said an OPP government would take “an increasingly active role in strategic economic activities from the first day,” citing China’s state-led model that lifted millions out of poverty.

The pledge aligns with OPP’s Economic Recovery Plan, which includes a Mineral Revenue Authority and Industrial Development Bank to ensure Zambians become “owners, not just workers” in the economy.