By John Chola

The Zambian government released K21.4 billion in September 2025 to sustain essential public services, social protection, and infrastructure projects, reaffirming its commitment to fiscal credibility and transparent budget execution under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.

According to the Ministry of Finance and National Planning’s latest Treasury Brief, the spending reflects a balance between human-centred development and fiscal consolidation, with resources directed toward critical sectors that touch the lives of ordinary citizens.

Social Protection and Transfers

A striking K2.5 billion was disbursed to support social protection, agriculture, and decentralised service delivery, including:

•K1.2 billion to grant-aided institutions such as hospitals and universities,

. K900 million to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) for maize purchases,

•K656.8 million for the Social Cash Transfer Programme, and

•K241.9 million as grants to local authorities, alongside K200 million for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to support bursaries, empowerment loans, and rural infrastructure.

These allocations, the Ministry stated, are consistent with the government’s “leave no one behind” agenda aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening community-based development.

Salaries and Operations

To ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services, K5.2 billion was allocated to the Public Service Wage Bill, covering salaries for teachers, health workers, and other government employees.

A further K1.5 billion went to programme implementation and operations across ministries, including K49 million for voter registration and K73.8 million for geological surveys to boost mining investments.

In line with its infrastructure-led growth strategy, the government released K1 billion for capital expenditure.

This included K590.4 million for road projects, K284.1 million for water, sanitation, and health infrastructure, and K161 million for upgrading provincial airports to enhance regional trade and connectivity.

Debt Servicing and Fiscal Discipline

A significant K10.2 billion was directed toward debt servicing and arrears clearance, comprising K3.1 billion for domestic debt, K371.3 million for external debt, and K6.7 billion to dismantle long-standing arrears — a move the Treasury said would restore liquidity in the private sector and bolster confidence in government fiscal management.

Minister’s Reflection

Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane described the September releases as “the heartbeat of national progress,” adding that each kwacha released is “a promise fulfilled — salaries paid, roads built, debts cleared, and families supported through social safety nets.”

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prudent and transparent management of public resources, urging citizens, local authorities, and businesses to actively participate in ensuring accountability and sustainable growth.

“Our focus remains on people — creating jobs, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that growth is felt in every home,” Dr. Musokotwane said. “Together, we are building a resilient economy and a better Zambia — one release, one project, one community at a time.”

Public and Private Sector Call to Action

The Ministry also encouraged citizens to monitor local projects under the CDF, while urging local authorities to expedite project completion and enhance transparency.

The private sector was called upon to reinvest and expand operations, taking advantage of improved fiscal stability and government arrears clearance.