Zambia: From basket case to case study

PHILIP CHISALU Lusaka UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance secretary to the Council of Presidents Ezra Ngulube says Zambia could become a case study in Africa over the next five to 10 years if the country sustains its economic transformation and prospects for…

PHILIP CHISALU

Lusaka

UNITED Party for National Development (UPND) Alliance secretary to the Council of Presidents Ezra Ngulube says Zambia could become a case study in Africa over the next five to 10 years if the country sustains its economic transformation and prospects for increased prosperity.

Mr Ngulube attributed the progress under President Hakainde Hichilema to measures including debt restructuring which he said have created fiscal space for development.

He said Government has helped restore confidence in the economy and placed the country on a growth trajectory capable of attracting increased local and foreign investment.

Mr Ngulube said the President’s approach to leadership also enabled the country to attain key milestones during the first five years of his administration.

He said the New Dawn administration inherited significant economic challenges in 2021, including high debt levels, but argued that measures taken by the current administration have helped resuscitate the economy.

His comments come as civil society and governance stakeholders call for greater coordination among public institutions in implementing the Grow Zambia Agenda.

The agenda, unveiled by President Hichilema, shifts the Government’s focus from economic stabilisation to accelerated economic growth centred on agriculture, mining, tourism and energy.

Centre for Peace Research and Advocacy executive director Cliffton Chifuwe said the agenda should not remain a political slogan but must be translated into action by those responsible for implementing government programmes.

Mr Chifuwe said every ministry, minister, permanent secretary, director, Member of Parliament and other public officials involved in implementing government programmes should align their work with the agenda.

He said accelerated development will require all sectors to work towards achieving the production targets while ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.

Meanwhile, UPND Alliance member Charles Chanda has called for a review of Zambia’s gemstone mining policy, including consideration of greater government participation in the sector.

Mr Chanda said the country’s substantial gemstone resources, particularly emeralds, have the potential to contribute significantly to economic development if Zambia retains more value from their exploitation.

He said limited public understanding of gemstone valuation has contributed to the country failing to fully benefit from its resources. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home