24/05/2026
On behalf President HH Mundubile answered by President MMO directly, the reply would separate two things:
Stabilizing the economy so delivery is possible, and
What that stability has translated into on the ground.
Economic Stabilization: Fixing the Foundation
Debt Restructuring Completed
When we took office in 2021, Zambia was in default and spending over 20% of government revenue on debt service. That meant hospitals had no drugs, schools had no desks, and contractors weren’t paid.
In 2023 we concluded restructuring of $13.4B external debt under the G20 Common Framework.
Debt service dropped significantly, freeing K20B+ annually for social and productive sectors.
Zambia returned to IMF programs with credibility, unlocking $1.3B in IMF funding and catalyzing World Bank, AfDB, and bilateral support.
Fiscal Discipline Restored
We cut wasteful spending, removed fuel subsidies that were benefiting smugglers more than Zambians, and expanded the tax base through digital tax administration. As a result, domestic revenue as % of GDP improved from 17.1% in 2021 to 20.4% in 2024. That’s money staying in Zambia to fund Zambians.
Human Capital: Free Education and Skills
Free Education Implemented
From Grade 1-12, fees were removed in 2022.
Over 2 million learners re-entered school in the first two years.
8,000 teachers were recruited in 2022 and 30,000+ in 2023-2024 to reduce pupil-teacher ratios.
120 secondary schools are under construction to address the classroom deficit.
Skills and CDF Expansion
The Constituency Development Fund increased from K1.6M to K36.1M per constituency. For the first time, 20% is ring-fenced for skills training, grants, and bursaries. Over 200,000 youths and women have accessed CDF loans and grants for businesses and skills.
Agriculture and Food Security: Diversification Beyond Maize
FISP Reformed
The Farmer Input Support Programme moved from physical distribution to a more targeted e-voucher system. This reduced fraud and allowed farmers to choose inputs suited to their soil and climate.
Production Results
2023/2024 maize output hit 3.6M tonnes before the drought.
Wheat production hit record levels at 450,000 tonnes in 2023, making Zambia self-sufficient and an exporter.
Soya, groundnuts, and horticulture programs expanded under the Crop Diversification Program, reducing dependence on rain-fed maize.
Drought Response 2024
When El Niño hit, we declared a national disaster early and mobilized K8.5B for humanitarian response, agriculture inputs, and water programs. That prevented famine conditions seen in other countries.
Mining and Energy: Unlocking Investment
Mining Revival
KCM and Mopani, which were near collapse, were recapitalized.
KCM: Vedanta committed $1.3B to restart operations.
Mopani: International Resources Holding committed $1.1B.
Target is 3M tonnes of copper annually by 2031, up from 760,000 tonnes in 2023. That means jobs, taxes, and forex.
Energy Security
Kafue Gorge Lower 750MW is fully operational since 2023.
We launched the 2000MW Solar Initiative. Contracts for over 500MW solar are signed, with more under procurement.
Transmission projects like the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector are progressing to end load-shedding and enable power exports.
Social Protection and Health
Social Cash Transfer Expanded
Coverage increased from 1M to 1.3M households. Payments are now monthly and predictable. We linked SCT beneficiaries to livelihood programs so households move from aid to self-sufficiency.
Health System Strengthened
Drug availability in health facilities improved from 47% in 2021 to 78% in 2024 through the new Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency reforms.
Over 11,000 health workers recruited.
UTH Cancer Centre and Levy Mwanawasa expansions are operational.
Infrastructure: Completing and Starting
You’re right that some projects started under Presidents Sata and Lungu. The difference is we prioritized completing stalled projects instead of starting new ones we couldn’t pay for.
Lusaka-Ndola Dual Carriageway: Construction resumed after financing was restructured.
Chingola-Kasumbalesa Road: Completed and operational.
Mongu-Kalabo Road Phase 2: Works ongoing.
Over 300 bridges built under CDF and Road Development Agency in rural areas.
Governance and Investor Confidence
We restored the rule of law, separated the police from politics, and passed the Access to Information Act. That’s why FDI inflows rose from $308M in 2021 to $2.3B in 2023. Investors come where contracts are respected.
The Bottom Line
Mundubile is correct that infrastructure started earlier. But infrastructure without a functioning economy is just concrete.
What we delivered is the platform:
Debt under control,
Macro stability restored,
Revenue up,
Education and health access expanded,
Mining and energy restarted,
Agriculture diversified,
CDF decentralized.
That’s why projects are moving now. Without the economic reset, they would still be stalled.
President HH Response
