Kaoma-based political analyst and strategist, Maliande Lipoba says the 2025 national budget as a beacon of hope for Zambia’s future. 

 Mr Lipoba  emphasises that  the 2025 national budget’s focus on economic growth, healthcare, education, and social welfare.

The increased constituency development fund (CDF) from K30.6 million to K36.1 million is particularly significant, according to the analyst, who has predicted unprecedented development since independence.

In an interview with ZANIS today, he further noted that the expected recruitment of 6,200 teachers and 2,000 health workers will create employment opportunities for youths and boost the government’s tax base.

“We are seeing infrastructure development, medicines in hospitals and timely funding for school, all indicative of progress,” Mr. Lipoba said.

Further commending government for the 2025 budget, Mr. Lipoba stated that it demonstrates  President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration’s commitment to driving economic growth, improving healthcare and education and enhancing social welfare for Zambian citizens.

Minister of Finance and National Planning, Situmbeko Musokotwane on Friday 27 September , 2024, unveiled a K217 billion budget, allocating K48.7 billion for economic affairs. 

Key allocations include the K12 billion for road construction and rehabilitation;  K700.7 million for construction upgrade and rehabilitation of provincial aerodromes;  K16.2 billion for social protection programmes while K4.2 billion has been dedicated to pensions and K300.5 million going for completion of stalled university hostels.

Government will also enhance the farmer input support programme (FISP) to support the agricultural sector.