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The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has acknowledged progress in implementing Zambia’s development policies but emphasized the need for greater inclusivity to ensure the benefits of growth reach all citizens.
Speaking at a public forum on Friday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka, Acting Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration, Prudence Kaoma, noted that while Zambia had made significant strides in its development agenda, inequality remained a pressing concern.
The forum, organized by the Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) and the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ), focused on achieving inclusive growth in Zambia.
“Inclusivity is a crucial component of sustainable development. While progress has been made, there is still much to be done to ensure that growth benefits all Zambians,” Kaoma said.
Echoing this perspective, EAZ President Oswald Mungule called for a fundamental shift in the country’s economic approach. He urged for increased production across various sectors to generate wealth that reached all corners of society.
“For the economy to deliver inclusive prosperity, it must produce massive output. This is critical for creating the wealth that Zambia needs,” Mungule stated.
CSPR Executive Director, Issabel Mukelabai, challenged the government to reconsider its economic strategies, particularly in light of Zambia’s human development indicators, which she described as concerning.
“The government must thoroughly evaluate its economic model to ensure that the strategies in place align with the goal of improving human development outcomes for all citizens,” Mukelabai said.
Zambia has set an ambitious target under its Eighth National Development Plan to reduce poverty levels from the current 60 percent to below 40 percent by 2026.
However, Mukelabai warned that achieving this goal would require continuous reflection and adaptation of policies to ensure inclusivity.
“The government is committed to addressing poverty through various policies, but experts agree that achieving inclusive growth will require continuous reflection and adaptation of economic strategies,” she added.
The forum concluded with stakeholders agreeing that while Zambia’s development framework showed promise, the nation must remain committed to policies and practices that prioritise equality and inclusivity.
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