19/03/2026
24 HOUR ECONOMY - POLITICAL SAANA!!!
The Cabinet of the Republic of Zambia through the Chief Government spokesperson has announced the extension of business and operating hours to actualize a 24-Hour Economy. My fellow citizens, this move is commendable as it has the potential to stimulate economic activity and even create jobs. Our concern is why would such a huge and progressive reform have no CLEAR implementation framework and/or institutional coordination?
Let us be clear colleagues in the struggle, an announcement or declaration ALONE cannot bring us the most sought for 24-Hour Economy benefits. We need realignment FIRST, it's a no brainer at all, any cabinet in the world - whether it be competent or incompetent, know this golden rule "Good policies do not operate in reverse gear". A 24-Hour Economy requires SYSTEMS realignment - thorough regulatory impact analysis, supporting infrastructure and most importantly, SECURITY. Failure to attend to these FIRST, no business would risk extending operations, And the anticipated economic benefits will surely not materialize. We advise that cabinet make a decisive move from a mere pronouncement to these clear and most important FIRST STEPS-;
1. SECURITY & STREET LIGHTING: Security is the immediate antitode that would disarm our worries and allow progress to flourish. Many citizens are still traumatized with the gasing, abductions and brutal attacks that have been plaguing our country. The fear that paralyses citizens now, especially with this 24-Hour Economy pronouncement would only fade if government highlights the steps taken to ensure that people are safe - plans to increase in police and other security personnel density across business operation areas, bus stations and markets. In the same breath, we all know that poorly lit streets cannot sustain this reform, government has to carry out a comprehensive upgrade of street lighting to support night time economic activities.
2. ENERGY SUFFICIENCY: We are still in the hangover of the worst loadshedding in the history of our country, some areas are still experiencing loadshedding even today. Government will do well to FIRST update us about this MIRACULOUS and stable power supply that will sustain continuous operations.
3. PUBLIC ORDER & WORKER PROTECTION: We need policy realignment to legitimate night movements to protect employees from unnecessary stops or even arrests.
4. MOBILITY & STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT: Government is supposed to engage key stakeholders PRIOR to making the pronouncement. We have already seen that the Road Transport and Safety Agency ( R.T.S.A) has issued a statement giving guidance that the NIGHT BAN for public transport is still in effect. We believe this is so, because movements at night need a well structured system to allow smooth interactions between operators and passengers.
ECZ: Is the 24-Hour Economy a good reform?
PASS: Yes.
ECZ: Is the 24-Hour Economy policy ready for ex*****on?
NORMAL ZAMBIANS: NO, it was more of a declaration than a 'ready to implement' policy, and for the obvious reason - that we are in an ELECTION PERIOD and the UPND will always find something to say to sound a little bit more progressive.
ECZ: What's the conclusion?
PASS: 24-Hour Economy is the way to go.The Four points we have shared above do not in any way seek to disqualify or discredit what cabinet announced, but to give guidance to ensure readiness, synchronicity and dependability.
A NEW SYSTEM ZAMBIA in AUG is a MUST!!!
MALOMO DAVID ( MD )
PASS Party President
19 | 03 | 2026
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