05/09/2026
Grow Zambia: A Call for Collective Action, Innovation, and Structural Transformation
By Goodwin Mankomba
President Hakainde Hichilema’s introduction of the Grow Zambia Agenda is a welcome continuation of the visionary leadership first outlined in 2021. After years of economic stagnation, destruction, and retrogression, where hope was often followed by disappointment, this new roadmap offers clarity and a clear break from the past.
The "10,10,5,3,3,1,1" targets, aiming for 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of power, 5 million tourists, 3 million tonnes of copper, 3 million tonnes of soybeans, 1 million tonnes of wheat, 1 million tonnes of sugar, and $1 billion in beef exports, provide a tangible benchmark for national ambition. Now, it is time for every citizen to pull in this direction.
However, ambition without action remains a dream. For this vision to become reality, I believe we must urgently address several foundational issues:
1. A 180-Degree Shift in Work Culture
The "I don't care" mentality must end. Every citizen, particularly those in public service, must work towards the national vision daily. A sense of duty and productivity must replace complacency. We need a public sector that sees itself as an engine of growth, not a barrier to it.
2. Slash Bureaucracy and Improve Service Delivery
The red tape that stifles efficiency must be dismantled. Service delivery should be swift, transparent, and citizen-centric. We cannot afford delays that cost the economy time and money.
3. Make Business Easy to Start and Sustain
Currently, too many barriers exist for entrepreneurs. We need a regulatory environment that fosters, rather than frustrates, business. Simplifying the process of starting and sustaining a business will unlock the potential of our SMEs, which are the backbone of job creation.
4. Prioritize Industrialization and Research & Development (R&D)
Industrialization is key to creating high-value jobs and breaking our reliance on raw commodity exports. For this to succeed, we must dramatically increase investment in Research and Development. Currently, Zambia invests less than 0.3% of its GDP in R&D, far below the global standard. I urge the government to prioritize increasing this to 3% of the national budget, aligning with the targets set in the 2025 Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy.
5. Rebalance Agriculture and Mining
Agriculture must become the backbone of our economy, with mining playing a supporting, rather than dominant, role. While copper accounts for over 65% of exports, we must diversify. A productive agricultural sector will ensure food security, create rural employment, and supply raw materials for agro-processing industries.
*Lessons from Asia: Structural Transformation in Action*
Zambia need not walk this path alone. History offers powerful examples from Asia, where nations transformed from agrarian economies to industrialized powerhouses.
The "Flying Geese" Model (Japan & the Asian Tigers):
In the mid-20th century, Japan led a pattern of industrial development that was followed by South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore. This model saw a shift from labor-intensive industries (like textiles) to more capital and technology-intensive sectors (like automobiles, electronics, and chemicals) over time. They didn't diversify overnight; they strategically upgraded their industries to climb the value chain.
Vietnam & Bangladesh (The Intra-Industry Cycle):
More recently, countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh have shown how targeted industrialization works. Bangladesh has moved from basic cotton textiles to more refined synthetic textiles, while Vietnam successfully transitioned from textiles into electronics and electrical equipment. This proves that by focusing on adding value and developing skills, nations can seamlessly move into higher-value manufacturing.
The Chinese Model (Massive Infrastructure & Skills Investment):
China’s journey since the 1980s is a masterclass in state-led transformation. By reforming economic incentives and investing massively in infrastructure and education, China shifted from a rural economy to the world's manufacturing hub. The rapid growth of its coastal provinces was driven by selective incentives, FDI inflows, and an export-led strategy that created jobs for millions.
The Philippines (A Cautionary Tale):
Conversely, the Philippines offers a warning. Despite its potential, the country struggled to achieve structural transformation. Its failure to develop a robust manufacturing sector led to a "jobless growth," where excess labor was absorbed into low-productivity, informal service sectors like retail and public transport. This was exacerbated by land inequality, weak policy implementation, and an investment climate that made it costly to start and operate a business.
*Beyond Mining: The Role of Tourism, Manufacturing, Entertainment, and Sport*
For Zambia to succeed, we must broaden our economic base beyond mining and agriculture.
- Tourism: This sector is a massive opportunity. With international tourist arrivals more than doubling from just over 1 million in 2022 to approximately 2.3 million in 2025, we are on the right track. However, we must diversify beyond traditional game parks to include cultural heritage, eco-tourism, gastronomy, adventure, faith, sports, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism.
- Manufacturing: Moving beyond raw copper exports to process minerals locally will retain value and create jobs. Agro-processing, turning our maize, soybeans, and beef into finished goods, will be vital to achieving the $1 billion beef export target.
- Entertainment & Sport: These sectors are not just for leisure; they are powerful economic drivers. A vibrant creative industry can generate significant revenue and global soft power, while investment in sports infrastructure can create jobs and host international events that boost tourism.
The foundation for recovery has been laid, with debt restructuring freeing up crucial fiscal space to invest in these priorities. The challenge now is ex*****on. Let us embrace the Grow Zambia vision with the urgency and dedication it demands.
WAGON MEDIA
UPND Zambia
Collective Action Zambia
