Friday, 31^st October, 2025

 

The House met at 0900 hours

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHE M

 

PRAYER

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

 

PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM MY FATHER’S HOUSE SCHOOL

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from My Father's House School of Lusaka District.

 

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I warmly welcome our visitors into our midst.

 

Thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_______

 

URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR KAMPYONGO, HON. MEMBER FOR SHIWANG’ANDU, ON MR HAIMBE, SC., HON. MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, ON ELECTION CONFLICT IN TANZANIA

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, and good morning to you.

 

Madam Speaker, the matter I am raising is directed at the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

 

Madam Speaker: Proceed, hon. Member. Although the hon. Minister is not here, in this House, I am sure he is adequately represented.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in that case, Her Honour the Vice-President, as Leader of Government Business in the House, will pick it up on behalf of the hon. Minister.

 

Madam Speaker, the Republic of Tanzania conducted elections a couple of days ago, and some of our colleagues from this august House were in that country on electoral observer missions, representing the Great Lakes Region and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and, of course, your two Hon. Deputies. As I can see that the delegation leader is here, in this House, I do not know who is in that country. Apart from that, it is known that thousands of Zambian nationals cross the border daily to and from Tanzania for trade purposes. In addition, the only pipeline we have; the Tanzania-Zambia Mafuta (TAZAMA) Pipeline, which previously pumped crude oil, but has been converted to pump diesel, running from the port of Dar-es-Salaam to Indeni Energy is the only reliable source of petroleum products. Tankers that carry – ­

 

Mr Nkandu: This is not our issue.

 

Mr Kampyongo: You are not the Speaker. This is a very serious matter.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, the matter is supposed to be raised within two minutes. You are now in negative twenty-six seconds. So, if you can get to the point quickly, that would be helpful.

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the reason I am raising this matter is that the post-election protests that have erupted in Tanzania have disturbed public order and threatened security to the extent that public infrastructure has been damaged, and the airports have been overrun. Therefore, because of the reasons I have given, which will have a negative direct impact on this country, as the four days of curfew imposed in that country might see our gas stations run dry, and I think the hon. Minister of Energy is concerned about that, we would like to have an update on this matter so that Zambians who cross into Tanzania and the oil marketing companies (OMCs) can plan to avoid a crisis. Is the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation in order to remain quiet without updating the nation on this serious development?

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your serious guidance on this matter.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, for the issue you have raised.

 

First of all, with regards to our hon. Members who travelled to Tanzania on a mission to observe the elections, of course, we wish them a safe return to the House. That is an administrative matter that the Office of the Clerk of the National Assembly can handle, and it is being attended to.

 

As regards the comment on what has happened in Tanzania, of course, like our President says, conflict anywhere is conflict everywhere. So, whatever happens in Tanzania is bound to affect us. However, in accordance with our rules, we cannot debate a foreign country, especially since this has just happened, and the Executive has not yet assessed the effect. I believe it is only prudent to give the Executive enough time to find out the situation on the ground, and just to caution our Zambian nationals to not take trips to that particular country.

 

My guidance is that it would not be proper at this stage to discuss another country, and what has happened there because we do not know the facts on the ground. What we are seeing are just press statements. No official position has been given to us by the Government of Tanzania. So, I would just urge hon. Members to be cautious, and to warn their constituents to trade with caution. The responsibility is upon all of us to warn the people we represent, especially the ones in Muchinga Province and the Northern Province, who are in the bordering areas, to trade with caution, as we await the situation to unfold. Then, at the appropriate time, I believe that the Executive will come back to brief the House on what is happening. We should not be seen to be in the forefront of igniting, encouraging or celebrating the misfortunes of another country, especially that we are sister countries. So that issue is not admitted.

 

Thank you.

 

MR KAPYANGA, HON. MEMBER FOR MPIKA, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR SIALUBALO, ON THE DELAYED RELEASE OF THE 2024 CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND

 

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, on an Urgent Matter without Notice.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I thank you for giving me this opportunity to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, which is directed at the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

 

Madam Speaker, the issue of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is a matter of national concern. In 2024, councils did not receive the full amount of the CDF. They received funds with a shortfall of K12 million.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Through the many circulars, councils were advised to use the 2025 CDF for 2024 projects. Now, the 2025 CDF has not been released and councils are being told that the Government cannot release the funds because they were not budgeted for. This has affected projects in various councils across the country because the 2025 projects –

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Chisopa: Why are you questioning?

 

Mr Kapyanga: I mean, this is not a beer hall where you can just wake up and start shouting, like you are a drunk pedestrian.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

 Hon. Member for Mpika, address the Presiding Officer. Please, do not engage other hon. Members or use unparliamentary language. It is unbecoming for an hon. Member of Parliament to utter such words in this dignified House. So, please, moderate your language.

 

You may proceed.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I withdraw and apologise to you.

 

Madam Speaker, this is the reality, and I would like the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development to issue a comprehensive statement as to what the affected councils should do. Councils were asked to use the available funds in the hope that the Government would reimburse them but that has not been done. Now, councils are told that the Government cannot release the funds.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

 

Madam Speaker: I suggest that the hon. Member for Mpika files in a question directed at the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. The hon. Minister will then address that issue. We discussed this matter previously. At one point, the hon. Minister issued a statement. So, if this matter affects everyone, then the hon. Members will be able to ask supplementary questions. So, the matter is not admitted.

 

MS NYIRENDA, HON. MEMBER FOR LUNDAZI, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT, MR SIALUBALO, ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS STOP IN LUNDAZI

 

Ms Nyirenda (Lundazi) On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Welcome back, hon. Member for Lundazi. You have been missing in action.

 

Ms Nyirenda: Thank you, Madam Speaker. I really missed you, especially.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, the matter I wish to raise is directed at the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.

 

Mr Sialubalo: Mulamu!

 

Ms Nyirenda: Do not say “Mulamu”. Let us go to Lundazi.

 

Madam Speaker, the matter I wish to raise concerns a bus stop in Lundazi, which was demolished to pave the way for the construction of a new one. There are no satisfactory works taking place at the bus stop at the moment. Buses are parked anywhere, and the sanitary situation has become a serious challenge.

 

Madam Speaker, our worry as people of Lundazi is that the rainy season is just around the corner and the contractor has not done anything to show that Lundazi Bus Stop will be ready in two or three weeks.

 

Is the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, in order to sit in the House instead of being in Lundazi to address the issue of the bus stop, which is a serious matter?  The people of Chasefu, Lumezi, and other places use the same bus stop.

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Ms Nyirenda: That is an international bus stop. Remember, even people from Malawi use the same bus stop. So, it is a very important matter and the people of Lundazi have asked me to relay this message to the hon. Minister so that he can go to Lundazi and complete our bus stop, or give us back the old one, so that, at least, the people can board buses properly.

 

Hon. Government Members interjected.

 

Ms Nyirenda: Madam Speaker, I do not know why those three hon. Ministers (referring to Hon. Mubanga, Hon. Tayali and Hon. Nkandu) keep disturbing when one is on the Floor.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Ms Nyirenda: It becomes a problem, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I submit.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Hon. Ministers, you have been pointed at. Please, restrain yourselves.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Balichilamofye aba!

 

Madam Speaker: When the hon. Member for Lundazi was raising her Urgent Matter without Notice, I saw the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development nodding and agreeing to the invitation to go to Lundazi.

 

Mr Sialubalo indicated assent.

 

Madam Speaker: So, hon. Member, I am sure it is a matter that you can discuss if you engage the hon. Minister.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Please, do engage and ensure that –

 

Ms Nyirenda walked to where Mr Sialubalo was seated.

 

Hon. Government Members: Not now!

 

Ms Nyirenda: It is an instruction; I am going to engage.

 

Madam Speaker: Not now, hon. Member.

 

Laughter

 

Ms Nyirenda: I am already here, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay, engage quietly.

 

Consequently, your Urgent Matter without Notice is not admitted since you are now engaging. So, let us make progress.

 

Mr Nkandu: Balafulwa kunuma bamo.

 

Madam Speaker: You will soon hear the bwana say, “You are not coming back”.

 

Laughter

______

 

THE VICE-PRESIDENT’S QUESTION TIME

 

Mr Simumba (Nakonde): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity to ask Her Honour the Vice-President a question.

 

Madam Speaker, according to our Constitution …

 

Ms Nyirenda crossed the Floor.

 

Hon. Government Members: Order, order!

 

Mr Simumba: … the people who are entitled to security details –

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nakonde!

 

Hon. Member for Lundazi, you see when you –

 

Ms Nyirenda: I am sincerely sorry, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: That is why I was saying that it is better to consult later.

 

Ms Nyirenda: I am sorry, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay.

 

You are forgiven, and I bless you with long life.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker:  I am getting a leaf from the hon. Member for Kalabo Central, who is my brother.

 

May the hon. Member for Nakonde continue.

 

Mr Jamba: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: There are no points of order during the Vice-President’s Question Time.

 

Mr Simumba: Madam Speaker, I was stating that under our Constitution, the people who are entitled to security details include the President, the Vice-President, the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, and the hon. Minister of Defence. There is abuse of office under this Government. I am saying so …

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Simumba: … because anyone who praises it is provided with security details.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: The police!

 

Mr Simumba: Yes!  The police and so on and so forth. We want to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President what law that the Government is using to provide security details to individuals such as Hon. Chabinga. Hon. Miles Sampa, was provided with the same when he was supporting the Government and when he immediately withdrew his support, security details were withdrawn.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member!

 

Let me just give guidance.

 

Our Standing Orders do not allow us to debate ourselves. So, please, do not bring in names of hon. Members on the Floor of the House because that is against our own established procedures and practice. So, you can continue asking your question, but do not refer to any hon. Member.

 

Mr Simumba: Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for that guidance.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to find out from Her Honour the Vice-President, what law the Government is using to provide security details to individuals who are not entitled. 

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Nakonde for that question. According to him, there is abuse of office, but by whom? He did not tell me.

 

Mr Simumba: By the Government.

 

Laughter

 

The Vice-President: There is abuse of office by the Government.

 

Madam Speaker, on the issue of security details for individuals, I think that we are all entitled to security, but blanket security will not be given. I think that when a person feels insecure, there is a need for that person to approach the security wing and request for protection for a time when it can be proved that the person needs protection.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: I think that is the way to go.

 

Madam Speaker, I cannot tell the hon. Member about the law regarding this issue right now. I really cannot refer to any law, but he should just know that all of us have the right to request for special protection. If the hon. Member for Nakonde feels that his neighbours can harm him, for some reason, and he can prove it, I think that he has the right to request for special protection for a period when he feels insecure.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Simumba interjected.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, you know the rules. So, do not go  that route.

 

The hon. Member for Sikongo may proceed.

 

Mr Simushi (Sikongo): Madam Speaker, in the past four years, this country has seen incredible things happen. We have seen exceptional leadership from President Hakainde Hichilema.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Simushi: Madam Speaker, we have seen the rate of economic development move from minus 2.8 per cent to the projected 6 per cent. We have seen peace and tranquilly that this country has never experienced before, and democracy has thrived to its highest level.

 

Mr Mufalali: And flourished.

 

Mr Simushi: Madam Speaker, 2026 is just around the corner. We are going to have elections. What promise does Her Honour the Vice-President have to give to the people of Zambia, as far as a free and fair election is concerned?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Sikongo for taking note of the things that have happened in the last four years. He has spoken of leadership. That is very good, and I agree with him. He has also spoken of economic growth, and that we have seen our economy thrive, from economic growth rate of minus 2 per cent to 6 per cent. That is unprecedented, knowing the kind of environment that we had; the economy was really in the doldrums.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is asking about the promise I can give to the Zambian people. When the President was here to officially open this Meeting, he assured the people that we are going to have free and fair elections. That is the way to go. We should all adhere to the tenets of the law and to democratic practices because this is how we will have free and fair elections. Nobody should breach the law. The assurance is that everybody should and will have their space, and there will be free and fair elections. The election will be credible, and that will give comfort to everybody. So, everybody should be able to accept the results. We have come a long way. We cannot pull back today. We are a democratic country. We will follow through and ensure the winner wins and the loser accepts the loss.

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: I am sorry, Madam Speaker. I think, the hon. Minister is misleading me here.

 

Madam Speaker, yes, all of us will participate lawfully or legally, so that the results will be acceptable because they will be credible. This is the Zambia that we all want and the Zambia that we all know.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Looking at how many people have indicated to ask questions, I have to use my discretion to balance the situation, once in a while. We will go to the hon. Member for Bwacha.

 

Mr Mushanga (Bwacha): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to ask Her Honour the Vice-President a question.

 

Madam Vice-President, good morning.

 

Madam Speaker, I will take Her Honour the Vice-President back to the Ministerial Statement that she delivered yesterday on the mass voter registration exercise. I indicated to ask a question, but I did not have time to do so because the time was not adequate, even after ten extra minutes were given by Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, firstly, on the issuance of National Registration Cards (NRCs) in Kabwe, nine centres were opened but only two, that is, Nkwashi Primary School and Makululu Primary School, were in Bwacha Parliamentary Constituency. The remaining seven centres were in Kabwe Central Constituency. The officers have since left the two centres. So, I think that Her Honour the Vice-President can see that the centres were not fairly distributed in Kabwe. So, I do not know how her office or the Government will assist the people of Bwacha Parliamentary Constituency, especially the young people, those who are sixteen-years-old, seventeen-years-old, eighteen-years-old and those above eighteen-years-old to be allowed to acquire NRCs.

 

Madam Speaker, on the issue of voter registration, I do not know if Her Honour the Vice-President will provide Parliament with progress reports on the figures per constituency. I think that it is important for hon. Members of Parliament to have an idea of the figures, as we go on. Maybe, through your office, Madam Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President can be gracious and give us progress reports containing figures for constituencies so that we can have an idea of the situation.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. Under normal circumstances, we avoid being repetitive, but since the hon. Member for Bwacha said that he indicated to ask a question yesterday but did not have an opportunity to do so, I am using my discretion to allow that question.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, thank you, and good morning to the hon. Member for Bwacha.

 

Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing the question at your discretion. Well, it sounds really unfair that there were two registration centres for National Registration Cards (NRCs) in Bwacha while seven were in Kabwe Central.  That is something the hon. Member could have addressed. He could have gone to the registration offices and told the officers that there is a large population. I know that a place like Bwacha includes rural areas, so it is difficult for people to move from one place to another. Probably, this is one point I did not bring out yesterday. Let us also remember that I did not bring out the figures for the NRCs registration because it is a continuous process; it is not stopped at any time. Mobile registration centres come in to facilitate the registration of those who might have attained the age where they need to register as voters. That is the purpose of going round to set up registration centres for NRCs. Generally, anybody can get an NRC any day, any time, as long as they reach the right age, which is, I think, sixteen.

 

Madam Speaker, when the hon. Member started asking his question, I thought he was talking about centres for voter registration, but the two centres he has mentioned were for National Registration Cards (NRCs). I think, let us continue addressing the matter. Hon. Members should remember what I said yesterday that where gaps were left, we need to ensure that we work with the Department of National Registration, Passport and Citizenship so that the department can go to those areas.

 

Madam Speaker, I can confirm that even after yesterday’s outcry, I followed up the issue in certain areas and I asked what was happening. The hon. Members who complained earlier can truly confirm that officers are now giving NRCs in their areas. So, please, let us use this opportunity to convince people to obtain NRCS. For the people listening out there, it is important for them to take advantage of the mass registration exercise carried out by the Government during the period before elections.

 

Madam Speaker, as regards the issue of whether I can provide a report on registered voters, constituency by constituency, I do not know when I can do that. We need to remember that the process of voter registration must come to an end at one time. I think such a request can only be done through the Speaker because it may not be within my mandate to bring such reports to this House. So, if it is requested at one time, yes, I can do that, but not every week. I cannot because even the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) may not have the capacity to give us the right figures every week. However, when the figures are verified, they become public knowledge and all of us have a right to look at the voter registers that come out. So, let us be on the lookout. After all, it is part of the planning for your election if you are going to stand. Those who are going to stand must be paying special attention to voter registration so that they know how many people are going to vote in their constituency and see how they can ensure that the get the right vote.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Charles Mulenga (Kwacha): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity given to me.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambians appreciate the works being done on the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway. However, there are a lot of complaints from many motorists who are entering and leaving Lusaka, especially around the area called 10 Miles. There is a lot of chaos and people are spending two hours or more on a short stretch. As we move towards the rainy season, I would like to find out whether the stretch around 10 Miles will be worked on. If at all we go into the rainy season without that stretch of the road being worked on, it will be a disaster. Further, I would like to find out the percentage of the works that have been done so far on the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Kwacha for the question.

 

Madam Speaker, according to the Standing Orders, I would probably say that that question is a little too specific for me to answer because the questions for this time are based on policy issues. However, I hear the hon. Member and I have heard the challenges on that road. At the moment, I cannot give the answers that he may require, but I would ask him to allow me to speak to the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development so that he can come and tell us exactly what is happening on that part of the road.  I cannot give the percentage of works from the top of my head because the project has gone far. I understand the concern, and I think it is a concern of everybody. So, we will provide answers through the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to find out the Government’s plan on health personnel, particularly for medical doctors. I was looking at a report for the period from 2023 on young medical doctors trained at the University of Zambia (UNZA) or Copperbelt University (CBU)  failing to get jobs in the Government. As a result, their skills are going to waste. We need to remember that there are two things happening. First of all, the Government gave graduates student loans, which have to be repaid. Secondly, and most importantly, health is one of the greatest investments in any country.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to forget about the 2,000 health workers that were employed and other announcements because more medical doctors are being produced by our universities. Does the New Dawn Government have any plan to take them on? They cannot proceed in their careers because they have to get internships and they can only get the internships when they are employed by the Government. In short, what I am saying is that even if they are qualified, they cannot go and work for a private hospital. So, what would be some of the Government’s immediate plans to take up this human resource, which it has invested in, and put it to good use?

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Hon. Member for Kantanshi for his concern about health personnel, particularly doctors who have been trained at a high cost and some of them got loans. I am sure the loans were obtained from the Government. The question is whether we have plans to take them on. They need to be taken on at two levels; as interns and as fully employed doctors. I do not think that is an issue for us to really discuss. The Government has the intention and the plan is to continuously employ them. Even as we talk, there are some –

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: The hon. Minister of Health is not here, but the former hon. Minister of Health is here.

 

Madam Speaker, there are some health personnel who are on internship, but the issue is the backlog that we have. The issue of looking after these people cannot be looked at only with one part of the health sector. In a health institution, we need everybody. We need nurses and medical doctors. Medical doctors include surgeons. So, we have to balance as to who should be in health centres. We will continue to employ and give them internship.

 

Madam Speaker, that situation is a reflection of how unbalanced we have moved in development. We are giving education, but we have no jobs. However, it is better to train people because sooner or later, they might even be wanted outside this country. I understand the internship issue, but this Government has a very serious plan to continuously employ this cadre of health workers, just like the other cadres of health workers. Systematically, and year by year, we pick a few and we will continue doing that. After internship, they are free to join the private sector because then, they are qualified. However, the backlog is big, while training is going on. Many institutions are training that cadre of workers. That is what I can say for now.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: I will give an opportunity to an independent hon. Member of Parliament. Has the hon. Member for Nyimba indicated?

 

Mr Zulu indicated assent.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, Nyimba is one of the few districts in the Eastern Province that had a bumper harvest. Unfortunately, some wards in the district are a 70 km² stretch. So, you find that half of a ward has a bumper harvest, while the other half experiences a drought. So, the people of Nyimba are requesting the Office of the Vice-President to leave the maize that has not yet been transported to Lusaka so that they can have something like the programme we had earlier this year, under which the Food Reserve (FRA) delivered maize to selected areas for the local people to purchase. It is the people of Chinambi Ward, in particular, who are making the request, as half of the ward experienced a drought, while the other half had a bumper harvest. There is maize in the ward, and the people see it, but they cannot buy it because there is no authority to do so. They are simply asking if it is possible to extend the programme that was running earlier this year so that those who are affected can start purchasing the maize that is within the ward.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for Nyimba for being as sincere as he could be. We realise that the bumper harvest may not have been recorded in every place. That is known. Also, we, as the Government, realise that some areas in the country received good rainfall in some parts, while other parts of those areas experienced floods and droughts. The hon. Member has made an important request. I can speak on this matter from the perspective of two offices. The Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU), under the Office of the Vice-President, undertakes what we call “Pre-positioning”. The food remains in areas that have already been identified, particularly hard-to-reach areas, because it would be too expensive to transport food back to such places. So, the Government has such a plan so that when that food is needed, it is already in that area. Further, when there is food in a nearby area, the same applies, I think, if there is no other plan. As I speak, the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) is listening. From 2024 through to this time, the Government struggled to take maize back to selling points. I think that is being looked at seriously so that we can store maize in the places it would be needed. That is why, hon. Members may have seen in their constituencies, this is what I know, the Government has sent tarpaulins even to areas that do not have good storage facilities to ensure that maize is secured everywhere under the FRA. We will speak to the FRA about situations like that.

 

Madam Speaker, hon. Colleagues should not wait until the maize has been taken away when they know that there are known difficult areas in their constituencies so that the Government does not spend too much. The hon. Member asked a good question. The matter is being considered under the DMMU, and the FRA should have a plan.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker gave the Floor to Mr Chisopa.

 

Hon. Government Member: You are going!

 

Mr Chisopa (Mkushi South): Madam Speaker, from what I can hear the hon. Member saying, he is aware that they are going next year. So, he is already speaking for himself.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Mr Chisopa: You are going. You think it is a joke? The Zambian people have decided.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Mr Chisopa: They are voting you out. You think we are joking?

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Stop the clock.

 

Hon. Members, this is the Vice-President's Question Time segment. Politics should be played outside.

 

Hon. Member for Mkushi South, you may continue. Ask a question.

 

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, when the United Party for National Development (UPND) took over power from the Patriotic Front (PF), it was left with 3,600 MW plus of power generation capacity. The total consumption capacity of power in Zambia is about 2,400 MW.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Yes!

 

Mr Chisopa: Madam Speaker, the people of Zambia have been subjected to load shedding. Saloons, barber shops and welding machines have stopped working.

 

Mr Chikote left his seat.

 

Hon. Opposition Member: Minister of load shedding!

 

Mr Chisopa: So, the Zambian people have been sent into abject poverty. Madam Speaker, what has gone wrong with the Government’s way of load shedding, thereby, causing so much pain to the Zambian people, and preferring the export of power?

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

 Allow one another to ask questions without any interruptions. The hon. Members who are given opportunities to ask questions should ensure that they behave in a dignified manner befitting of an hon. Member of this House.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I think, it is an issue of operational and installed capacity. The installed capacity may have been high, but what is the production capacity? That is why I have called the hon. Minister (She pointed at the hon. Minister of Energy who was seated next to her). When the hon. Member says what he has said, he is implying that since we came into office, we have ‘eaten’ that power.

 

Laughter

 

The Vice-President: I am using vernacular so that –

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: You understand?

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is implying that the Government has done something with the power. No. That is not true. There is no exportation of power.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Ah!

 

The Vice-President: The hon. Minister is here. He will – Let him –

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: No, please.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

The Vice-President: I know I could have taken a bit longer with him, but from what I know, if I mislead the House, we can bring the correction. The hon. Member is alleging that the Government is exporting power.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Yes!

 

The Vice-President: To where? How much power?

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has said that the Patriotic Front (PF) left a certain capacity. So, allow me to also talk about the PF.

 

Interruptions

 

The Vice-President: You, hon. Minister, listen to me. I do not have to make mistakes.

 

Mr B. Mpundu repeatedly pointed at Mr Chikote.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Nkana, please, restrain yourself. I do not know how many times you would want me to mention your name from here. Do not debate while seated, please.

 

Your Honour the Vice-President, you may continue.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I was trying to say that, and I hope that I am saying it, to say that the PF left so much power, which the current Government has exported, is not true. That is extremely misleading. Let us say the truth here, in this House. We have to verify and go through information. What we, as the Government, and I as Vice-President, know is that contracts and obligations were signed under the PF. As I stand on the Floor, I can only remember one. Maybe, the hon. Minister can give me others. The Government was exporting 150 MW to Namibia under the PF signature. Let me inform this august House, and through it, the nation that the power that was being exported has been clawed back. It has been brought back. There is no export. Let us not mislead people.

 

Hon. Opposition Member: Question!

 

The Vice-President: Eh!

 

Maybe, let me explain this little thing again, hon. Minister. If I mislead the House, please, stop me.

 

Madam Speaker, there is something that Zambians want to continuously think about. There are independent power traders that sell power outside Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, let me try to make it clear. Those are not exporting power from Zambia.  They import power –

 

Mr Kapyanga interjected.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Your Honour the Vice-President, my apologies.

 

Hon. Member for Mpika, you are saying that power is being imported on behalf of ZESCO Limited. Please, I urge you, and the hon. Member for Mkushi, by Friday, next week, to produce that evidence and lay it on the Floor of the House, so that we can inquire in that matter because it has been raised several times.  Please, bring the evidence.  Hon. Member for Mkushi South and hon. Member for Mpika, you are jointly ordered –

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: You are jointly ordered, on Friday next week, to bring evidence and lay it on the Floor of the House, failure to which, for misleading the House, you may suffer the consequences. We have to be serious in this House. Bring that evidence, please. In the meantime, do not talk about something which is not verifiable.

 

May Her Honour the Vice-President continue.

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I find this issue very important, and I will try to be clear. If you remember, in my last debate in this House, I touched on this issue. So, I have tried to follow it.  I started by saying that there is no export of power. We have clawed back because of the deficit of power, growing economy, and the need for more power in this country. The economy is growing. So, we have gone back to those contracts and we have stopped negotiating. The hon. Member is saying that we are exporting power. I was talking about independent power traders. Some people have been shouting names of companies in this House. I thank God for the protection we have under this House.  People should not say things that are not true to put the name of a company into disrepute.  What is true will always stand. The independent power purchasers are the ones who buy power from South Africa, Mozambique and –

 

Mr Kapyanga: They use our infrastructure!

 

The Vice-President: Yes, hon. Member, they use our infrastructure.

 

Hon. Opposition: Question!

 

The Vice-President: They pay what is called a wheeling charge.

 

Hon. Opposition Members: That is what we are talking about.

 

The Vice-President: Listen to me.

 

 Madam Speaker, I will still speak no matter how much noise they make…

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The Vice-President: …because I want to explain.

 

Madam Speaker: Those who cannot restrain themselves will go and listen from outside so that we follow.   We want to get to the facts concerning this matter. That is the reason I directed that, the hon. Member for Mpika and the hon. Member for Mkushi South, the Office of the Clerk is going to write to them to tender that evidence before this House, so that we can inquire in that matter. So please, do take note.

 

Mr Chisopa: Much obliged, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Mkushi South, you may take leave of the House.

 

Mr Chisopa: Twalibelela!

 

Mr Chisopa left the Assembly Chamber.

 

Interruptions!

 

Madam Speaker: May Her Honour the Vice-President continue.

 

The Vice-President: Let us just listen. This is something that all of us must be interested in.  If the Government, your Government, can choose to punish the Zambians for the sake of others, it is a concern. That is why I am explaining that people should not carry a narrative that is not true. The independent power purchasers buy electricity from outside the country. Yes, they use our – Maybe, I should not use the word, “yes”, because some people think that when I say, “yes”, it means I have agreed. They use our infrastructure to import power and export it particularly, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where it is needed.  In using our infrastructure today, the ZESCO Limited, which is the owner of the infrastructure, on behalf of the Zambian people, receives a wheeling charge. So, basically, they are importing power, using our infrastructure and pay for that.  That is an income to ZESCO Limited.

 

Madam Speaker, it is not like they are blocking ZESCO Limited from using that infrastructure. There is insufficient power in the country. So, they import and export the power.  They only pay a wheeling charge.  Therefore, ZESCO Limited makes some income, which enables it to do a little more. This is what is happening. Anybody who is sincere with this will listen. Those same independent power traders import power. Sometimes, they also help ZESCO Limited by giving it electricity. There are times when ZESCO Limited has no power to distribute.  So, the independent power traders also help sell power to the mines, which they import with their money. So, what is this export issue?

 

Madam Speaker, I know we are politicians, but I believe in the politics of sincerity. Let us look at our weaknesses, if we have any, but we should not mislead the people of Zambia. 

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, the issue of power must be an embarrassment to all of us, and I have said that before, because we sat like our economy or our population would not grow.  I belonged to another Government. We should also take a little piece of blame. The Patriotic Front (PF) and the United National Independence Party (UNIP) should take a bit of blame, not this Government, because it has seen the need for more power.

 

Mr Kapyanga: Question!

 

The Vice-President:  Just ensure that you listen.

 

Madam Speaker, we were so hydro-dependent until we were affected by the drought. The economy and the population are growing. Therefore, this Government is not sitting idly.  Yes, we probably could have done better, especially if the base that was left by the previous Government was better.  However, this Government is trying to do what the previous Governments failed to do ...

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Question!

 

The Vice-President: …by going full throttle in looking at alternative power generation, which we call energy mix. We are now moving to where we can produce. We have the Maamba Thermal Power Plant, a coal-fired power station, and we are looking at increasing the power generation.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Twaumfwa!

 

The Vice-President: Tamulaumfwa tata!

 

We are also –

 

Laughter

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: We are also working on solar energy. Yes, we have solar all over the place. I cannot name all of the projects we are working on but I urge the Hon. Minister to bring a list of all the names and lay it on the Table of the House so that people can see. 

 

Madam Speaker, we have been using things for political purposes, which do not work. We used aka bunga, until it was ndwi. We used the Dollar until it was ndwi.  Now, we want to talk about energy. Our hon. Colleagues should look for what they are going to use. Otherwise, with electricity, come next year, we will be surprised by how much energy will be generated. I am just helping them to start thinking of what their campaign strategy should be.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Amutike (Mongu Central): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me a chance to ask a question, on behalf of the people of Mongu Central.

 

Madam Speaker, I also believe in the politics of honesty. We know that ignorance can be very expensive and dangerous. We are aware that this Government has increased the power generation capacity to more than 3,500 MW, which the previous Government left at 2,000 MW. We cannot generate more power because we have no water. This country experienced a drought, which has left the energy sector very paralysed, such that we cannot recover.

 

Mr Kasandwe: Same old story!

 

Hon. PF Members: Question!

 

Mr Aamutike: Madam Speaker, can Her Honour the Vice-President confirm that ZESCO Limited, which was importing power under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, was left with a huge debt which has made the company lose the ability to import power from Mozambique and other sources? Did the PF Government leave the power generation at 3,000 MW, or the debt which is making us fail to buy power from outside the country?

 

Can Her Honour the Vice-President confirm that?

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Stale news!

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Mongu Central for that question. Yes, he is right that ZESCO Limited was and is still so indebted, I must admit, although, that the debt is being reduced. The indebtedness has made the company unable to purchase power. This is the reality on the ground. It cannot buy power from Mozambique because it does not have money. ZESCO Limited will have to use cash to import power but it does not have it.  This is how bad the situation was. So, let us not continue to look at negatives; let us move forward. Do not apportion blame where there is no need for blame.

 

Hon. Member for Mongu Central, I confirm.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: There are no indications to ask questions from female hon. Members of Parliament.

 

Hon. Member for Isoka, what has happened? Today, you are quiet.

 

The Hon. Member for Nkana may ask his question.

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, Her Honour the Vice-President is familiar with the teaching that a thief comes to steal, kill and destroy. Her Government has been keen on suggesting that it is fighting corruption. The agreement on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) on the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway was that when the contractor completed the project, the Government would hand over the toll gates to the contractor so that it recovered the investment.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government signed a Statutory Instrument (SI) to give that consortium the toll gates before it completed the project, on the pretext that the consortium would use whatever money it would be collecting from the toll gates to repair the old road. The contractor working on the Lusaka/Ndola Road is not repairing but doing the actual works on the old road. This means that that the contractor is getting our resources from the toll gates to undertake the actual works on the existing road. Does Her Honour the Vice-President think it is justifiable to give the contractor toll gates to raise money to do the actual works when the contractor actually got US$650 million, which was supposed to be pumped into that road project? Is that justifiable?

 

Mr Kapynaga: Mukakakwa!

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Nkana for that question. He cited John 10 verse 10, which states that a thief comes but to steal, to kill and to destroy. The hon. Member knows how the verse ends. He knows what the man who said those words said at the end. He said, “But I have come that you may have life and have it to the full.”

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Tayali: Reverend!

 

The Vice-President: The past came to steal, to kill and to destroy, but –

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Preach to them!

 

Laughter

 

The Vice-President: Hon. Member, now, we are in a time to have life …

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Vice-President: … and have it to the full.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kapyanga: Without electricity!

 

The Vice-President: I cannot verify some of the figures; I would mislead myself. However, the principle is, we have given the contractor the project under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), which has other indicators as to the completion of the contract. The contracts under PPPs are time-bound. They are not just time-bound, but I believe, they also stipulate the total amount of money to be recovered.

 

Mr Tayali: Correct!

 

The Vice-President: So, all those factors must be looked at. That is why you can have a PPP contract signed for ten years. If people do it right, they can recover their money in five years. He is also involved in infrastructure (pointed at Mr Tayali).

 

Mr Tayali: That is true.

 

The Vice-President: After that, the contract is terminated. In the PPP contract, there is a provision to maintain the road.

 

Mr Tayli: Correct!

 

The Vice-President: For us, if the traffic is better, and more money comes through because of the infrastructure, that is a benefit. 

 

Mr B. Mpundu interjected.

 

The Vice-President: You want to be president.

 

Laughter

 

The Vice-President: Madam Speaker, let us do things right. We see the benefit, and it is more than what we can lose. We are not giving inflated contracts, as it were. Before, the contract for repairing the same road was highly inflated.

 

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

 

The Vice-President: That is known by all of us.

 

Madam Speaker, what is the problem? There is time for work and for recovery of funds. So, for example, a contactor can say, “For us to recover the money and make a profit, we need twenty-five years to manage the road.” I thought I understood the hon. Member. If I did not, he can ask the question again. What I understood is that the hon. Member said that the contractor will start running the toll gates at the completion of the project. Then, he said that another law was made through a Statutory Instrument (SI). I hope he understands that I understood his question.

 

Mr B. Mpundu indicated assent.

 

The Vice-President: So, he should have followed my answer, knowing that I understood the question. He thought I did not understand the question and I was speaking into the air. An SI was issued, which then, allowed the contractor to start getting toll fees. The hon. Member’s concern is that the contractor is using our money to construct the road.

 

Hon. PF Members: Yes!

 

The Vice-President: No.

 

It is part of their money.

 

Mr Tayali: No!

 

The Vice-President: Hon. Minister, I think, under the SI, the Government also gets a little from the toll fees.

 

Mr Taylai: There is revenue sharing.

 

The Vice-President: There is revenue sharing.

 

Mr Tayali: Extra roads are being worked on!

 

The Vice-President: That is it.

 

Madam Speaker, honestly, on this one, he may have to come and educate me a little. I invite the hon. Member to come and educate me so that we get his full concern. I got the concern and my response is that the contractor is going to maintain the road, and we will share the benefits. The hon. Member should remember that there are Zambian entities that have invested in the same project using their money.  They are making money. The National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and the Workers Compensation Fund Control Board (WCFCB) invested in the project, and they are benefiting from the project.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear

 

______

 

MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

 

THE 80^TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND 24^TH COMESA SUMMIT OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT

 

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (Mr Haimbe, SC): Madam Speaker, recently, there were two significant international conferences that took place. Firstly, there was the 80^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80) and secondly, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit. So, this Ministerial Statement relates to the two.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you for according me this opportunity to render a Ministerial Statement on Zambia’s participation in the high-level segment of UNGA 80 held at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York from 22^nd to 29^th September, 2025, as well as the 24^th COMESA Summit held on 9^th October, 2025, in Nairobi, Republic of Kenya. I will start with UNGA 80.

 

Madam Speaker, UNGA remains a critical platform for multilateral diplomacy. It is the only global forum where all 193 Member States of the UN have equal representation, providing an opportunity to advance dialogue on international peace and security, development, climate change and human rights, among other topics.

 

Madam Speaker, this year’s UNGA was particularly significant as it marked the 80^th Anniversary of the UN under the theme, “Better Together, Eighty Years and More of Peace, Development and Human Rights”. This milestone provided the global community a moment of reflection on the UN’s fundamental values, while charting a way forward in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty and climate change. The 80^th Session was attended by 189 Member States, with representation from eighty-three Heads of State, forty-one Heads of Government and forty-five Ministers of Foreign Affairs. These numbers speak to the centrality of the UN as a convening body for collective global action.

 

Madam Speaker, the Zambian delegation to this landmark session was led by myself, as delegated by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, and in my capacity as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation. The delegation included the hon. Minister of Health, Dr Elijah Muchima, as well as senior Government officials. The participation was grounded in Zambia’s foreign policy objectives and national development agenda.

 

Madam Speaker, my participation and representation of the Government of the Republic of Zambia at this year’s UNGA was undertaken in accordance with the statutory functions as outlined under Government Gazette Notice No. 1,123 of 2021, which mandates the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation to:

 

1. conduct and co-ordinate the Republic of Zambia’s foreign relations;

 

1. manage international co-operation and multilateral engagements; and

 

1. oversee the negotiation, conclusion and ratification of international treaties, conventions and memoranda of understanding (MoUs).

 

Madam Speaker, it is within the legal and institutional mandate that the responsibilities outlined above were executed at that important multilateral forum.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia’s priorities at UNGA 80 included the following:

 

1. advocating for reform of the global governance architecture, including the United Nations Security Council, where we continue to champion the Common African Position (CAP) as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration;

 

1. advancing the implementation of the 4^th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) outcomes, including the Borrowers Forum, as co-facilitator of the pact;

 

1. promoting investments in health, education and social protection, especially in light of declining official development assistance (ODA);

 

1. deepening bilateral and multilateral co-operation with development partners;

 

1. advancing Zambia’s digital transformation agenda and partnerships in science, technology and innovation; and

 

1. strengthening Zambia’s profile as an investment destination through economic diplomacy.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia was actively engaged in several high-level meetings, including the high-level meeting on gender equality, commemorating the 30^th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, where Zambia re-affirmed its commitment to empowering women and girls, the fourth high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases and mental health, the Climate Ambition Summit, the Summit for African Union Committee of Ten (C10), which re-affirmed Zambia’s unwavering support for the CAP aforementioned, and the Biennial Summit for Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global Economy, where Zambia called for fairer and faster debt relief and improving financing mechanisms for developing countries.

 

Bilateral and Multilateral Co-operation

 

Madam Speaker, we also undertook a range of bilateral engagements to deepen Zambia’s international partnerships. We had bilateral meetings with Luxembourg, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Morocco and multilateral agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the World Bank. Zambia co-hosted an important side event with Egypt to discuss the modalities of implementing the newly-proposed Borrowers Forum, an initiative of the FFD4. Zambia also co-hosted a side event on accelerating the FFD4 implementation with Mexico, Spain, Norway, United Kingdom (UK) and the UN Foundation.

 

Madam Speaker, consistent with our policy of economic diplomacy, the delegation engaged with the Zambian Diaspora in the United States (US) to share developments that are taking place here and explore the Diaspora’s role in Zambia’s economic transformation. In addition, a private sector roundtable was convened with twelve global investment houses, including the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), Baylis Emergency Markets LLC and the Jefferies Group, to promote Zambia’s investment opportunities. These engagements were fruitful, with strong interests expressed in sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, logistics and tourism.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia was honoured to chair the ministerial meeting of least-developed countries. We used this platform to advocate for innovative financing solutions, enhanced domestic resource mobilisation and deeper regional integration to close development financing gaps for countries like Zambia.

 

 Key Outcomes and Deliverables

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia’s participation at UNGA 80, as I have referred to earlier, yielded a number of tangible diplomatic and developmental outcomes that reinforce our country’s international standing and support our aspirations in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). To begin with, Zambia strengthened its diplomatic relations through the signing of several key agreements. Notably, our country entered into new frameworks of co-operation with Luxembourg and Lithuania on matters of mutual interest, while also signing a joint communiqué establishing formal diplomatic relations with Liechtenstein. These milestones mark Zambia’s growing engagement with strategic partners in Europe, opening new avenues for collaboration in investment, trade and cultural exchange.

 

Madam Speaker, in the area of development co-operation, Zambia secured renewed commitments to key national priorities in health, education, tourism and private sector development. Of particular note was the agreement to expedite the implementation of existing MoUs with the Kingdom of Morocco that were signed in 2024. These agreements focus on strengthening human capital development and promoting sustainable economic growth in line with our national development agenda.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government also took advantage of the high-level engagements at UNGA 80 to advance Zambia’s digitalisation agenda and investment prospects. Furthermore, Zambia continued to expand its diplomatic footprint by initiating new engagements with emerging partners across Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. These efforts are aimed at broadening our global presence, diversifying partnerships and enhancing Zambia’s voice within the multilateral platforms.

 

Madam Speaker, in order to translate these outcomes into national benefits, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, in collaboration with relevant line ministries, will implement a structured follow-up mechanism, which will include activating bilateral agreements, co-ordinating with development partners and technical co-operation and monitoring Zambia’s climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) commitments at national and international levels.

 

In addition, Zambia will continue to champion reforms in multilateral institutions through regional reforms such as the African Union (AU) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to state that Zambia's active and strategic participation at the UNGA-80 re-affirmed our global standing as a responsible member of the international community. We seize this opportunity to advance our developmental priorities, advocate for Africa's voice in global governance, promote investment and build partnerships that will benefit our people. I wish to assure this House and the people of Zambia that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation remains committed to championing Zambia's interests on the global stage in alignment with our national development aspirations and foreign policy objectives.

 

Madam Speaker, with your indulgence, I would like to quickly update the House on our participation at the 24^th Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Summit. The summit was held under the theme: “Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth”. The summit, as I mentioned earlier, took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 8^th October, 2025, to 9^th October, 2025, and was preceded by a ministerial Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Peace and Security Matters. The theme underscores the region's shared vision of harnessing digital transformation to enhance trade integration, industrial competitiveness and sustainable development for the benefit of our peoples.

 

Madam Speaker, the 20^th Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Peace and Security Matters, which was held on 8^th October, 2025, was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burundi. The meeting brought together Ministers of Foreign Affairs and senior officials from all COMESA member states.

 

Madam Speaker, the 24^th COMESA Heads of State and Government Summit was held on 9^th October, 2025, and was chaired by His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, who succeeded his predecessor, President Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi. The summit was attended by several Heads of State and Government, Vice-Presidents, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and other senior representatives from member states. I represented His Excellency Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, in accordance with established diplomatic practice.

 

Madam Speaker, the outcomes of the 20^th Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Peace and Security Matters included a reviewed status report on peace and security covering developments in Ethiopia, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

 Madam Speaker, the meeting adopted a peace and security action plan for 2025 to 2028, which focuses on early warning and preventative diplomacy, promoting women and youth participation in peacebuilding and enhancing co-ordination between COMESA, the AU and SADC, among other outcomes.

 

 Madam Speaker, for Zambia, the outcomes have three direct benefits:

 

1. peace and security support;

 

1. capacity enhancement. Through the COMESA Conflict Early Warning System (COMWARN) network, Zambia will benefit from capacity building for national focal points in data-driven conflict analysis and preventative diplomacy; and

 

1. a benefit to our regional standing.

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of the summit, the outcomes included the following:

 

1. The Heads of State and Government considered the reports of the COMESA Council of Ministers and the authority, and adopted several key decisions on digital transformation, trade facilitation, infrastructure and inclusive growth. The summit re-affirmed the commitment to implementing the COMESA digital free trade area to facilitate seamless cross-border trading.

 

1. harmonisation of data protection and electronic commerce (e-commerce) laws, operationalising the COMESA digital retail payment platform, and promotion of digital skills training for youth and women entrepreneurs.

 

Madam Speaker, Zambia stands to gain significantly from the decisions, notably through:

 

1. hosting the COMESA headquarters;

 

1. facilitating digital trade . Zambia's Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will benefit from reduced transaction costs and improved market access through digital trade and payment platforms;

 

1. infrastructure co-operation. The focus will be on regional transport corridors, which aligns with Zambia's North-South Corridor initiatives, improving connectivity and logistics efficiency; and

 

1. in terms of private sector empowerment, Zambian enterprises, especially those led by youth and women, will gain access to regional markets through the 50 million African Women Speak platform and trade fairs supported under COMESA.

 

 Madam Speaker, the final report of the 20^th Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on Peace and Security Matters was adopted by consensus during the summit, demonstrating unity of purpose among member states, commitment to implementing agreed actions on peace, security and economic integration.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, Zambia's active participation in both the ministerial and summit meetings of COMESA re-affirmed our unwavering commitment to peace, security and regional integration in line with our Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), Vision 2030 and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aspirations. Through these engagements, Zambia consolidated her role as a regional convener for digital transformation and peace building while securing tangible benefits in infrastructure development, trade facilitation and institutional hosting.

 

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation will continue to work closely with relevant line ministries, COMESA institutions and the private sector to ensure effective implementation of the outcomes for the benefit of our people and the broader region.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

_______

 

ANNOUNCEMENT

 

COUNCILLORS FROM KATOMBOLA DISTRICT COUNCIL

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of Councillors from Katombola District Council, and these are as follows:

 

Mr John Simulinda            –                      Sekute Ward

 

 Mr Obly Mwamvwa         –                      Nyawa Central Ward

 

 Mr Moses Sianjide           –                      Kauwe Ward

 

Mr Mabote Mitulu             –                      Mukuni Ward

 

Mr Rayford Sikaloba         –                      Nguba Ward

 

On behalf of the National Assembly of Zambia, I wish to warmly welcome our guests into our midst.

 

 Thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

_______

 

 Madam Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement presented by the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

 

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister for presenting the two comprehensive statements on Zambia's engagement on the international stage.

 

Madam Speaker, one of the fundamental principles of Brand Zambia is peace-making. In the past, Zambia's peace-making efforts have also focused on the configuration of the United Nations Security Council. I would like to know whether in our engagements, as Zambia, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) we are in support of Africa's participation in terms of permanent membership on the Security Council, and whether we are supporting a specificcountry to represent Africa or we are alternatively supporting a rotational agreement in that regard.

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Luena for that wonderful and important question.  

 

Madam Speaker, as alluded to in my statement, Zambia is a member of the African Union (AU) Committee of Ten (C-10). A committee established by the AU of ten representative member states to put forward Africa's position on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reform. The Common Africa Position is what we are espousing as the C-10. I can confirm that on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a number of engagements were held not only with the permanent five members of the UNSC, but also other key stakeholders to espouse Africa’s position under the Common Africa Position. As we may be aware, the consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which I mentioned, provides for Africa's position. Africa is seeking two permanent seats on the UNSC with veto rights, that is, the Common Africa Position plus three additional rotation seats. As for which amongst the African nations will take those permanent seats, that will be a decision that we will make as a continent at the appropriate time once the objective of reform has been attained.

 

Madam Speaker, these are important conversations that are ongoing. For the benefit of the nation, I would also like to mention that the last ministerial meeting of the C-10 was hosted here in Lusaka. The Lusaka declaration was made, which position was put forward at the UN, where the model we wish to follow as Africa has been agreed upon in accordance with the declarations that I have mentioned.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) headquarters is domiciled in New York City, United States of America (USA). At the time the hon. Minister and his delegation were heading to the USA to represent us, the USA had imposed strict visa bond measures, which included a requirement for Zambians to pay an upfront refundable fee of US$10,000 and US$15,000, which is beyond the reach of many Zambian citizens. I would like to know how those measures affected his delegation and if he used the opportunity at UNGA to engage the authorities to deal with that challenge, which has never happened since we entered into bilateral relations with the USA.

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu for that equally important question. It was a two-part question, although my understanding is that hon. Members are supposed to ask one question per person. Nonetheless, I will answer.

 

Madam Speaker, the first part was whether the delegation was affected by the pilot visa bond requirement that is in place for travel to the USA. The delegation was not affected because participation in UNGA is not among the categories that require a bond to be given. Nonetheless, I recall that this issue has arisen on the Floor of this House before. I stated at that particular time that it is of grave concern to the Government of the Republic of Zambia that the pilot project has been imposed on Zambia and neighbouring Malawi as part of the sovereign decision of the U.S. Government in the current administration.

 

Madam Speaker, in response to the second question by the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I can confirm that the opportunity to be in the USA was used to the maximum to address both the positives and negatives of our relationship with the USA. I personally held meetings with counterparts from the U.S. Government and the Secretary of State's Office, both in Washington and in New York. When such trips are made, we use the opportunity to put in the full ticket of work so that the people of Zambia can benefit. So, the Government will continue to have discussions, face-to-face in the USA, here in Zambia, and of course, using diplomatic channels. I believe that the matter will be addressed fully and finally in the shortest possible time.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is a very high-level summit for Heads of State or their deputies. At this gathering, they engage in issues affecting their countries. This means that the value a country attaches to UNGA can be seen by the delegation it sends. Our President was in the country, and so was the Vice-President.  Immediately after UNGA, the President left for the United Kingdom. We know from the setup of UNGA, that when an hon. Minister is sent, he/she is given a chance to make a presentation right at the far end after Heads of State has left. Is it a testimony that the Government does not value this level of engagement? If the President is not available, he should at least send the Vice-President. Does the United Party for National Development (UPND) consider UNGA not very important?

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Nkana for that question, even though, unfortunately, he does not appear to understand and appreciate the complexities of international relations and how international relations are undertaken.

 

Madam Speaker, there was a sweeping statement at the beginning of the question that member states send either Heads of State or their deputies to attend UNGA. That is further from the truth and needs to be debunked. The hon. Member of Parliament does not need to take an opportunity like this to set out a misleading statement to the people of Zambia.

 

Madam Speaker, first and foremost, the high-level segment at UNGA, which I think the hon. Member talked about has several technical meetings that require the presence of hon. Ministers who are responsible for each technical area. For instance, during the last meeting of UNGA, we had a lot of business in relation to the health sector. That is why the hon. Minister of Health was the key member of the delegation.

 

Madam Speaker, other engagements related to the diplomatic space. The hon. Member might want to know that currently, a lot is going on regarding the multilateral space. So, the discourse taking place is in relation to how persons responsible for managing the multilateral space, predominantly, the ministers responsible for foreign affairs can interact to protect and save multilateralism. So, this is not as simple as a matter of the national statement given during the general debate, which is a recorded statement, by the way.

 

Madam Speaker, we must remember that the principle of the UN is that States are equal. It does not necessarily mean that speeches rendered by Heads of State are more important than those rendered by delegated individuals from other states.  That is not how it works. As nations, we are all equal at the UN. When one delegates, the person who speaks as a delegate speaks for the nation as a whole, regardless of the line or queue from which they are speaking.

 

Madam Speaker, I deliberately gave the statistics on representation at UNGA.  189 member states attended the Assembly, of which eighty-three were represented by Heads of State. Forty-one-member states were represented by Heads of Government, and forty-five were represented by ministers responsible for foreign affairs. That should give the hon. Member a clear picture that it is the norm –

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1040 hours until 1100 hours.

 

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

No quorum.

 

Madam Speaker: I just want to remind the hon. Members who have not logged in their credentials to, please, do so. We need your attendance. Please, log in. Otherwise, there will be no more credentials granted because they are not being used for our benefit.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I believe we now have a quorum.

 

Hon. Members, I wish to recognise – sorry.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: I wanted to recognise the hon. Member for Chipili.

 

Mr Chala rose and bowed.

 

Mr Chala: I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Members: Hear. Hear!

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: You may resume your seat.

 

You are welcome.

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was at the point of explaining the statistics from UNGA 80 in terms of the participation by Member States. I will repeat, as per my Ministerial Statement, that there were 189 Member States that attended this year’s UNGA. From amongst the 189 Member States, eighty-three Heads of State were represented and there were forty-one Heads of Government and forty-five Ministers.

 

Madam Speaker, the point is that as a matter of practice, it is acceptable for different levels of Government officials to represent their countries at UNGA, contrary to the assertion by the hon. Member for Nkana. Sending representation other than the Head of State to UNGA does not downgrade a country’s presence there. In fact, if we were to go by the logic used by the hon. Member for Nkana, looking at those numbers, the forty-six Member States which sent representatives other than their Heads of State do not take UNGA business seriously. That logic, unfortunately, does not apply. Just to demonstrate that point, the delegates who attend UNGA go with full authority from the States that send them, regardless of the level of representation.

 

Madam Speaker, the decision as to who represents a country at UNGA is based on a number of factors, including the law itself. The law gives certain functions and other matters to specific individuals sent by their governments, as the case may be. In short, let me put to bed the narrative that has actually been going around the country for some time. There is no downgrading of any sort when, for example, a Minister from Zambia or any country across the world represents a country at UNGA. Representation by a Minister at UNGA is an age-old practice, which should not be politicised here in Zambia by hon. Members.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Kalila (Lukulu East): Madam Speaker, let me first applaud the hon. Minister responsible for foreign affairs for the Ministerial Statement.

 

Madam Speaker, I have also taken note of the lean delegation that went to represent us in New York. This is a far cry and departure from what we have seen in the past. In the past, huge delegations used to be transported to New York at great cost. This also means that we are achieving more with less, and it is a great example of what efficiency can do.

 

Madam Speaker, my question relates to the work that happens at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). In particular, various other high-level meetings are held, as the hon. Minister said. In this particular case, there were very high-level meetings on gender equality to commemorate the Beijing Conference. There was also a high-level meeting on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), among many others. Some declarations that were signed there will eventually find their way to the Floor of this House. All hon. Members are required to follow up and hold the Government to account. However, I note the absence of hon. Members of Parliament on such delegations. Is the hon. Minister considering including, at least one or two, hon. Members, especially from the Committee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, in future delegations as other countries do?

 

Mr Amutike: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Lukulu East for that very important question. I thank him also for the preamble to the question, which was with respect to the delegation that was sent to UNGA. At that time, we were in a difficult fiscal space. So, the primary consideration was whether or not the people we sent could deliver on the mandate of the country, that is the business that is to be undertaken at each particular international meeting.

 

Madam Speaker, indeed, the hon. Member for Lukulu East has made an important point, which is that hon. Members of Parliament, be it on the left or right, are important elements in such engagements. Therefore, they need to join meetings not only at UNGA, but also participate in other international meetings that we have from time to time. I know that as a matter of practice, from time to time, we carry along hon. Members of Parliament to certain meetings, especially those relating to our relations within the African continent, such as the African Union (AU) Summits. However, the point has been taken. So, I would like to assure the hon. Member that when the fiscal space allows larger delegations to go to international meetings, we shall be able to share the work that needs to be done at those international meetings more evenly.

 

Madam Speaker, for now, the delegations that attend international meetings are put through a very stressful environment because they have to attend to multi-sectoral meetings, of course with full briefs from line ministries. As such, you will find that every day that delegates are out there, at least, under the New Dawn Administration, there is no room for playing, as it seems to have been the case in the past. Instead, we are up at 0700 hours and only end the day around 2100 hours or 2200 hours. On each day, we put in a ten-hour shift to represent the country to the best of our ability. That was the case at UNGA 80. In fact, I even had to take a trip to Washington D.C. and then go back to New York on the same day to continue business. So, attending meetings is a grueling task, but we give it our all because we have maximum pride in serving our country.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the Ministerial Statement.

 

Madam Speaker, the question that was asked by the hon. Member of Parliament for Nkana, in my view, was about prioritisation. It has been implied that the United Nations (UN) is likely to prioritise Presidents and Vice-Presidents to deliver addresses before actually bringing hon. Ministers on board. That notwithstanding, the fact is that there are many caucuses which Ministers like himself belong to during such important gatherings.

 

Madam Speaker, while the hon. Minister was attending that very important meeting, did he take advantage of his presence in the United States of America (USA) to, perhaps, seek an appointment with the American President, Mr Trump, …

 

Mr Mutelo: Iwe!

 

Mr Kafwaya: … in order for him and his Government to reconcile with the American President regarding the comments that our current President made about Donald Trump to the former Vice-President, Kamala Harris, …

 

Mr Nkandu: Question!

 

Mr Kafwaya: … in view of his arrest, prosecution and perhaps other issues that could have followed?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Lunte for his question and the preamble to it.

 

Madam Speaker, first and foremost, this comes back to being factual on the Floor of the House and looking at what we have to address in reality. Running a Government and interacting with the Heads of State of foreign Governments is serious business. It is not correct to say there is anything to start reconciling about between President Trump and the Republic of Zambia or President Hakainde Hichilema. In fact, to the contrary, Zambia enjoys a wonderful cordial relationship with the Government of the United States of America (USA).

 

Hon. PF Members: Question!

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: With the administrative changes that have taken place in that country, we understand and appreciate that there will be a shift in foreign policy. That shift in foreign policy is not specifically for Zambia, for the information of the hon. Member for Lunte. That shift in policy is one that applies to the whole world. So, one cannot pinpoint Zambia and say that there is an issue between Zambia and the USA. The contrary is true. In fact, as I mentioned during the substantive statement, I took the opportunity to engage with the State Department of the USA and we spoke very positively. The USA is looking at Zambia as one of its key partners on the African continent in terms of destination for foreign direct investment (FDI). Notwithstanding its withdrawal from our social sector, the USA is looking at finding a way in which our relationship will be one of mutual benefit and changing the landscape completely, and Zambia is ready.

 

Madam Speaker, as His Excellency the President said, in keeping with our policy of economic diplomacy, now is the right time for us to reset our relations. A lot of work is going on and part of it took place at UNGA at the technical ministerial level as well as at the level of officers that were present and engaged with their counterparts. In fact, the hon. Member for Lunte and the Republic generally may want to know that, for instance, there is work being done by our two missions that are resident in the USA; the Permanent Representative to the UN on one part, stationed in New York, and our Ambassador stationed in Washington, D.C. on the other hand. These are continuously engaging, not only with the US Government, but also through the UN system, with the rest of the world in a very effective fashion. That is why we have seen that Zambia was part of the FFD4 negotiating team and the Pact for the Future adopted at UNGA 79. This is all because we are effectively engaging and are duly respected by the international community for our engagement and what we have been bringing to the table since 2021.

 

Madam Speaker, it is Zambia kuchalo, which is Zambia to the world.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Halwiindi (Kabwe Central): Madam Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity given to me to ask a question on the statement made by the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.

 

Madam Speaker, at any gathering of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the issue of gender equality is always a priority. During a review that was conducted by the UN in March, 2025, the President of China, Mr Jinping, re-affirmed his country’s commitment to gender equality and said that his country would train about 50,000 African countries in a comprehensive approach to women’s empowerment. Already, we are seeing that China is actualising that commitment and has trained about thirty women this month. The reason there is that commitment and emphasis during every  gathering of UNGA is because countries have realised that gender equality is not just a cry for women for social protection, but that women are a cadre which is very important for social and economic development. I would like to know whether there is any commitment that Zambia made during that Assembly on gender equality.

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, indeed, as mentioned in my substantive Ministerial Statement, Zambia was actively engaged in several high-level meetings, including a high-level meeting on gender equality commemorating the 30^th Anniversary of the Beijing Declaration.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Kabwe Central for that question. I apologise for not doing so right at the outset. As rightly pointed out by the hon. Member, the commitments that are set out in the Beijing Declaration are binding for the entire globe, including Zambia. In this regard, part of our participation at UNGA 80 was to re-affirm our commitment on gender equality and explain to our peers what efforts have been undertaken in order to achieve particular obligations we agreed to, especially with the 30^th Anniversary of that declaration. So, to that effect, I can confirm that, yes, we made commitments. I can also confirm that, in fact, the Permanent Secretary (PS)  at the Gender Division travelled as part of our delegation and delivered a keynote address on behalf of Zambia on matters to do with gender equality.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Dr Andeleki (Katombola): Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for according me an opportunity to ask a question on behalf of the people of Katombola.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to begin by congratulating the hon. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation for representing us well at the 80^th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80). My question borders on international security or international peace.

 

Madam Speaker, we go to UNGA year in and year out, but the security situation in some places has become a challenge. We saw what happened in Gaza, Yemen, Syria and other countries. There is also the Russia-Ukraine War and other problems that people face, despite the presence of the United Nations (UN) in many places. Can the hon. Minister assure us that during such interactions, instruments for helping to bring peace once and for all in the world are being identified.

 

Madam Speaker, today, countries are not at peace and are afraid of going to war. We are losing lives and property, just like it happened during World War II. When we formed the UN in 1945, we made a commitment that never again in the world should property and lives be lost the way it was lost during World War II, but we are still seeing threats of war. What assurance is the hon. Minister giving the people of Zambia and the world over that the payments and attendance we are making to the UN will yield international peace and world order?

 

Mr Sing’ombe: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for Katombola for that very important question.

 

Madam Speaker, at the outset, let me respond by stating that it is now clear that part of Zambia’s foreign policy stands on two legs principally; economic diplomacy on one hand and, more importantly, in respect of his question, peace, security and stability on the other hand. So, wherever we go, be it to UNGA or any other international fora that we attend, one of the primary objectives is to espouse the principles of peace, security and stability.

 

Madam Speaker, in respect of the conflicts that are taking place across the globe and, more importantly, on the African continent, we have made our voice very clearly that we do not support conflict and that dialogue should be the basis upon which any dispute or disagreement should be addressed. So, in respect of the conflicts that the hon. Member has mentioned, yes, our voice was put forward very clearly that we would want to see an end to such situations and that practical steps must be taken to find solutions to those particular conflicts.

 

Madam Speaker, however, from a broader perspective in terms of the principles that we espouse as a country, that is part of the reason we support the CAP. As the hon. Member for Katombola would know, for example, 70 per cent of the agenda of the UN Security Council relates to conflicts or humanitarian issues on the African continent, and yet Africa has no voice on the Security Council. How do we treat that injustice to ensure that we are effective as a continent in sorting our own challenges out? One of the ways is by calling for reforms of the UN Security Council, which was one of the biggest agenda items that we dealt with whilst at UNGA 80. So, we are working, and working diligently and effectively.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Chala (Chipili): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for your recognition.

 

Madam Speaker, African countries have been advocating for a permanent seat for some time now, and it is overdue. Do we, as African countries, have any means to pressure the United Nations (UN) so that it can respond to our request? One of the means I was thinking of is protest. When we, as African countries, attend the assembly, we can agree to not speak for four hours, for example, then, when we are asked, we would share with the assembly about us wanting it to answer our call.

 

Mr Haimbe, SC.: I see you, hon. Member for Chipili, looking very bright.

 

Madam Speaker, I think, the question is: What effort is being put in place to lobby the member states of the UN to achieve the voice that we want, as a permanent member of the Security Council? The hon. Member for Chipili puts forward a very interesting approach. To my knowledge, we have not tried it. We have opted for engagement and speaking. The Permanent Five (P5) members of the UN Security Council are listening to our voice. We have also insisted that we must be given priority. The African voice is louder than ever before because the world recognises the place that Africa is taking in world affairs. For example, everybody knows that development and other matters relating to economic prosperity are driven by the youth in any particular continent or country. Africa has the highest number of youths across the globe. Africa has the largest population among all the continents, and it has the most resources. So, it is a matter of the world now accepting that it cannot ignore us anymore, and that is the pressure point that we are adding. We are saying that we cannot be ignored  and that we must be a priority, failure to which the UN, in itself, and the Security Council would not be achieving its aims. It has been twenty years of discussing the Ezulwini Consensus, but now the times are different. They are listening to us, and our voice is being heard as a continent.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

______

 

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

 

UPGRADING COMMUNITY SCHOOLS TO GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS IN ISOKA DISTRICT

 

44. Ms Nakaponda (Isoka) asked the Minister of Education:

 

1. how many community schools were in Isoka District as of August 2025;

 

1. of the schools stated above, how many are earmarked for upgrading to Government schools;

 

1. when the schools at (b) will be upgraded; and

 

1. if no school will be upgraded, why.

 

Madam Speaker: Acting hon. Minister of Education who likes to say qualite, you may respond.

 

Laughter

 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts (Mr Nkandu) (on behalf of the Minister of Education (Mr Syakalima): Madam Speaker, through you, I would like to appreciate and thank Hon. Nakaponda, who has chosen development rather than politicking. It is very important, and that is why I always appreciate her. When I say qualite, indeed, it is qualite.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, as of August 2025, Isoka District had only four community schools. That follows the gazetting of twelve former community schools as Government schools by the Ministry of Education in 2024. So, that means that the hon. Member’s constituency had about sixteen community schools, twelve were upgraded, and four are about to be.

Madam Speaker, the four remaining community schools in Isoka District have been earmarked for upgrading to Government schools in line with the ministry’s ongoing programme to formalise and also strengthen education provision nationwide, in accordance with the objectives of the Free Education Policy and the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

 

 Madam Speaker, the process of upgrading the schools is being implemented progressively in 2025; this year. The exercise is currently at the validation stage, which involves the verification of documentary evidence of land ownership, infrastructure suitability and community consent. This is being done prior to legal clearance by the Ministry of Justice. Once cleared, the schools will be duly gazetted as Government institutions. Thereby, formalising their status and enabling them to receive full Government support in terms of staffing, funding and infrastructure development.

 

Madam Speaker, obviously, in view of my response to part (b) of the question, part (d) does not apply. So, with regard to the four community schools in Isoka District, they have been earmarked for upgrading. Your Government remains committed to ensuring that all the eligible community schools are progressively integrated into the public education system to enhance equitable access to quality education for all learners.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, what specific initiatives will the ministry implement to strengthen the capacity of community schools, especially in my constituency, where Mwenipangala Community School, in particular, is in an area that has quite a large population?

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I think, the measures are clear. In fact, I should even give more details. The four remaining schools that have been earmarked for upgrade are Chipote, Lubuto, Mpundu and Namwanda community schools. We are specific. So, the measures we are putting in place, firstly, are to provide staff.

 

The hon. Member may be aware that this is the only Government since Zambia was born to employ so many teachers in the few years it has been in power. Numbers do not lie.

 

Madam Speaker, Hon. Nakaponda is a member of the Patriotic Front (PF). Our hon. Colleagues, in their ten years of governance, in their ten-year rule, only employed 7,000 teachers. In case people have forgotten, only 7,000 teachers in their ten-year rule were employed. This Government has only been in power for four years, yet it has employed more than 42,000 teachers.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mabumba: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

Mr Mabumba: Madam Speaker, my apologies. I like listening to whether truths are being told or not. The hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts knows that I have been in this Chamber for a long time, and that I was once the Minister of Education in this country. Would he be able to provide statistics, or evidence from the Ministry of Education indicating that in the ten years of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government, only 7,000 teachers were employed? 

 

I seek your indulgence, Madam Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members! 

 

Hon. Member, what breach has been committed? There was no citation of any Standing Order that has been breached. So, the point of order is not admitted.

 

 Let us make progress. The Acting hon. Minister of Education, please, be factual.

 

Mr Nkandu: Technical knockout, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to repeat that your Government, in the last four years, has employed more than 42,000 teachers. So, we have every reason to tell the people of Zambia that this is the Government that indeed, looks at their affairs.  

 

Mr Kampyongo: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Sorry, hon. Minister, there is another point of order.

 

Hon. Members, looking at the business that we have on the Order Paper, we are still very far from completing it. So, this will be the last point of order. We want to make progress so that we can get to the business.

 

What is the point of order, hon. Member?

 

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, the point of order is pursuant to Standing Order No. 71, which provides that the information we give here must be verifiable.

 

 Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister on the Floor is insinuating that for the first time in the history of this country, in only four years, more teachers have been employed than in any other past Government.

 

Madam Speaker, it is always important to be factual. We had the United National Independence Party (UNIP) in Government, which got most of us educated here. We also had the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD). The gentleman, the hon. Minister was a member of that party and a very active member of the Zambia National Marketeers Association (ZANAMA) at the time when MMD was employing teachers. The Patriotic Front (PF) came into power and employed a large number of teachers under Hon. Mabumba, who was then Minister of Education. If he cannot provide statistics to compare with, where does he get that information he is insinuating? These are progressive statistics, and they are done in proportion to the population growth. We do not just employ. Some schools have to be built. So, one cannot employ where schools have not been built.

 

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister in order to (insinuate) in that fashion? He needs to be guided.

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, you have sufficiently debated your point of order.

 

Can we make Progress.

 

Hon. Minister, please, you are reminded to be factual and compare the statistics, stating one number against the other so that hon. Members have clear information.

 

You may proceed.

 

Mr Nkandu: Thank you, Madam Speaker.  I will, indeed, campare figures.   Let me start by saying that this Government has been very prudent in the way it manages the resources. Instead of buying tear gas, it is employing teachers.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: So many teachers have been employed compared to the number of tear gas that were bought by the previous regime. So, to me, that was just a waste of resources. This Government is now pumping into something that the people will be able to appreciate.

 

Madam Speaker, having said that, I want to again say that the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Government, in four years, could not employ 42,000 teachers. Numbers do not lie. I was referring to the four years that we have been in the office. During that period, we have employed 42,000 teachers. No other Government, including the Patriotic Front (PF), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD), or UNIP, employed 42,000 teachers during their four years in power. Hon. Mabumba knows this. I thought I should clarify that one. In seven to ten years, the previous Government employed 7,000 teachers, while in just four years, this Government has employed 42,000 teachers. People have everything to smile about.

 

 Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, I would like to assure Hon. Nakaponda that the measures we are putting in place are to employ teachers so that they can teach our children. Secondly, we are also giving grants and building infrastructure. Hon. Nakaponda is a lucky hon. Member of Parliament because all the sixteen community schools are being upgraded. These things do not come by accident or chance.

 

Mr Miyutu: Chibundu!

 

Eng. Nzovu: It is a vision.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member has chosen, as I said, development over politicking. She is one of those who have chosen development over politicking.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: I know that there is a desire to raise points of order, but I have already guided.

 

 Hon. Member for Kalabo Central and hon. Member for Mitete, the Acting hon. Minister of Education does not understand what “Chibundu” is. It is only the three of us who understand. Hon. Minister, chibundu means food or feeding. They were trying to give you a leakage to talk about the school feeding programme.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: So, let us make progress.

 

I have noticed there are so many hon. Members who have indicated to ask questions, but we do not have much time.

 

 Hon. Member for Isoka, you have already asked two questions.

 

Ms Nakaponda: No.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay.

 

Ms Nakaponda: Madam Speaker, I just want to lobby through you, that the hon. Minister of Education should ensure that the ministry employs more teachers in those four community schools, which are not gazetted, and also, to start giving them grants. I also request the ministry to build some infrastructure.

 

Madam Speaker: Since it is a plea, hon. Member for Isoka, I suggest that you visit the hon. Minister of Education, and put in those requests. This is because it will be like one constituency asking for assistance from the hon. Minister of Education. So, please feel free to visit them.

 

 Mr Kampyongo (Shiwan’gandu): Madam Speaker, reluctantly, Hon. Nakaponda’s question was about upgrading community schools. She cited a number of those community schools that need to be upgraded. Of course, interestingly and excitedly, the hon. Minister has gone beyond giving appropriate responses to those questions.

 

The hon. Member asked how many schools the Government intends to upgrade, when it will be done and how the schools will be supported. I think that is what she wants to know. That is also what her community would like to hear from the hon. Minister, not statistics that he cannot prove.

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: I do not know whether the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu was with us when the hon. Minister was answering questions. I have the answers here; I always write. I hope my answers are correct because I always write. The hon. Minister said:

 

“As of August 2025, four community schools exist now as the previous twelve were upgraded.”

 

So, only four community schools remained. In the answer to part (b) of the question, he said:

 

“All the four community schools will be upgraded. This will be done in 2025 after   verification of ownership and consent from the Attorney-General.”

 

 So, all those answers were given. I do not know whether we need to go back. We do not have much time. Maybe, the hon. Minister can answer the other question.

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, thank you. Indeed, you have guided.

 

Madam Speaker, that was my response. I said that we had sixteen community schools in Isoka. Twelve of them have been upgraded, not by any other Government, but by this one.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member may be aware that community schools started around 1990. In 1996, the Government then came up with a policy. Nothing was done until the current Government. Now, we want to give community schools infrastructure. People have been complaining about congestion. So, we are trying by all means now to upgrade community schools and address the challenge of infrastructure.

 

Madam Speaker, out of sixteen community schools, twelve have been upgraded and four have been earmarked for upgrading in 2025, not 2026. That is what I said. Maybe, I did not mention the measures that the Government will take. To comfort Hon. Nakaponda, let me mention that this is the only Government that has expanded the School Feeding Programme to all primary schools in the country for the first time.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Nkandu: That is why the citizens of Zambia have now come to realise that, indeed, they were waiting for this Government. Let the Opposition say what they want to say, but people out there are appreciating what we are doing. We are giving loans even to university students. In fact, there was a question in Parliament this morning about how we are wasting the time of some of the students. No. Those students will not pay back the loans until they are employed. I thought I should clarify that. No one is being asked to pay back the loan until they are employed. When we employ them, they will be able to pay back the loans.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

PROVISION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE TO THE FORESTRY DEPARTMENT IN MULOBEZI DISTRICT

 

 45. Eng. Mabenga (Mulobezi) asked the Minister of Green Economy and Environment:

 

1. when the Forestry Department in Mulobezi District will be provided with a motor vehicle to ease their operational challenges;

 

1. whether the Government has any plans to recruit more forest officers; 

 

1. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and

 

1. if there are no such plans, why.

 

The Minister of Green Economy and Environment (Mr Mposha): Madam Speaker, the Forestry Department in Mulobezi District will be considered for a motor vehicle in the next phase of the ministry's transport procurement and allocation programme in the coming year 2026, subject to the availability of resources. The continuous procurement of vehicles for the Forestry Department has been hampered by the lean resource envelope. The hon. Member may wish to note that the department currently requires more than 100 off-road vehicles, preferably Land Cruisers, to function optimally. To ease operational mobility challenges, my ministry has embarked on procuring motorbicycles for use in areas where such means are suitable. However, for Mulobezi District, motorbicycles are not ideal due to the sandy terrain. In this regard, the ministry hopes to allocate an appropriate vehicle once funds become available in 2026.

 

Madam Speaker, recruitment of civil servants to improve service delivery remains one of the priorities of the United Party for National Development (UPND) New Dawn Government. While the current staffing levels in the Forestry Department remain low, the Government recently employed additional technical staff, who have since been deployed across the country. Although the number of staff recruited is small compared to the overall need, there are still plans to recruit more forest officers to strengthen forest management, enforcement and service delivery nationwide, including in Mulobezi District. So far, Mulobezi District has benefited from the recruitment exercise. Consideration for additional staff will be made once Treasury authority is granted.

 

Madam Speaker, the recruitment of additional staff for the Forestry Department will be undertaken in a phased manner, depending on the granting of Treasury authority. In the first phase, in addition to the already recruited staff in 2025, the ministry is filling vacancies left by officers who have since retired or left the service. This process will pave the way for further recruitment. For example, the department needs to recruit about 1,800 forest ranger guards who serve as the frontline enforcement officers. The recruitment will be implemented progressively in line with Treasury capacity, with firm plans envisaged to start being implemented in 2026 onwards.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Eng. Mabenga: Madam Speaker, is it possible for the hon. Minister to visit Mulobezi and see the conditions on the ground? The situation is not good. There is rampant illegal harvesting of timber.

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Mulobezi for the supplementary question and the invitation to visit Mulobezi.

 

Madam Speaker, you may recall that a few days ago, I was responding to another question from the hon. Member of Parliament on timber harvesting. I think that I promised to undertake a visit to Mulobezi, Shangombo and Sioma. My officers are listening, and the ministry will plan that trip. My desire is to have the hon. Members in the mentioned constituencies available during the trip. If they will be available, I will be very pleased to undertake the fact-finding mission together. I desire to do this before the end of the year.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutinta (Itezhi-Tezhi): Madam Speaker, the situation regarding the Forestry Department across the country, not only in Mulobezi, is quite pathetic. We need to agree that something has to be done. If the hon. Minister visited the Forestry Department in Itezhi-Tezhi and checked where the officers sit and the type of office they have, he would be sorry.

 

This department receives funding that is less than K5,000 per month. It is expected to undertake surveys and go into the forest to check and curb rampant illegal timber logging that is taking place, and yet it completely has no capacity.

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of providing vehicles and motorcycles, does the ministry have a schedule that districts can use to prioritise areas to receive those facilities? I know that Mulobezi is in a dire situation, but districts like Itezhi-Tezhi have many forests, and yet the Forestry Department in the area has never received a vehicle, motorcycle or even a bicycle from the time Zambia came into existence. Is the hon. Minister able to help us understand why areas with serious issues of deforestation, and the officers in area have no capacity to combat the scourge, are not prioritised?

 

Mr Mposha: Madam Speaker, I want to thank Hon. Mutinta, the Member of Parliament for Itezhi-Tezhi, for the supplementary question.

 

Madam Speaker, all the districts in Zambia will be given the attention that they deserve in terms of assisting the Forestry Department. For a long time up to now, most of the districts have been operating with very low capacity. In certain cases, they did not even have district forestry officers. However, I want to tell the hon. Member that we have been building capacity in all the districts and have recruited very competent district forestry officers.

 

Madam Speaker, just like I said, we will continue to build the capacity of the Forestry Department and give its officers working tools, which will be done as and when resources are made available. So, we will be able to provide the logistics, including motor vehicles and motorcycles, to improve mobility and enhance the capacity of our officers to protect the forests. So, in our focus to attend to the forestry officers in various districts, Itezhi-Tezhi will not be left out.

 

Madam Speaker, as regards mentioning the districts that will be prioritised, I am not able to do that now, but suffices to say that all the districts will be given the attention they need. Furthermore, the hon. Member has to take into consideration the fact that we need to appreciate the terrain when looking at the needs of each district. As I have said, we cannot deploy motorcycles in certain districts, like Mulobezi, because the terrain is not user-friendly for motorcycles. Therefore, we would want to deploy motor vehicles in such areas.

 

Madam Speaker, we know that Itezhi-Tezhi is an area with many forests and potential to allow the regeneration of forests. So, we have to ensure the protection of the forests and the trees therein. In that regard, we will look at how we can assist our district forestry officers.

 

Madam Speaker, it is true that the Forestry Department’s infrastructure has been very poor, obviously because of the low attention that was given to a very critical sector in the past. However, The United Party for National Development (UPND) and New Dawn Government is now giving this sector particular attention because protecting the forest is the way to go. The whole world is now talking about protecting the forest and planting trees. As we speak now, the whole world is focussing on Brazil, specifically on a town called Belém near the Amazon Rainforest. Ideally, the Conference of the Parties 30 (COP 30) will be held in that city to show case how Brazil has protected one of the world’s giant forests.

 

Madam Speaker, the point I want to make here is that Zambia must join the rest of the world in talking tough in terms of protecting the forest. So, I am glad that the hon. Member of Parliament for Itezhi-Tezhi has emphasised the issue. I am also happy that the hon. Member of Parliament for Mulobezi has taken very keen interest in the business and activities of our ministry.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

 Hon. Member for Mulobezi, I take it that you are satisfied?

 

Eng. Mabenga: Yes, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Okay.

 

Eng. Mabenga: Thank you very much, hon. Minister. I am very satisfied.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: With that, then, let us make progress. We have another Motion that we need to look at.

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

REPORT OF THE PLANNING AND BUDGETING COMMITTEE ON THE CONSIDERATION OF THE 2026 ANNUAL BORROWING PLAN

 

Mr Chaatila (Moomba): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House do adopt the Report of the Planning and Budgeting Committee on the Consideration of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly, laid on the Table of the House on Thursday, 16^th October, 2025.

 

Madam Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Mulebwa (Kafulafuta): Madam Speaker, I beg to second the Motion.

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, pursuant to the provisions of Section 8.4 of the Public Debt Management Act No. 15 of 2022, the hon. Minister responsible for finance presented the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan to the National Assembly for approval, in line with Order No. 175(1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024. The Committee held nine meetings and received both oral and written submissions from key stakeholders, including the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, the Bank of Zambia (BoZ), civil society organisations (CSOs) and other policy and financial institutions as well as think tanks.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan was presented against a macroeconomic background characterised by fiscal consolidation, constrained fiscal space and the need to sustain growth amid continued external vulnerabilities. The proposed expenditure by the Government in the 2026 Financial Year is projected at K253.1 billion, against the total revenue and grants that are estimated at K218.6 billion, resulting in a budget deficit of K4.5 billion. The Annual Borrowing Plan, therefore, seeks Parliament’s approval to finance this deficit through K21.6 billion in net domestic borrowing and K12.9 billion in disbursements from already contracted external loans.

 

Madam Speaker, the Annual Borrowing Plan has been carefully structured to minimise vulnerabilities to external shocks by placing greater reliance on domestic borrowing. Out of the total gross domestic issuance of K106 billion, K84.4 billion is earmarked for refinancing maturing debt in 2026, while K21.6 billion will be directed towards financing the budget deficit.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee further notes that the fiscal deficit for 2026 is projected at K4.5 billion, which represents K3.7 per cent of our gross domestic product (GDP). This gap will be financed through domestic borrowing of K21.6 billion and external disbursements amounting to K12.9 billion from existing loans, which have no recourse to new external borrowing.

 

The re-introduction of the Benchmark Bond programme under the plan is a welcome development that aims to extend the maturity profile of Government Securities, which smoothens redemption risks and enhances secondary market liquidity. This is consistent with the objectives of the medium-term debt strategy, which seeks to develop a stable, predictable and deep domestic debt market.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee takes note that the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan demonstrates the Government’s continued commitment to prudent borrowing, transparency and macro-economic stability. Notably, there will not be contraction of new external loans, a policy stance that supports the ongoing debt restructuring reforms under the G20 Common Framework and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme.

 

Madam Speaker, further, the plan’s focus on domestic market development represents a strategic shift in fiscal management. It supports the twin objectives of reducing foreign exchange risks and building resilience within the domestic capital market. However, the Committee would like to caution the Government regarding increased reliance on domestic borrowing, as it could lead to the crowding out of private sector investment if not carefully managed. To mitigate this, the Committee urges enhanced co-ordination between monetary and fiscal authorities to ensure that borrowing remains non-disruptive to private sector credit flows.

 

Madam Speaker, the annual borrowing plan has identified thirty-four projects to be financed through disbursement from existing external loans, which are valued at approximately US$494.9 million. However, the annual borrowing plan has not provided detailed information on the loan terms, maturity profiles, currency composition or lender identities.  The Committee, therefore, recommends that future annual borrowing plans contain comprehensive information to enhance parliamentary oversight and public accountability.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee reiterates the importance of adhering to the provisions of the Public Debt Management Act No. 15 of 2022, particularly Section 11(2)(a), which sets a debt ceiling of 65 per cent of the GDP effective 2027. With Zambia’s debt-to-GDP ratio currently estimated at 98 per cent, there is limited fiscal space to accommodate new borrowing. The Committee, therefore, implores the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to intensify efforts towards debt reduction and domestic resource mobilisation through improved revenue collection and broadening of the tax base.

 

Madam Speaker, regarding inflation and interest rates, the Committee is of the view that higher domestic issuance could maintain elevated yields in the short-term, but disciplined liquidity management and transparent issuance calendars will mitigate volatility and strengthen investor confidence. In relation to the exchange rate, the Committee observed that limiting foreign currency borrowing reduces exposure to exchange rate shocks and external vulnerabilities. Nonetheless, external pressures, such as delayed disbursements or fluctuations in commodity prices, must be closely monitored.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee commends the Government’s commitment to the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Debt Strategy, which seeks a 30-70 external-to-domestic borrowing ratio and observes that the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan aligns well with this framework. The Committee particularly supports the planned use of domestic liability management operations to reprofile debt and extend maturities. Additionally, the Committee observes that despite a projected net increase in total debt stock of K19.6billion, the overall trajectory points towards improved debt sustainability, as external debt is expected to decline by approximately US$78.1 million due to repayments which exceed disbursements. This demonstrates the tangible progress in restoring debt sustainability under the IMF-supported programme.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee fully supports the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan, which reflects a pragmatic balance between fiscal responsibility, macro-economic stability and development financing. It acknowledges that the plan seeks to strengthen market confidence, promote domestic market development and safeguard debt sustainability without compromising the implementation of critical national programmes.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the Committee would like to re-affirm its confidence in the strategic direction of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan. The plan reflects a balanced, forward looking and sustainable borrowing framework that aligns with the objectives of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Debt Strategy and Zambia’s international commitment under the IMF-ECF programme. The Committee believes that with disciplined implementation and transparent oversight, Zambia will continue on the path towards fiscal consolidation, debt sustainability and inclusive growth. I would like to urge this honourable House to support these recommendations by adopting the Report of the Committee.

 

Mr Chisopa: Question!

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, in closing, on behalf of the Planning and Budgeting Committee, I wish to extend my profound gratitude to you, the Clerk of the National Assembly and all the stakeholders who contributed through oral and written submissions during the meetings to consider the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan. Their insights were invaluable in enriching the Committee’s deliberations and shaping this report.

 

Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Mr Mulebwa: Now, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker, I rise to second the Motion effectively moved by the chairperson of the Committee urging the House to adopt the Report of the Planning and Budgeting Committee on the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan for the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

 

Madam Speaker, in seconding this important Motion, I wish to re-affirm that the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan presents a critical component of Zambia’s fiscal management framework. It provides a transparent roadmap to financing the National Budget deficit, while ensuring that borrowing remains sustainable within limits. The plan is not merely a financial instrument, but a reflection of the Government’s determination to restore debt sustainability, strengthen democratic resource mobilisation and align public debt with the broader objectives of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

 

Madam Speaker, I note that the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan has mainly been developed pursuant to the provisions of Section 8(4) of the Public Debt Management Act No. 15 of 2022, which mandates the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning to present the annual borrowing plan to the National Assembly for approval before borrowing is undertaken. This process ensures parliamentary oversight, transparency and accountability in the management of public debt.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan embodies the principles of prudence and strategic balance. It aligns with the 2025-2027 Medium Term Debt Strategy, which seeks to achieve a financing mix of 30 per cent external and 70 per cent domestic borrowing. This ratio is designed to mitigate foreign exchange risks while deepening the domestic financial market. The plan’s emphasis on strengthening the domestic debt market through the re-introduction of the Benchmark Bond programme presents a significant milestone in the country’s debt management evolution.

 

This programme will support the issuance of long-term sureties, smoothen redemption profiles and promote investor confidence in Zambia’s capital markets.

 

 Madam Speaker, I do acknowledge that the Committee’s analysis of 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan (ABP) was guided by the need to balance the following three key objectives: maintaining fiscal discipline, promoting economic growth, and safe-guarding debt sustainability. The plan’s restriction to disbursement on existing concessional loans ensures that external financing is confined to projects with ongoing implementation while simultaneously preventing the accumulation of new non-concessional debt.

 

Madam Speaker, we took note that thirty-four ongoing projects across strategic sectors, such as transport, water and sanitation, energy, education, health and agriculture, will benefit from external disbursement amounting to US$494.9 million. These projects are central to the realisation of Zambia’s development priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), particularly in enhancing infrastructure, human capital and industrial productivity.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee further notes that the 2026 ABP demonstrates an improved fiscal position compared to the 2025 plan. The total borrowing requirement has declined marginally from K34.8 billion to K34.5 billion, compounded by a reduction in external borrowing, while domestic borrowing has increased. This shift reflects the Government’s deliberate strategy to lessen exposure to exchange rates, fluctuations and unpredictable global financial conditions. Nevertheless, the increased reliance on domestic borrowing presents its own challenges, particularly, in the form of elevated yields and potential crowding out of private sector investment.

 

Madam Speaker, to mitigate these risks, the Committee recommends enhanced policy co-ordination between the fiscal and monetary authorities to ensure that the Government borrowing does not stifle credit availability to the private sector. Furthermore, the Committee recommends broadening participation in the Government securities market by encouraging pension funds, insurance companies and retail investors to contribute to a more stable and diversified investor base.

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee observes that the 2026 ABP emphasis on liability management operations and debt portfolio optimisation is commendable. By elongating maturities and reducing short-term refinancing pressures, the Government will be able to smoothen its time-debt service profile and create predictability in its borrowing operations. The reintroduction of benchmark bonds is not only a technical innovation, but also a sign of the Government’s renewed commitment to developing a robust domestic debt market capable of supporting long-term investment.

 

Madam Speaker, let me draw your attention to the –

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Mulebwa: Madam Speaker, I am being disturbed by some voices.

 

Madam Speaker: Let us proceed.

 

Mr Mulebwa: Madam Speaker, in conclusion, allow me to join the mover of the Motion in urging this House to adopt the report of the Committee, and to thank you for according us the opportunity to serve on this important Committee.

 

I also wish to thank the members of your Committee for according me the opportunity to second this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very.

 

We can now proceed to the debate, but looking at the time, we have less than forty minutes. I have seen so many indications. I have counted six hon. Members and two hon. Ministers, which gives us eight, plus the one to wind up, that is nine. So, we can allocate four minutes for each debater, and please, avoid repetitions so that we make progress.

 

So, we start with the hon. Member for Nkana.  You have four minutes.

 

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): Madam Speaker, it is sad that we have been given such a short time to debate this very important subject.

 

Madam Speaker, I am deeply troubled today. I think there is something wrong with our friends in the United Party for National Development (UPND). For 2026, we are borrowing approximately US$5.3 billion. In one fiscal year, the people on your right want to borrow US$5.3 billion. They want to borrow US$4.8 billion from within our economy, and on the other hand, they are projecting economic growth. These two things do not align in any way.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mpundu: Madam Speaker, they are projecting growth, which growth can only come from investment in the economy by private participants, meanwhile, they are drawing out resources that otherwise, would have gone to those same private sector players. How can this be realised?

 

Madam Speaker, year in, year out, we have been here urging our friends, who were so vocal when they were in the Opposition, that they would not go out borrowing, but they are borrowing unprecedentedly US$5.3 billion in one fiscal year. This bothers me. It troubles me a lot. This is a country where those in power are making these decisions. Firstly, they allow mining companies to continue exporting copper concentrates free of charge. From June to December, they have allowed mining companies to export copper concentrates free of charge.

 

What we are losing because of that decision is not only the little percentage of tax that was supposed to be paid had that ore been processed. When you export concentrates, there is so much you lose beyond just the taxes that a company would have paid locally. This Government is going to borrow US$5.3 billion, but it is allowing money coming from our citizens at the toll gates to be given to a contractor who has not performed his obligations.

 

Madam Speaker, I brought a Motion yesterday –

 

Mr Simushi: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. Simushi rose.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Members, we do not have much time.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nkana!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Can you sit down (Pointed at Mr Simushi)!

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nkana!

 

Mr B. Mpundu resumed his seat.

 

Madam Speaker: Let us be factual, hon. Members, as we debate these issues. We are not going to complete the Motion at this rate.

 

The Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is going to respond. Let us give each other time. There is limited time.

 

Mr Simushi: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

 

 Mr Simushi: Madam Speaker, I rise on a point of order pursuant to Standing Order No. 71, on being factual. I think, let us not mislead the nation. In the 2026 Budget, the Government is borrowing K34 billion. Now, when you divide that number …

 

Madam Speaker: Hon.  Member for Sikongo, that is why I was guiding.

 

Mr Simushi: … it cannot give you what the hon. Member is talking about, that is, US$5 billion. Where is that number coming from?

 

Madam Speaker:  Order!

 

I guided that the Acting hon. Minister is here and he is going to respond. Please, as we debate, let us be factual. That is what our Standing Orders require of us.

 

Hon. Member for Nkana, please, wind up your debate.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, just in case people did not read, this figure is from the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan. Page 2 of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan says that the gross domestic borrowing for the financial year 2026 is projected at K106 billion, which is equivalent to US$4.8 billion. That is in addition to the US$12 billion that the Government is going to borrow externally. This gives you over US$5 billion. What is he arguing about?

 

 Madam Speaker, I was saying that yesterday, I brought a proposition that can save these guys who are now clueless.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: I suggested that the Government must begin handling our mineral resources. These people are clueless, Madam Speaker. How can they borrow US$5 billion in one fiscal year?

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. UPND Members: We are not guys.

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Nkana!

 

You know very well that that language is not acceptable in the House. We are not supposed to demean each other. We are hon. Members. The members of the public whom we represent are watching us. You are eyeing to be a presidential candidate.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

Madam Speaker: So, please, depict what is true. Make sure that you depict what is true.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

 

Let me say something. We are a mirror to society. Young people are looking at us and seeing what we are doing. They will take it that what we do and say in the House is the correct way to go. Let us give a good example to young people.

 

The word you said, hon. Member, can you withdraw it?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I withdraw the word “guys.”

 

Interruptions

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, this is a very simple issue. People must read before they come to debate in this House. This Government will borrow K106 billion, which is equivalent to US$4.8 billion. That is what it will borrow locally. Further, it will borrow US$12 billion externally. Of course, it wants to hide under the name of debt service obligations. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) indicates that money is counted as debt when it has been disbursed. So, the Government will borrow US$5.3 billion.

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Member's time expired.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you, hon. Member. You are just repeating yourself now. You have run out of time.

 

We can make progress. I will call on another hon. Member. For purposes of balancing the debate, I will call on the hon. Member for Luena.

 

Mr Amutike: Now listen to quality.

 

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to debate this Motion that has been ably proposed by the hon. Member for Moomba and equally strongly seconded by the hon. Member for Kafulafuta.

 

Madam Speaker, from the outset, on behalf of the people of Luena, I would like to indicate that I support the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan, for very good reasons. Firstly, the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan aligns very well with our Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), as a country. Secondly, the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan says that we will reduce our net borrowing from 4.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025 to 3.7 per cent of GDP in 2026.

 

Madam Speaker, it is very easy to make wild conclusions when you do not understand the complexity of economics. In order to understand the severity or affordability of debt, you need to look at what the obligations and the capacity to service that debt are. Now, in this case, our GDP is actually growing. That has contributed to the reduction in the net borrowing percentage as calculated on GDP. Where we are coming from, there was reckless borrowing and the economy was contracting. So, it is very clear that the capacity of the country to meet its debt obligations was also reduced, which is why we defaulted in 2020. If there is a team of people that this Government needed to learn from on how to manage the economy, it is not the people under whose leadership or stewardship the economy contracted. It is not going to be from a group of people who actually defaulted and brought a lot of embarrassment to the nation.

 

 Madam Speaker, the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan is setting the country on a path to achieving very strong and fundamental economic principles. That is why the Government is still sticking to maintaining inflation, maximising domestic revenue mobilisation and ensuring that debt obligations which fall due next year, debt obligations which are actually as a result of the reckless borrowing of the past, debt obligations which this Government cannot avoid, are serviced next year. So, we can only excuse the politicking we are hearing now because a little knowledge can be very dangerous.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I support the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Zulu (Nyimba): Madam Speaker, I will be very honest with myself. This is a subject that does not need one to be an accountant to understand. I am not from the accountancy world, but I just want to look at a few figures. I want people to listen to me because at the end of the day, I give solutions to problems. We have a K34.5 billion Budget deficit. Is borrowing bad? Borrowing is not bad, as long as you have the capacity to pay back the money. If you do not have the capacity to pay back the money, do not borrow. We are going to borrow K21.6 billion from the local market. The money will be from Government securities or bonds and maybe from commercial banks within our country. That means the interest rate charged by banks is going to go up.

 

Banks are more comfortable with lending money to the Government than to individuals. It is expensive for entrepreneurs to visit the open markets and borrow money. So, what is the solution to the problem because at the end of the day, that problem affects all of us? As a nation, we need to spread our tentacles and broaden our sources of financing our Budget.

 

Madam Speaker, I will be very honest with you that I agree and supporting the idea of borrowing locally because when we do so, less foreign exchange will leave the Zambian market and in turn, we will reduce the exchange rate, which makes importation cheaper.

 

Madam Speaker, let me just pick on one thing the people of Nyimba are very worried about. The 2026 Budget is more than last year’s Budget by 16.6 per cent. The funding for the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in last year’s Budget was limited. When we look at projections, because God has blessed us so much, Nyimba will beat the rest of the Eastern Province in maize production, if I am not mistaken. However, even after increasing the allocation for FISP and other things, the number of beneficiaries has been maintained the same in Nyimba District. The population of people in Nyimba is bigger than some districts that received double the allocation that Nyimba received. So, why should the people of Nyimba support the Government’s borrowing when they do not get a share from that money?  Only a few privileged districts, I do not know if it is because of their hon. Members of Parliament or whoever is there, get more FISP beneficiaries than Nyimba. How can a district with a population of close to 200,000 people have 13,000 beneficiaries when a district with 60,000 people has 24,000 beneficiaries? How can that be justified? I want the Vice-President and the Executive at large to look at the districts that are not benefiting much from FISP so that they can produce more.

 

Madam Speaker, the time is very jealous.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

Let us listen to a female hon. Member of Parliament.

 

Ms Mulenga (Kalulushi): Madam Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity. I will be very brief.

 

Madam Speaker, I find it very difficult to support the Annual Borrowing Plan on behalf of the people of Kalulushi. The Government is proposing to borrow K106 billion. When this is translated into United States Dollars …

 

Mr Amutike: Where!

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Taubelengele iwe!

 

Ms Mulenga: … it is about US$4.8 billion.

 

Madam Speaker, I have seen this Government come to the Floor of this House before to ask for approval to borrow. The people of Kalulushi find it very difficult to support the Annual Borrowing Plan because for the last three days, there has been a total blackout in Kalulushi. There is no power and, therefore, why should I stand on the Floor of this House and support more borrowing? My people will question me where the money goes when the Government borrows. ZESCO Limited has switched off its sub-station in Mwambashi for the last three days, at the expense of the people of Kalulushi, to preserve power. With such a situation, the Government is coming to ask us to borrow more money. When the Government borrows, we want to see where the money goes. There must be a ripple effect on the ground, but none of us is feeling it.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government came to the Floor of this House –

 

Mr Chikote interjected.

 

Ms Mulenga: In particular you, hon. Minister (pointing at Mr Chikote), ...

 

Interruptions

 

Ms Mulenga: … came here to condemn the Patriotic Front (PF) for over borrowing. At least when the PF over borrowed, we saw roads, police stations and universities being constructed.

 

Interruptions

 

Ms Mulenga: Even the universities that hon. Members on the right are going to, were built by the PF. Let them point at what they have done or what they intend to build with US$4.8 billion. Nothing!

 

Madam Speaker, K21.62 billion will go towards financing part of the 2026 Budget deficit. We all know that about 80 per cent of the Budget is for personal emoluments, which means kulyafye. Kukongola ati tulelya.

 

Mr Chikote interjected.

 

Ms Mulenga: It is for personal emoluments. What does that mean, hon. Minister? What does that mean?

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Your salaries!

 

Ms Mulenga: We are borrowing for our salaries. If the Government had not sold the toll gates, the burden of paying salaries would have been cushioned, instead of resorting to borrowing.

 

Hon. Government Members: Question!

 

Ms Mulenga: Madam Speaker, on behalf of the good people of Kalulushi, I wish to repeat that we have had no power for the last three days because ZESCO Limited’s Mwambashi sub-station has been switched off. The company is trying to preserve power for the unknown, yet the Government is asking us to support the approval of borrowing. Our children have not been studying and revising because there has been no power for three days. Small businesses in Kalulushi are at a standstill because there has been no power for three days. The hospitals and clinics in Mwambashi have not been operating, and heaven only knows how many fatalities we have had in the last three days, yet the Government is asking us to support its intention to borrow. On behalf of the good people of Kalulushi, I am saying no.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

 

I think, it is known where the debate is going to. We make progress.

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, let me start with commending the Planning and Budgeting Committee for its comprehensive review of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan, presented to this House in accordance with the Public Debt Management Act No. 15 of 2022. The 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to fiscal prudence and sustainable debt management. It reflects the guiding principles of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the Medium-Term Debt Strategy, particularly the balance between domestic and external financing. The plan supports economic growth and debt sustainability, aligning seamlessly with the 8NDP and the 2025/2027 Medium-Term Debt Strategy. This alignment is crucial as it ensures that our borrowing practices are not only responsible, but also strategically targeted towards fostering national development.

 

Madam Speaker, from the perspective of the water and sanitation sector, I wish to acknowledge that the Annual Borrowing Plan continues to prioritise on-going infrastructure investments that are vital to the well-being of our people. The borrowed money will enable us to complete projects in Nkana, where Hon. Mpundu comes from. It will help us complete projects in Lunte and all other areas. The money will also address the water stress in Kalulushi.

 

Madam Speaker, approximately US$31 million in external displacement is allocated to water and sanitation projects, including the following:

 

1. Lusaka Sanitation Programme;

 

1. Transforming Rural Livelihoods Project;

 

1. National Rural Water and Sanitation Project; and

 

1. Integrated Small-Town Water Supply and Sanitation Project.

 

Madam Speaker, are the hon. Members of Parliament opposing the borrowing plan saying to their people that they do not need water? The current Government is not like the previous Government. It is not borrowing for consumption. Providing water to our people and for energy security enables economic growth. One needs to do a bit of economics to understand what the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is doing.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry is committed to ensuring that all water projects financed from external borrowing are implemented efficiently, transparently and with full accountability. All the money which will be borrowed will be efficiently utilised.

 

We will continue to collaborate closely with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to ensure that every Kwacha that is borrowed delivers tangible benefits for our citizens, particularly in improving rural and peri-urban water supply and sanitation systems. The Committee rightly observed that transparency, not like before, fiscal discipline, not like before, and effective co-ordination between fiscal and monetary policy are essential. We fully support the recommendations. These principles will translate into better project delivery, sustainable infrastructure and improved service delivery in our sector.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to re-affirm that investments in water and sanitation are not just social services, …

 

Interruptions

 

Eng. Nzovu: … Hon. Kafwaya, they are economic enablers.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Eng. Nzovu: Madam Speaker, clean water supports public health. It boosts productivity and enables resilience to climate change. The projects supported under the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan are for strategic investments in Zambia's future. Take notes on that.

 

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, my ministry stands ready to continue performing its role of ensuring that debt-financed water and sanitation projects contribute meaningfully to the Government's vision of equitable and sustainable development. Together, we can transform Zambia into a country where every citizen enjoys safe water and dignified sanitation services. I, therefore, urge all hon. Members, including those two there (pointed at Hon. Kafwaya and Hon. B. Mpundu), to support the plan.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

 

The Acting hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning will use his normally allocated time to respond.

 

Mr Kafwaya left his seat.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, please, resume your seat.

 

Mr Kafwaya resumed his seat.

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, let me thank the chairperson of the Committee for the report well presented. He stated that the report was based on three pillars; prudence, transparency and macro-economic stability. Market confidence is anchored at the centre of that. In the understanding of the key pillars, the most important is prudence. As a principle, prudence indicates that whatever is owed must be paid off. So, whatever is owed must be paid off. The maturities that are now ready must be paid off. We do not want to default. These maturities are for what was borrowed five years ago and before. Therefore, we must pay. We have no option in terms of prudence.

 

 Madam Speaker, the appropriate measure is to take the proportion of debt to gross domestic product (GDP). In 2021, it was around 5 per cent. It is decreasing to 3.4 per cent. So, as a proportion, it means that you are actually doing much better. It is not the quantum that matters. It is paying off what is actually owed. So, we borrow to pay off what is owed.

 

Madam Speaker, let me address some of the issues that were raised. This Government has basically said that it is going to shift from external borrowing, as a matter of policy, to domestic borrowing. This aligns with best international practices. So, we are getting back to proper international practice. Regarding the terms of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan (ABP), we have borrowed in line with what we presented in the Budget.

 

Madam Speaker, in as far as transparency is concerned, the chairperson of the Committee said that in 2021, we overborrowed by 15.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP.). However, in order to come down and run the economy properly, we have removed subsidies on fuel and electricity.  During the most difficult period when we had a drought, we did not borrow, but used the same resource in the Budget and rearranged it.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. PF Members: Question!

 

Mr Mutati: So, we did not resort to borrowing. That is what is called prudence.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mutati: Within the same Budget, we rearranged even in the most difficult …

 

Eng. Nzovu: Times!

 

Mr Mutati: … period.

 

Eng. Nzovu: Mulesendako ama notes!

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, an issue was raised –

 

Eng. Nzovu: Muleumfwa!

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, the issue raised is about growth. It is said that we can restrict domestic growth if we borrow.  To the contrary, what has happened is that investments have actually increased. The evidence is there. For example, in mining, the Kansanshi Mine S3 Expansion Project has an investment of US$1.2 billion. In Lumwana, the Super Pit will be …

 

Mr Kampyingo: On a point of order, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mutati: …  US$2 billion.

 

Madam Speaker, I am demonstrating the level of investment that we have as regard to the question raised vis-à-vis the borrowing, whether this borrowing will constrain investment. To the contrary, we are demonstrating that investment is on the upswing. For example, if we consider just the last one or two weeks, we will find that the starch plant with a US$60 million investment was opened. This plant employed 1,000 people; it is a significant investment.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mutati: Madam Speaker, we are now able to produce our own urea fertiliser and export in the region. That is an investment.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mutati: To the contrary, the investment keeps going up.

 

Madam Speaker, let me thank the chairperson who has outlined in the report that he has presented –

 

Mr Kampyongo: We have a report under discussion.

 

Mr Mutati: I am referring to…

 

Mr Kampyongo: No!

 

Mr Mutati: … what was purely raised in the report.

 

Madam Speaker, the growth in reserves is also mentioned in the report. In 2021, our reserves stood at US$1.2 billion.

 

In 2025, the reserves are K4.7 billion.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Mutati: That is in the report. We are growing the reserves because the economy and investments are growing. That is what is important. 

 

Madam Speaker, I think that there is nothing wrong with any nation borrowing. What is important is being prudent with what you borrow. Borrowing prudently is our deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and we are able to pay even the debts that were brought forward. At the same time, we are growing the economy. Next year, we will grow this country’s economy at the rate of almost 6 per cent.   

 

Mr Tayali: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Nkandu: From negative to positive.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Mutati: Yes, from negative to positive. So, it means that there is prudent management of the economy.

 

Mr B. Mpundu: Question!

 

Mr Mutati: There is absolutely no struggle. We are doing it the correct way.

 

Mr Amutike: Methodically.

 

Mr Mutati: Methodically, indeed.

 

 Madam Speaker, let me conclude by thanking the Committee for the work that it has done and for accepting the recommendations in the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan. This is a demonstration of how seriously this august House and, indeed, the Zambian people take the country’s economic and debt situation. We thank the Committee for supporting the adoption of the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.  

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Moomba, wind up the debate in one minute.

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, let me thank all the debaters and the two hon. Ministers for their responses.

 

Madam Speaker, just to put things in perspective, what will be borrowed is just about US$960 million, as opposed to what Hon. Mpundu said.

 

Madam Speaker, we are dealing with accounting terms. The gross domestic borrowing is obviously K106 billion. Then K84 billion will be for refinancing of domestic debt maturities. We remain with net borrowing of K21.6 billion. I was with Hon. Kafwaya in school studying accounts. These things are very straightforward. That is the position.

 

Madam Speaker, lastly, let me indicate to hon. Members that the Committee is happy with the fact that this Government is increasing the resources raised domestically. Now, 86 per cent of our total Budget is financed domestically. That is a big step. Four years ago, the amount was about 47 per cent. This means we were borrowing more when, in fact, we were able to get the resources within the country. I think that hon. Members must be comforted by the fact that we are on the right path.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Chaatila: Madam Speaker, let me, again, thank the Committee for giving me the time to manage the team; the hardworking Planning and Budgeting Committee. I also thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to manage the process.

 

Madam Speaker, that said, I want, once again, to plead with my fellow hon. Members to support the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan.  

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

Hon. PF Members called for a division.

 

Madam Speaker: The threshold has not been achieved. So, the call for a division falls off.

 

We make progress.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

The Vice-President (Dr Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

_______

 

The House adjourned at 1256 hours until 1430 hours on Tuesday, 4^th November, 2025.

 

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