Stakeholders elated by Situmbeko retain

PHILIP CHISALU, MARY LEMBA, MATHEWS MALAZIKA Lusaka STAKEHOLDERS have welcomed the reappointment of Situmbeko Musokotwane as Minister of Finance and National Planning, saying his return will provide policy continuity, fiscal stability and sustained commitment to structural…

PHILIP CHISALU,

MARY LEMBA,

MATHEWS MALAZIKA

Lusaka

STAKEHOLDERS have welcomed the reappointment of Situmbeko Musokotwane as Minister of Finance and National Planning, saying his return will provide policy continuity, fiscal stability and sustained commitment to structural economic reforms.

Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) executive director Sydney Mwamba said Dr Musokotwane’s reappointment will reassure multilateral lenders such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank that Zambia remains committed to its agreed obligations and medium-term fiscal frameworks.

“The mining and energy sectors generally viewed the reappointment favourably because it will provide stability in the tax regime, among other areas,” Dr Mwamba said in an interview.

Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR) executive director Zali Chikuba said Dr Musokotwane’s return to the ministry was expected, given his contribution to revamping the economy.

Mr Chikuba said Zambia has recorded major economic milestones under Dr Musokotwane’s leadership, including debt restructuring and increased gross domestic product (GDP).

Meanwhile, stakeholders have also welcomed the appointment of Professor Roma Chilengi as Minister of Health, with health sector representatives saying his experience and qualifications make him suitable to lead the ministry at a critical time.

Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) president Paul Chibwe said Prof Chilengi’s appointment comes when the health sector requires experienced leadership to address persistent challenges affecting service delivery.

Dr Chibwe said the new minister will need to draw on his experience to strengthen the health system and improve the quality of services provided to patients.

Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) director general Quince Mwabu urged Prof Chilengi to focus on delivering measurable improvements in healthcare while addressing challenges affecting both patients and health workers.

The United Party for National Development (UPND) health committee also congratulated Prof Chilengi on his appointment.

Committee coordinator for media and public relations Jerome Nkonjela said the minister’s experience and understanding of the health sector places him in a strong position to provide effective leadership.

Mr Nkonjela said the committee is confident that Prof Chilengi will build on Government’s progress in improving access to medicines, strengthening human resources and expanding health infrastructure. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home