Wednesday, 19^th November, 2025

 

The House met at 1430 hours

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

 

NATIONAL ANTHEM

 

PRAYER

 

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PUPILS AND TEACHERS FROM GARDEN GROVE ACADEMY

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of pupils and teachers from Garden Grove Academy in Lusaka District.

 

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

 

I thank you.

 

Hon. Member: Hear, hear!

 

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

 

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KAMFINSA, ON HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE DISASTER IN KITWE CAUSED BY HEAVY RAINS

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to direct an Urgent Matter without Notice at Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I was allowed to raise a matter regarding the houses that had collapsed in the constituency. In view of the guidance from Madam Speaker, I was directed to engage the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU). Based on that advice, I complied and presented the matter in a written format to the office I was referred to and I also wrote a summary of the challenges we are facing directed to Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, based on the fact that the matter was presented on the Floor of Parliament, in many other parts of Kitwe such as Kwacha, Wusakile and Mindolo, a number of houses have also been affected by the rainfall that we experienced. We value your advice and guidance, but based on the fact that this is just November, I know that hon. Members of Parliament in many other parts of Zambia will equally begin raising some of the challenges being faced in their constituencies. I thought that this was a matter that would require the Government to give some form of assurance or guidance on how we are going to deal with these matters as they occur in the various constituencies that are affected.

 

Madam Speaker, this qualifies to be a disaster because people’s houses have been affected.

 

I seek your serious indulgence, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The matter was raised yesterday, but according to the way you have explained, it is like it is expanding. Maybe, it will be interesting to hear from the Office of the Vice-President on what preparations or measures it has put in place to sort out the challenges that are beginning to show in the form of disasters. So, Her Honour the Vice-President will come back to the House, maybe on Tuesday next week, to update the nation on the measures that have been put in place to sort out the challenges that are yet to be experienced in different parts of the country because of floods and other calamities that will come along.

 

MR NGOMA, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR LUMEZI, ON HER HONOUR THE VICE-PRESIDENT, DR NALUMANGO, ON THE BLOWN-OUT SOLAR POWER PLANT

 

Mr Ngoma (Lumezi): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can proceed.

 

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to raise this Urgent Matter without Notice with regard to Lumezi Constituency, in particular Mwanya Chiefdom.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government gave us a solar energy plant in 2022, which the people of Mwanya Chiefdom have been very grateful for. However, yesterday, there was a heavy downpour and the whole plant was blown off. The solar panels have been damaged extensively and require the Government’s intervention. Not only that, a number of the surrounding households were left in the cold as their houses were extensively damaged. I thought I should bring this to the attention of Her Honour the Vice-President.

 

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you so much.

 

I think, your situation is similar to the issue that was raised by the hon. Member for Kamfinsa. I am sure, Her Honour the Vice-President, like I mentioned, will come to this House to give a comprehensive report of the preparations or measures that they have put in place.

 

MR MUNSANJE, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR MBABALA, ON THE HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, MR MWIIMBU, SC., ON THE VIOLENCE BY AN UNNAMED GROUP

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

 

Mr Munsanje: Madam Speaker, my Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security. 

 

Madam Speaker, we have observed that a certain group, which has no name, has announced to have a party convention in the near future. With the announcement of that convention, there are certain candidates like Malukula and others. We have seen bloodshed already and the resurgence of pangas by that group. Is the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security ready to manage the bloodshed that comes from this panga party that is planning for a convention as we have already seen blood which has already spilt?

 

Ms Mulenga: Ah! Panga party?

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Munsanje: Sometimes it is called “paya farmer.” So, you can –

 

 Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: This matter is similar to the one that was raised yesterday, and the response was that we cannot entertain political issues in the House. I think that the matter will be handled effectively by the concerned ministry, which looks at order in the country, rather than bringing it to Parliament. It is a political matter. So, it is not admissible.

 

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MOTION

 

SET UP LIVESTOCK FARMING BLOCKS IN PROVINCES WITH LOW CATTLE STOCK

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this House urges the Government to facilitate the setting up of livestock farming blocks in provinces that have low cattle stock.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Is the Motion seconded?

 

Mr Fube (Chilubi): Madam Speaker, I wish to second the Motion.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank your office for allowing this conversation to be brought to Parliament today. I would also like to thank my hon. Colleague from Chilubi for ably seconding this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, your Member of Parliament is not discussing mining today or any other usual aspect of the economy. The conversation is around a different topic that I believe not only concerns the bigger picture of our economy, but also guarantees that we are looking at other avenues of creating enough jobs for our young people. Our gross domestic product (GDP) is around US$27 billion and the statistics confirm that only 3.2 per cent is attributed to the livestock subsector. That means out of US$27 billion, 3 per cent is as a result of the fact that currently we only have beef production in specific areas, and the production levels are quite different. I will begin by providing those statistics because they will guide the debate that I am tendering today.

 

Madam Speaker, our country’s current cattle stock population is around 5.1 million, and even as we look at that figure, you may note the provinces that account for the highest numbers in terms of distribution. The current US$27 billion GDP has huge potential to grow to US$30 billion. I am aware that His Excellency the President and the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning are on record suggesting that we need to look at sectors that can help us grow our GDP to around US$30 billion. The Southern Province accounts for around 41 per cent of the 5.1 million cattle stock. I know that the Eastern Province accounts for the second largest contribution. However, if you look at the last five provinces on the list, you will realise that, as a result of so many other factors, they are provinces where we, as a country, may not be doing well.

 

Madam Speaker, what topic do I bring to Parliament today? I hope that this will be a conversation around how we look at other sectors that can not only create jobs for our people, but also ensure that Zambia competes on the export market. The Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa has brought a proposal to this august House to consider what may be possible. For many years, we have been made to believe that one can only undertake mining on the Copperbelt Province, where I come from, but the orientation of our people is changing. If you travel to Lufwanyama, for instance, many people have decided to venture into keeping cattle, which is a sign that the old argument that you cannot keep cattle on the Copperbelt Province, Luapula Province and the North-Western Province is no longer valid. The argument that we can only support cattle ranching in places such as the Southern Province, the Eastern Province and the other top five provinces is no longer valid because we have many examples. If you commissioned a team to establish where people are setting up farms for cattle ranching, you will realise that we need to start asking ourselves what can be done to ensure that the people in the other provinces, such as the Luapula Province, the North-Western Province and the Northern Province, are encouraged. If the issue is our culture or that for many years certain people have not been accustomed to keeping cattle, the starting point would be to ask the Government if it is possible to set up livestock farming blocks in areas where the cattle stock is low. If you look at the statistics, province by province, you will realise that some areas have done well for many years. I commend the people in the provinces that have shown us the leadership that we need to provide the guidance. That is why my proposal to the Government is that we should set up commercial livestock farming blocks, which can allow – ­

 

Mr Miyutu: On a Point of Order, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: A Point of Order is raised.

 

Mr Miyutu: Madam Speaker, my Point of Order is in relation to Standing Order No. 71. First of all, the mover is speaking without reading. That means the information is not recorded on paper. Secondly, he is mentioning things that seem to have no data  recorded. We live in Zambia. We listen to the hon. Ministers.

 

Madam Speaker, this Motion relates to things that fall under the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Is the hon. Member in order to state that the Government of the Republic of Zambia is discriminatory in livestock promotion? I did not want to rise, but that was not sitting well with me. Is it correct for him to state, on the Floor of this House, that the Government is only focusing on the Southern Province, the Western Province and the Eastern Province? Is it correct and true that this Government is only looking at these three provinces, as if the ministry, under the guidance of the former hon. Minister for Fisheries and Livestock, did not restock the other provinces with cattle? Is it correct for the hon. Member to continue on that trajectory?

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, do you have a written speech?

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, yes.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: If you have it, that is fine. Use the speech as you debate. You are the mover of the Motion. The seconder is supposed to use talking notes. As the mover of the Motion, you are supposed to read a speech.

 

 On the other hand, the mover of the Motion, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, has not finished moving the Motion. I was listening so that I could get the gist of the Motion. He was trying to say that, maybe, people have been undertaking animal production mainly in the Southern Province, the Western Province and the other province.

 

Hon. Member for Kalabo Central, it will be up to you to add your voice to the debate on this Motion, whether you agree with it or not. You will be given the opportunity. If you do not agree with the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you will give us your reasons. So, let us, please, allow the hon. Member for Kamfinsa to finish explaining the Motion to the House.

 

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you may continue.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, allow me to refer to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock 2023 Livestock Survey Report. The cattle population distribution per province was as follows:

 

1. the Southern Province, 2.1 million cattle, which represents 41 per cent; and

 

1. the Eastern Province, 1.1 million cattle, which represents 19 per cent.

 

Madam Speaker, the list goes on. As I was saying, these are the statistics from the ministry, which is currently headed by the nominated hon. Member of Parliament. I was just referring to the official data.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: In fact, my guidance, hon. Member, was for you to continue with your debate.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I thought I needed to correct the misrepresentation.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No, you are supposed to continue.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I am happy that the misrepresentation has been corrected.

 

Madam Speaker, I have debated a number of Motions here, I think, around seventy or eighteen of them. It is not mandatory that one has to read.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You may continue with your debate, hon. Member. Just focus on your debate.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, but I hope he is guided.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No, just continue with your debate.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the submission today is very simple. There are provinces that have done exceptionally well. They have provided the leadership. They have provided guidance on how it should be done.  The statistics are pointing to the fact that there are provinces where people have set up farming blocks in a very good manner. Today, I am asking the Government: Is it possible that we can set up livestock farming blocks in places where, maybe due to cultural reasons or long-standing traditions, this practice has not been adopted? Maybe, if we set up a livestock farming block in the North-Western Province, the people there will be able to say, “Actually, we can do it as well.” That is what this Motion is saying. We cannot have five million cattle in Zambia. We can do more. How can we do more? By looking at areas where there is huge potential, where the soils can allow us, where the pastures are valuable and where we know that we can change the way people think. This is because it might be a cultural issue. If people have never been accustomed to doing this, here is a conversation I have brought to Parliament, and that is what I have done today.

 

Madam Speaker, I have performed my duty by asking the Government if it is possible for us to learn from other provinces. Is it possible that the 2 million cattle that the Southern Province is able to give us, and the 1 million cattle the Eastern Province is able to give us, could be replicated in other provinces, where, for many years, the numbers have been very low? That is what I have done today. I emphasised that our gross domestic product (GDP) is US$27 billion. We can get to US$30 billion. How can we get to US$30 billion? By copying the good practices and learning from the people of the Western Province so that other provinces can do the same. That is what this conversation is all about.

 

Madam Speaker, with your permission, allow me to summarise.

 

The hon. Member's time expired.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your time is up, hon. Member.

 

You may go ahead and summarise in under two minutes.

 

Mr Kang’ombe:  Madam Speaker, thank you very much.

 

Madam Speaker, with your permission, I want to emphasise that we cannot create jobs only in the mining and tourism sectors. We have a sector called the livestock sub-sector, which today is only giving us 3 per cent of our GDP.

 

Madam Speaker, today, the conversation is about asking ourselves questions, such as, which provinces can give us the same level of productivity? Which other provinces can provide us with an environment that is conducive for our people to be able to say, “Can we also keep cattle?” The proposal is that the Government should set up what I am proposing, which will be called livestock farming blocks. These will have the infrastructure, the veterinary services and the market access, because at the end of the day, we will not be producing beef if we cannot make that product available to the market. That is the proposal that I wish to bring to Parliament today. I hope that everyone from your left and right will look at it from that perspective, in terms of which method to use to create jobs in the livestock sub-sector.

 

Madam Speaker, let us set up a livestock farming block and the infrastructure as the Government, because it aligns with what the President said when he opened Parliament.  We need to target US$1 billion of beef production, and here is the Motion. That is why today, I thought that I did not need to talk about mining. Today, I needed to talk about livestock, because I am reminding the Government of the responsibility that it has to create jobs in this sub-sector.

 

Madam Speaker, Christopher Kang’ombe has submitted.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker:  Hon. Members, a point of correction: It is not compulsory for the mover to read the speech, but this rule applies to the hon. Ministers. For hon. Ministers, it is mandatory that they read their responses or their speeches.

 

Does the seconder wish to speak now or later?

 

Mr Fube: Now, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mwila: Why?

 

Laughter

 

Mr Fube: Madam Speaker, in the first place, I would like to appreciate the mover of the Motion for ably moving it. He provided a foundational context that included an official survey, which has nothing to do with social or cultural connotation, the Government policy, but is mainly anchored on how the areas have grown.

 

Madam Speaker, away from the domain of suspicion about issues of region and many other factors, we know that the Southern Province has been feeding the country when it comes to the production of beef, milk, and all the products that come from cattle.

 

Madam Speaker, the conversation for today is on cattle and places with low cattle stock. I know that the population distribution, if we are to go deeper, has some social and cultural connotations to it. The survey just picked the numbers. The 2022 and 2023 surveys speak to the same numbers. The only difference is that in the 2022 survey, Central Province was the second highest in cattle stock, while in the 2023 survey, it was the Eastern Province. That is the current status of the statistics.

 

Madam Speaker, having considered the statistics, I want to beef up by saying that this particular Motion is non-controversial and is anchored on the Vision 2030. It is also anchored on the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and the livestock policy.

 

Madam Speaker, this particular Motion takes away the issues of initiatives such as beef economic zones in the Kafue Floodplains, which are already there as the Government initiatives. Instead, the Motion is talking about areas with low cattle stock. What we should ask ourselves is if we can keep cattle in those low-stocked areas? The answer is yes. Do they have pasture, water, and other things that support cattle? The answer is yes. Have we conducted surveys for diseases? I think the livestock survey for 2022 and 2023 clearly shows the prevalence of diseases in those areas.

 

Madam Speaker, why have we brought this Motion? The reason is that cattle are capital, they provide nutrition, they create employment, and they have value addition. When we combine all these factors, we improve the gross domestic product (GDP) of our country.

 

Madam Speaker, currently, the Government is making a lot of efforts in using a formal route of employing young people as teachers and nurses. However, providing incentives and an environment for this sub-sector within the agriculture sector opens the avenue for the employment of young people.

 

Madam Speaker, apart from the relish that comes from cattle, we also get horns, hooves, bones, and skin that can be used for value addition and to create both primary and secondary industries for our young people throughout the country. Why are we calling for restocking of livestock in areas where the number is low? It is because we need to balance the number of livestock and achieve what is in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), that is, to provide an economic cushion for the people. People should have a fallback plan in case of a disaster in a particular area. Zambia has three agro-ecological zones, and the Inter-Tropical Convergence (ITCZ) zone affects them differently. This may have an impact on livestock.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to address whether restocking is possible. It is possible. When I scan the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, I see that it has structures and personnel at district level. This means that it is well-positioned to implement livestock restocking in areas that have low stocks. I am not saying that there is no cattle in certain areas. Statistics show that cattle is all over the country, but the keyword is “low stock.” We need to boost the stock in areas where it is low so that we can survive, as a nation. Milk products should not be expensive in one area and cheap in another because milk is important for nutrition. Skin from cattle, which is also used for tanning, making shoes and many other products, should not be cheap in one area and expensive in another. That is what we want to achieve.

 

Madam Speaker, in terms of institutional arrangement, there is already a policy framework in place, which is supported by a survey that started as early as 2022 or 2023. The survey has informed the nation on how we can approach livestock diseases. Today we are talking about cattle, but the livestock survey is all-encompassing. It has talked about rabbits and many other animals, but we have isolated cattle as the main issue. This is a non-controversial issue. Livestock is an economic spinner, not just a money spinner. I am calling it an economic spinner. It is going to add value to the diversification of the economy which we have been preaching about. If you follow the four key words by the President in the 8NDP, you will see that he referred to some factors that we are talking about today. If this Motion is ridiculed in any way or looked down on, the livestock production issue will be defeated.

 

Madam Speaker, I know that when we want to get answers from the Executive, hon. Ministers always say, “You are knocking on an open door. We are already implementing these things.” However, I would like to submit that what is wrong with triggering something? It does not mean that something is stagnant. One can trigger something for the purpose of working together. What people need to realise is that in a democracy like ours, a Parliament of multi-colours and co-management exists. All voices matter. So, at this point, I would like to call on the Executive to take this Motion on board as it will build the country, especially that we want to diversify the economy.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, on behalf of the people of Chilubi, I support the Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mulebwa (Kafulafuta): Madam Speaker, I wish to sincerely thank you for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion on the Floor.

 

Madam Speaker, let me say, from the outset, that I totally support the Motion. There are times when livestock pandemics hit certain regions of our country. If all the cattle we have is concentrated in one area, we stand to lose what we have. The idea of spreading livestock farming blocks to all regions definitely makes a lot of sense. This is because if one region is hit by a disease, the other regions will be safe.

 

The only concern I have, Madam Speaker, is our work culture as Zambians. I feel that it needs to be worked on. When people know that a particular item belongs to the Government, they do not seem to bother. We do not bother looking after what is ours. So, really, my fear is the failure to take care of what belongs to the Government. I believe that the mover of the Motion has taken care of such. If livestock farming blocks are going to be set up, I am sure that the right thing will be done to ensure that Zambians take care of them. I hope that Zambians are going to care about our national wealth and treat it as their own.

 

Madam Speaker, I had the privilege of touring some farming blocks when you sent us on tour last year. There is a farming block in Chisamba, and I think that is where we started our tour from.  That is a very lovely place with good portions of water. The expectations were that the operators there were going to use the dam on the farming block. Unfortunately, the place was completely neglected. We went to Serenje, and we found the same situation. There are farming blocks but they are not cared for. We went to Lufwanyama, and the report was the same.

 

Madam Speaker, having been born and raised in Zambia, I think that we need to change our mindset and begin to care for what belongs to the Government, and realise that the prosperity of the Government is dependent on what we put in as individuals. We should not wait for the Government to do something. If we do, we will have a long way before we see development come to our areas.

 

Madam Speaker, the Motion is pretty good. It shows that we have people who care about the country. I have been around for a few years now. The moment I heard that livestock was no longer moving from the Southern Province to Copperbelt Province because of a pandemic, I was concerned. It is for such reasons that we need to support this Motion. However, as I have already said, we need to begin treating State wealth as our own.

 

With those few words, Madam Speaker, I wish to say that on behalf of the people of Kafulafuta, I support the Motion.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Kambita (Zambezi East): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Private Member’s Motion on the Floor of the House, which seeks to compel the Government to set up livestock farming blocks in areas that are not traditionally into livestock production.

 

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I would like to differ with the mover of the Motion. I am not a proponent of this Motion. I am opposing it. To start with, I just want to let the public know through this forum that such Motions come to the House for debate for a purpose of trying to influence policy. When you look closely, sometimes such seemingly innocent Motions end up becoming political to drive a political agenda, and this is what we need to avoid.

 

Madam Speaker, I will dwell more on the steps that the Government has taken to make sure that livestock farming is promoted in the whole country, not just in certain regions, as proposed by the mover of the Motion. The Government is encouraging livestock farming, especially cattle rearing, in the whole country. If he cared, he would have found out what the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock is actually doing in the traditional breeding areas, including the efforts it is making to ensure that the country is disease-free, and the milestones that are being achieved in the production of our own vaccines to ensure that the country is disease-free, with whatever we have so far. If the hon. Member listened carefully to the President's recent pronouncement, he stated that even when it is premature for us to export beef in big amounts, the market has been sought just nearby here, and we are likely to start exporting even to Europe, with the current stock that we have.

 

Madam Speaker, first things first. You will not give a baby a bone to chew. You will, first of all, give it milk. When you see that it is now fit to handle some solid food, you will not straight away give it nshima, but you will give it porridge. Once you see that it can handle solid foods like porridge, you can now move to nshima, and then, you can safely give it a bone when you see that it is now grown to handle hard stuff.

 

Madam Speaker, certain areas, which the mover of the Motion is suggesting should be tebetad with farming blocks, were actually stocked with animals because these initiatives were made. In some areas, they ate what was intended to be the seed animal. So, these things are culturally driven. You need to, first of all, train people on how to keep animals. Once they have learnt to keep animals in small numbers, you can now probably bring in deliberate measures to give them a little more support to grow their livestock population. Then, we can now start talking about farming blocks. We cannot start talking about farming blocks when we are at the level where, once stocked with animals, people consume them for food.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to promote what is already in motion at the moment, by making sure that our current stock of animals are disease-free. The market is yawning out there, both in Europe and just nearby here in Africa, but it requires us to work hard to make sure these animals are disease-free. Once they are disease-free, then, we can expand production, but we cannot just expand production without taking care of these things. Animals are very delicate creatures to rear, so to speak. Hon. Members may have heard of denkete, foot and mouth disease, and animals or the entire kraal being wiped out in a day. So, we can have the propensity to try and put up farming blocks in such areas, but if people are not well-trained and do not understand how to keep animals, the animals will end up being wiped out in one day. We will lose them, and all efforts will go in vain. So, we need to follow the correct steps.

 

Madam Speaker, when I began my debate, I indicated that you do not begin by giving a baby a bone. You begin by giving it milk and when you see that it can handle porridge, then, you can give it rice, nshima and a bone. So, here we are.  I think, there are some areas where people have the experience to handle animals, and probably there, we can put up farming blocks. Even then, we would need to still take care of the most important fundamentals of making sure that vaccines are available, animals are disease-free, and that we reach the parameters that are set internationally for us to export meat. Eventually, at the end of the day, the hon. Member is suggesting this because he knows that animal farming is a business. So, if it is a business, we must take care of what will protect this business so that it prospers. Let it not just be a business for nice-to-have.

 

Madam Speaker, what the mover of the Motion seems to be suggesting is nice-to-have. Even me, I would just make that pronouncement because it is nice-to-have. I would just point and say; I think, put a farming block here and another one there because I like the people whom I want to have a farming block. It is not just about that. The Government has a systematic and methodical way of dealing with these things. So, we need to follow those things, but take interest in what is happening so far, especially the parameters being put in place to make sure that the animals we already have are disease-free, and we start exporting and earning foreign exchange from what we have now. From there, then, we can grow, and later on, we can have the nice-to-have things the hon. Member is suggesting.

 

Madam Speaker, I thought of contributing in this form.

 

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

 

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Madam Speaker, thank you very much. Let me also thank the mover of the Motion, Hon. Kang’ombe, and the seconder.

 

Madam Speaker, let me debate the Motion on the Floor of the House concerning the setting up of livestock farming blocks in provinces with low cattle stock.

 

Madam Speaker, to begin with, let me simply say that it is important for our brother who has moved this Motion to know that keeping livestock, particularly cattle, is a little bit scientific and culturally. It is important to understand some of these things.

 

Madam Speaker, the Motion may be good, but the way it has been crafted that we should just concentrate on provinces where there are low stocks, does not sound good to the people of Zambia who are listening to our debates. The Government is already supporting livestock farming in all the ten provinces of this country, and I will even give an example of the province where my brother who seconded this Motion comes from, the hon. Member for Chilubi. Not too long ago, I think before this Meeting, the hon. Member for Chilubi stated that the cattle in Chilubi had become wild animals, and I have not forgotten that.

 

Hon. Government Members: Yes!

 

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, first of all, it is important that we start learning how to keep cattle. When it comes to keeping animals, culture is important, and I will give an example of the Southern Province. There are areas in the Southern Province where people do not keep animals. If they do, then, the number is low. There are also some areas where people keep a lot of animals and these are few. In Monze District, where my brother Hon. Chaatila comes from, the people there, who are from his constituency, are good at crop production. They are far much better than the people in Bweengwa in Monze Central. However, the people in Bweengwa and Namwala constituencies going the other side, and Mumbwa inclusive, are good at keeping cattle because that is their culture. However, the people where my brother comes from are good at growing crops and that is their culture.

 

Madam Speaker, what my hon. Colleague was supposed to do was to, firstly, encourage the Government to diversify and, secondly, encourage us to specialise in what we already have. This is very important, because there is no way you can tell the people of Bweengwa Constituency to start fish farming. They do not know and they do not even understand those things. They concentrate on livestock. You cannot also tell the people of Bweengwa to start growing cassava because they do not grow cassava, and that is something that they do not even understand. Then also, keeping livestock is scientific; it is not just cultural. We should also understand whether the pasture in the area we are fighting to take livestock to is palatable. We have to understand the kind of nutrients in the pasture. It is very important because some areas have a high pH, such that even the grass is not palatable for livestock.

 

Madam Speaker, I can only request my honourable brother to come up with a Motion urging the Government to enhance business for our already established farmers, like those in fish farming. Let more help in terms of funding, knowledge or training be given to them so that they can do more. For those who grow cassava, let them become specialised in that enterprise. Similarly, for those who keep animals. Otherwise, if we do business and encourage these enterprises haphazardly, we will get lost.

 

Madam Speaker, I think Brazil is entirely dependent on livestock. The people in Brazil are specialised in livestock farming. For us to push the agenda of taking livestock to areas where people do not have the technical know-how will be dangerous for this country. However, we need to start something. I remember that the previous Government had started a programme. The former Minister of Livestock, Hon. Nkandu Luo, took livestock to areas that had low numbers. We should also distinguish between these two words; stocking and restocking. Restocking means taking animals to areas that already have animals. Stocking is taking animals to areas that have never had animals. Hon. Nkandu Luo took so much livestock to areas that had no animals. Those are the animals that became wild animals, according to the hon. Member for Chilubi.

 

Interruptions

 

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, I think, it is important that training starts with us, as hon. Members of Parliament, so that we understand what we are doing. If you look at the Southern Province, Monze has the highest number of livestock, followed by Kalomo and, thirdly, Namwala, and yet all the people know in the valley where Hon. Syakalima comes from is fishing.

 

Mr Anakoka: No animals!

 

Mr Michleo: They do not have enough animals. Madam Speaker, all they know is fishing. So, if you want to take animals to the valley, you will find that there is no grass. Therefore, the people there only depend on fishing. Hon. Syakalima and Hon. – ­Who is this man who sits here?

 

Mr Mubika: Mulunda!

 

Mr Michelo: Hon. Mulunda.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Let us not debate ourselves.

 

Mr Michelo: Madam Speaker, those are just examples. We should not start establishing livestock centres in areas that do not even have grass, like my brother, Hon. Syakalima’s area; the valley where there is no grass. So, we can only set up fish cages. That is what we need to do. Where people are already keeping animals, let us help them to enhance their businesses.

 

Madam Speaker, I do not support this Motion, and it is discriminatory.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Anakoka (Luena): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for giving me this opportunity, on behalf of the people of Luena, to add my voice to the debate on this Motion, which on the surface sounds good, moved by my good brother, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa.

 

Madam Speaker, I am happy to learn that where we can put more effort is into looking for the cattle that went wild. I think, I support that proposal made by the hon. Member for Bweengwa. We need to join efforts to ensure that we go and retrieve those animals.

 

Madam Speaker, on a serious note, two impressions are being created by this Motion that need to be corrected. One is that the Government is undertaking some programmes to empower certain areas, as far as animal husbandry is concerned, and neglecting other areas of this country. That is not true. Secondly, an impression is being created that when you are talking about a farming block, you can have a farming block that is specifically for maize farming, and then declare another farming block specifically for groundnut farming or chicken rearing, and now we need a farming block for animal husbandry. No, farming blocks are for all types of farming, including cattle farming.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Yes!

 

Mr Anakoka: Madam Speaker, there is no need for a separate programme declaring farming blocks all over the place just because we want to improve the livestock industry. I want to correct those two impressions from the outset.

 

Madam Speaker, let me state that, as the people of Luena, we do not support this Motion, having made those two clarifications. The Government is already doing many things. I just want to take a second to concur with my hon. Colleague who spoke about this being a matter of tradition. In most areas, when you are born, the first responsibility you take up in life, if you are a small boy, is looking after animals. So, you know how to milk an animal, for example, how to look after a calf and all those nuances around ensuring that your animals are healthy and can be productive, and assist you in your other farming activities. There is a need for that understanding.

 

Madam Speaker, I am happy to learn that similar programmes have been undertaken before and the Government has learnt lessons. However, that has not stopped the Government from pushing an agenda that opens up other opportunities because that is as far as the Government can go. This particular Government is even going further. Let me just state that we are aware that, as far as animal disease surveillance and prevention programmes are concerned, a laboratory is on its way in Isoka, Mongu and Solwezi. That means that the Government is already doing such things. We also know that 6,000 heifers are also destined for distribution throughout the country this year, plus 300 superior bulls. All those are programmes to empower farmers as far as cattle farming is concerned. These are programmes intended to benefit those who are interested throughout the country. So, I do not think a separate programme is necessary to that effect.

 

Madam Speaker, we are mindful of the fact that this year alone, 600,000 doses of vaccine for contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) were ordered for vaccinating cattle in Muchinga Province, the North-Western Province and the Western Province. We are also aware that the laboratories in Chipata as well as Choma are open and operational. That means the Government is extending services in all parts of the country to enable those who are interested in investing in livestock to access those services and have quality animal products as well as livestock. It would be misleading to support a Motion that gives the impression of imbalanced support as far as cattle farming is concerned in this country. This is already happening, and there is no need for political posturing, as this Motion seeks to do.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I would like to indicate that such programmes require us, as people who either originate or live in those areas, to take an interest and invest in them because you are not just to go around the world and come back with twenty heifers. You have to invest. It is an industry with high commercial value. The mover of the Motion correctly said that if we take care of this industry, it can contribute to our gross domestic product (GDP). However, that must be taken down to individual investment or at the company level. The Government has already done what needs to be done, which is making support services accessible everywhere in the country. The rest are opportunities that private investors like my honourable brother and I should take up to improve livestock in those areas. I am sure the examples that have already been given by my hon. Colleagues need not be repeated. Indeed, we must distinguish between having cattle for umunani and investment.

 

Laughter

 

Mr Anakoka: That mindset is important, Madam Speaker. Umunani simply means relish. We need to move away from the mindset that every time you see an animal, you are thinking about what can be done with it on a braai stand. You need to look at it as an investment that can multiply twenty times over to improve your personal GDP and, thus, contribute to the nation’s GDP.

 

Madam Speaker, with these few words, we would like to say that we do not support the Motion because it is otiose. In other words, it is being proposed to open a door that is already wide open, and activities are taking place inside there in the same regard.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chonya (Kafue): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to debate this interesting Motion. As I stand here, I am not sure whether I support the Motion or not, but certainly, I want to share what was going through my mind as I listened to the debate. First of all, I appreciate His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, whom we fondly call Kachema, because I think that he has created this impact, desire and also the visionary leadership for us to think of national targets when we want to do something.

 

Madam Speaker, the mover mentioned billions of dollars that can be generated from the livestock sector. Of course, we are talking about the 10 million metric tonnes target in maize production and the 3 million tonnes in copper production. Then I thought that this is the planning, which in the past we would refer to as, “chimbwi no plan”, but now, here are the plans and targets.

 

Mr Mabeta: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Chonya: Madam Speaker, secondly, I want to commend the mover of this Motion, Mr Kang’ombe, together with his seconder, and acknowledge that, indeed, they come from a part of Zambia, which traditionally is not associated with this kind of economic activity. So, as representatives of the people, for whom this Motion has been brought, , I am taking it as an expressed desire of the people they represent that the Government can support them to do more of this economic activity, which is going to add value to our economic wealth. So, I am grateful to hear that. If it had come from somewhere else, I might have thought about the mindset of our people. Remember how they would tease us by saying, “Bakaleta ing’ombe ku State House. Bakalachitenshi?”

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Meaning what, hon. Member?

 

Laughter

 

Ms Chonya: Madam Speaker, meaning that when we were seeking to take over Government under the leadership of His Excellency, the ridicule we would get as people from the Southern Province was that we would take amafumba ya ng’ombe ne ng’ombe ku State House. It is now good that these are the same –

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, meaning what?

 

Ms Chonya: Madam Speaker, I thought I explained in English.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You said, “Ukuleta amafumba.”

 

Mrs Chonya: Oho! It means we were going to take cattle and cow dung to State House because we were coming from the Southern Province, where cattle keeping is a traditional practice.

 

Madam Speaker, now, I am saying it is good, that the Motion is coming from the other side. To me, that is very positive in the sense that we are now appreciating, as one people, that we can do these things. For me, the cultural argument is not an argument as such. I mean, there could be other good scientific reasons for not doing it, but for culture, people can learn, we can unlearn and even –

 

Hon. Government Members: They cannot learn.

 

Mrs Chonya: Yes, they can learn. Today, they engage in cattle rearing and build their wealth. So, this is why I appreciate that our biggest Kachema has helped to change this mindset of all of us and make us realise that we can do it. We can engage in cattle rearing and learn about fish farming. Not that we are only cattle ranchers. We can learn how to do that. There is nothing cultural about that. People can do it.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member, for record purposes, what does Kachema mean?

 

Mrs Chonya: A good shepherd. So, I was saying, the good shepherd, His Excellency the President has helped us change our thinking and plan by setting targets. We have also admired him for being a big shepherd and a cattle rancher in this country. This has motivated other people and influenced them to bring this Motion to this House today.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Chonya: Madam Speaker, that is why personally, I welcome this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, I said that we can change our mindset and learn. That is all I want to say briefly in contributing to this Motion. In fact, this particular debate, no matter how disjointed it is, all I am trying to drive at is that at the end of the day, we are “One Zambia, One Nation”. We should not segregate one another because of the part of the country we come from. The same applies to leadership. I am sorry to say this, but it is because we come from an era where we believed that someone from a certain part of the country could not rule this country. However, here we are. So, let us live as “One Zambia, One Nation.” That is my point.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Madam Speaker, thank you for –

 

Mr Kapyanga rose.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Hon. Member for Mpika, have you not indicated to debate?

 

Mr Kapyanga: Madam Speaker, I want to debate with your permission.

 

 Madam First Deputy Speaker: Your time is coming. Just indicate.

 

Hon. Member for Chama North, you may continue.

 

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me the opportunity to debate. As a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources, I am motivated to add my voice to the debate on this very important Motion moved by the hon. Member for Kamfinsa and also seconded by the hon. Member for Chilubi, Mr Fube.

 

Madam Speaker, this is a very progressive and non-controversial Motion. Therefore, I hope that those who have a contrary view may rethink and support it. I have heard that there are issues, such as cultural issues, which may impede the promotion of the sub-sector. Nevertheless, I think the world is becoming dynamic and people are changing their mindsets. I will give an example of where I come from in Chama. In the early 1970s and early 1980s, no one was keeping cattle in Chama, not even a goat or a pig.  Today, if you go to Chama, you will find that our people are now keeping cattle and goats. So, I feel that the cultural issue cannot continue to stand.

 

Madam Speaker, as the mover rightly observed, this Motion has come at the right time, when the Government has an ambitious plan to export US$1 billion worth of beef. I think that we can take advantage of the lucrative market in the region, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and in Angola. So, this is one sector which has not been fully exploited. I feel that once we put up a lot of investment by coming up with commercial farming blocks, it will go a long way in improving the livestock sector and contribute significantly to the gross domestic product (GDP) and job creation.

 

Madam Speaker, we know that nowadays, when people complete their education, they look for  white-collar jobs. Madam Speaker, gone are the days when people's focus was on white-collar jobs. I think, we must educate our people, even school leavers and those finishing college and university, that blue-collar jobs are more rewarding than white-collar jobs. There is a lot of demand for employment in the Government. If the Government came up with these initiatives, many people would find employment in this sector. Everyone wants to be a teacher. Everyone wants to be a nurse. At the end of the day, the Government is not able to employ all the graduates.

 

Madam Speaker, it is a sad story that more than sixty years after Independence, we have about only 5 million cattle in this country. This is all because our focus has been on mining. Copper is a wasting asset. I think, we must be worried that copper is going to finish at a certain time.  So, what will be our next move? We must think ahead and take into account the interests of future generations by investing in livestock production. We are targeting to achieve 7 million cattle in the country, but if we do not put in place radical measures, such as what Hon. Kang’ombe has proposed, it will be very difficult for us to achieve that number by 2027. Let us take a leaf from other countries like Ethiopia, which is a leading country on the African continent regarding cattle production. It has more than 70 million cattle, followed by Chad, which has more than 32 million, and this subsector is contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creating jobs.

 

Madam Speaker, being a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources, I am aware that we have challenges. Hon. Kang’ombe is not saying that what he has proposed should be done tomorrow. There must be a roadmap. The Government must create a roadmap to deal with the issue of livestock diseases and train more extension officers, so that they are able to handle this mammoth task, before the Government rolls out this very important programme. We know that we have low production because of lack of technical know-how, and that we also need to improve the breeds. So, these are the issues that should be tackled before the Government rolls out this important exercise.

 

 Madam Speaker, we have the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Zambia Correctional Service. Those can even be the starting point. They can ensure that all provinces have a commercial livestock sector. Sometimes, I wonder why the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) does not have a component for loans and grants tailored for the livestock sector. Our people get grants or loans, but those monies are not put to good use. Communities are not benefiting from these grants and loans.  

 

Madam Speaker, I feel that this is a very progressive and non-controversial Motion. Therefore, on behalf of the people of Chama North, I would like to support it.  

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Mr Munsanje (Mbabala): Madam Speaker, on behalf of the good people of Mbabala, thank you for giving me an opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Private Member's Motion, ably moved by my colleague, Hon. Kang’ombe, and seconded by Hon. Fube who, indeed, told this House some years back that the cattle in his area turned into wild animals. We had a nice chat after that during our Committee meeting and it is good that he wishes to support this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, the issue of setting up livestock farms has some practical challenges that the people of Mbabala have observed, which need to be shared in this House. First of all, I want to support the call by His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, which he made when he came to this House. He said that Zambia should work hard and attain the US$1 billion beef exports and increase cattle population by supporting farmers in certain ecological zones where cattle and other livestock can grow. Therefore, when we look at this subject, we must also look at ecological zones in the country. Some of them do not support cattle production. For example, some of them have grass which is unpalatable for cattle. Certain areas have grass which is not palatable for animals, hence cattle may not grow easily. This means rearing cattle in such areas comes with increased costs as the right grass has to be planted.   

 

Madam Speaker, the model of state farms was used in the United National Independence Party (UNIP) era. We had State farms, and we saw how they ended up being poorly managed. All of them, countrywide, collapsed because they were everybody's property and nobody's property. So, there was nobody responsible for looking after the animals. Like some hon. Members have debated, cattle keeping is both cultural and scientific. For areas where it is cultural, from as early as three years old, one is taught to look after animals. You start herding animals at a tender age, and you develop a relationship with the animals. You also develop practical skills to look after the animals. People were employed in State farms, but if one is employed there and does not have the skills and a relationship with animals, the animals die in his hands. That is what happened with the State farms. State farms ended up with equipment lying around everywhere. Some of it was ransacked by many people. Even to date, we have remnants of the State farms that failed us. So, it is difficult for me to support a failed model, which we have tried as a country. We saw how it failed.

 

However, livestock farming has worked in countries like Chad, which was cited by Hon. Mtayachalo, I was in Dermaya some years back. I have visited Ethiopia several times. I have visited my in-laws there. Cattle rearing has worked there because it is cultural. Tribes or clans look after animals because they have grown up doing so. What the government has done is to give people incentives to look after animals. For example, the government helps to control animal diseases by giving vaccines, creating cordon zones so that animals do not mix and pick up diseases in grazing areas, and quarantining. The government has created incentives for people to rear animals. It is actually families that own animals, and because culturally families are attached to animals, they have big herds. In northern Uganda, there is the Ankole cattle owned by families. That is how come they have all those animals.

 

Madam Speaker, what we need is to take the principles developed by the Asian Tigers, nations of East Asia. We need to use comparative advantage by ensuring that areas like Kazungula, Namwala and many others that are already engaged in livestock production are supported, so that we can attain the US$1 million beef exports and the 7 million animals by 2027 target.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to take the big push principles that developed nations of East Asia and use the comparative advantage of our areas by ensuring that places such as Kazungula, Namwala and many others that are already rearing animals are supported so that the country can attain 1 million tonnes of beef exports and the target to increase the cattle population to 7 million in the country. Individual farmers should be provided with incentives such as vaccines to enable them look after their animals, observe the cordon and quarantine areas, and ensure that hygiene is maintained to prevent diseases.

 

Madam Speaker, we need to encourage investments such as the one happening in Chitongo and the other project at Mochipapa in Choma, and also, the training of extension officers at the Zambia Institute of Animal Health (ZIAH) in Mazabuka. So, the country should continue to invest more and train more extension officers, which I have been calling for in this House because extension officers are needed in all parts of the country. For instance, I would want to see extension officers everywhere in my constituency and all the wards such as Simaubi, Mang’unza, Mapanza and Chilantambo.

 

Madam Speaker, private investment and private interest are what will increase the number of animals for beef as opposed to creating state farms that will be vandalised within a year or so. People will indeed, take the animals as relish and eat them. Some of them will turn into wild animals in areas where management is poor. Certainly, the country would have a huge expense in managing state farms unlike the private sector at the family level by virtue of our culture as well as the ecological situation.

 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Mbabala, I submit.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

 

Hon. Members, be reminded that today is the last day for hon. Ministers to debate the Motion of Supply. So, they need adequate time. I will get the last two; the hon. Member for Lunte and the hon. Member for Kankoyo.

 

Mr Kafwaya (Lunte): Madam Speaker, thank you so much for the opportunity.

 

Madam Speaker, if you will allow me, I would like to appreciate Hon. Kang’ombe for moving this Private Member’s Motion and Hon. Mulenga Fube who seconded it.

 

Madam Speaker, the Motion is urging the Government to facilitate the setting-up of livestock farming blocks in provinces with low cattle stocks. A livestock farming block is defined as a designated area equipped with necessary infrastructure such as veterinary services and market access to promote commercial and sustainable livestock production.

 

Madam Speaker, is it true that there are areas or provinces in this country which have done well in respect of cattle production? The answer is yes. Are there areas or provinces that have not performed so well? The answer is yes. That tells us there is room for improvement. Where are we supposed to start improving as a country? It is certainly in areas where there are factor conditions, but yet, the scope is low. From the analysis that has been made by professionals, you will see that the Southern Province is leading in cattle production, and at the tail end is Luapula Province. What are the factors that can improve this sort of farming in Luapula Province, where the numbers are low at 0.31 per cent? It is what is in the definition of a livestock farming block. It is the setting up of enabling infrastructure and a collection of factors that can support this type of farming.

 

Madam Speaker, can setting up a farming block facilitate the creation of enabling infrastructure? I find an easy answer. It is yes. So, where is the problem? The problem is that we should not focus on the Government. We should not focus on resources from a constrained National Budget. The Motion is urging the Government to create an area that can be developed for this purpose for the private sector, private individuals or families to have a chance to raise their cattle in such areas. I see this as strong support for a Government that needs to perform well in economic development.

 

Madam Speaker, which province is the second worst producer of cattle in the country? It is North-Western Province with only 1.27 per cent, followed by the Northern Province with 1.53 per cent. If these percentages can increase, what will it do to this country, if the Government became serious, created farming blocks, infrastructure, and attracted investors to invest in farming blocks as far as cattle business is concerned? We would find that the economies in those provinces would improve. Job opportunities and business opportunities will improve. Is this something that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government would like to see? Of course, yes. How many people, for example, have been employed in the cattle farming sub-sector in the Southern Province? If the same numbers were employed in the North-Western Province, would it be an advantage to the nation? I see a strong advantage.

 

Madam Speaker, thinking that every time an innovation is brought to the table, we are talking about Government resources is constraining our imagination. The brains we have must be expanded. We must see things borderless and begin to remove the boxes, and think outside the boxes.

 

Of course, there are cultural issues. Somebody stated that the word umunani comes from the area where we come from. I do not know the low numbers in the Northern Province, Luapula Province and Muchinga Province where the word “umunani” comes from, but umunani has been mentioned here.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What is umunani, hon. Member?

 

Mr Kafwaya: Somebody said “umunani” is relish.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: No, it is you who is mentioning it.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Yes, Madam, somebody said, it is relish.

 

Madam Speaker, it was already interpreted. In fact, when a word has been interpreted, there is no need for me to reinterpret it.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: There is a need, hon. Member, because that is not the official language. Each time you mention a word which is not found in English, you have to interpret it.

 

Mr Kafwaya: Thank you so much, Madam Speaker. I thought it was already on record. So, umunani is relish. Some people were saying for me to have cattle, mfwile nakwata abepwa ifipuba abakuchema ing’ombe, but I travelled with my friend here –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What does that mean, hon. Member?

 

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, some people said that for one to own cattle, one needs to have foolish nephews to shepherd the cattle. However, I travelled with my brother to some country, and we talked while on the aeroplane (Pointed at Hon. Michelo).

 

Hon. UPND Members: Which hon. Member?

 

Mr Kafwaya: I mean Hon. Kasauta.

 

Madam Speaker, I told him that I do not have a lot of cattle because I do not have foolish nephews. He scolded me and said, “no, that is the mistake you are making. You do not need foolish nephews to rear your cattle. You need people with intellect. You need normal people.”

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Where is the issue of the foolish nephews coming from? Was it mentioned in the debate by the mover? I do not know –

 

Laughter

 

Mr Kafwaya: No, I am explaining cultural issues. The conversation took place between two hon. Members of Parliament. The hon. Member for Bweengwa and I. In fact, Hon. Mulambo Haimbe was there. When I said that, Hon. Mulambo even advised my brother because he was frowning. He said, “no, do not get upset. This guy is ignorant in these areas.”

 

Do you want Hon. Mulambo and Hon. Kasauta's knowledge to come to me? Yes, you do. If so, facilitate that. This Motion is about the facilitation of infrastructure, knowledge and interest, in areas where it is low, and where understanding is low.

 

Madam Speaker, I see no reason anybody who thinks about progress in all areas of the country can refuse to support this Motion. This is not about the Government’s Treasury. It is about investment. How do you invest without enablers? We talked about these sorts of investments. How do you invest in an area where there is no communication? It is not possible. An investor cannot even think about that. So, enabling infrastructure must be created, and by whom should that be created? It is by the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government. This is why we urge the UPND Government to take such Motions seriously. We must remove sentiment. We must remove regionalism from our thinking. When the Northern Province is mentioned, do not frown because you come from there. When another province is mentioned, do not frown because what is mentioned is from there. The 0.31 per cent is a poor percentage for cattle numbers in the Northern Province. It needs to improve. We can learn from the Southern Province, which is at 41.63 per cent. Such pronouncements should not make anybody frown.

 

Madam Speaker, I support the Motion. 

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Mabeta (Kankoyo): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to this debate on the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, like many other speakers have said, the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government is on an ambitious journey to earn a billion United States (US) Dollars from the export of beef. This is a good target, and it is something we should all be proud of because it is achievable. Maybe we need to establish what we are talking about; how we can earn a billion US Dollars from the export of beef. If we are to look at the current exchange rate, US$1 is at K24. If we are to export US$1 billion worth of beef, we would earn K24 billion. What do we need to do to get to this K24 billion? At the current price of beef in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is US$9 per kg, an average of 200 kg per animal would earn K43,260. How many cattle do we need to export to earn this amount? It is only 550,000 cattle. So, if 30,000 farmers exported twenty cows each year, we would be able to earn that amount. Are we not able to raise twenty cows each from 30,000 farmers for export in a year? This is something attainable. So, how do we get to this? By creating enablers. What type of enablers are we talking about? Roads, bridges, houses for extension offsets, motorcycles, maybe, and guns for artificial insemination to improve the quality of the cattle in each region. Are we not able to build such infrastructure using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)? Most of our constituencies bought yellow machines. We undertake the grading of roads. We can use the CDF to work on roads in areas where we want to create farming blocks within the constituencies. We can use the CDF to build simple houses. We are building houses for teachers and nurses. So, why can we not use the same CDF to build houses for extension offsets? We have the resource base. All we need is to set our priorities.

 

Madam Speaker, from my point of view, we do not need the Central Government to create farming blocks. We have everything at our disposal to make that happen. So, I am taking this back to all the hon. Members to make the allocation from the resources that has been given to us, as hon. Members of Parliament, as a priority to create the farming blocks. It is not an issue for the Government. It is something we can do within our means. This is very important, but it can be done at our constituency level.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

The Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry (Mr Chipoka Mulenga): Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the mover and seconder of the Motion for presenting the Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to also thank His Excellency the President for being visionary and bringing in a US$1 billion beef export target to neighbouring countries, as revenue for the country. It is an amazing policy direction. It is an agenda and policy direction that has motivated my dear brother, Hon. Christopher Kang’ombe, drawing from that admiration, to propose that the rearing of cattle be extended to all parts of the country to gain value, revenue and create jobs.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to also thank provinces like the Eastern Province, the Southern Province, the Central Province and the Western Province, kwa hae, for being consistent in breeding, rearing and also providing beef for the country.

 

Madam Speaker, creating a cattle pot zone, an economic zone or any farming block, comes with comparative advantages. It is interesting to note that there is a desire to set up such a farming block. However, we should look at our comparative advantages and abilities to grow certain sectors. The Copperbelt Province is endowed with copper and other minerals, and many people on the Copperbelt contribute largely to the growth of our economy. In the same way, you will find that the Western Province has areas with gold deposits, and the Southern Province has some coal deposits and other facilities and so on. Just because the mining sector is booming and making much of our economic fundamentals stable, that does not mean that the whole country should be turned into a mining facility. We strongly appreciate what is happening in the cattle subsector. We have to make maximum use of certain facilities in terms of comparative advantages in respective regions. Increasing cattle production in the country to bring in revenue is a good policy, but that does not mean that what is done in the Southern Province can be done in the Northern Province with equal success. We are not saying that we lack the ability. We have the ability, but what can we contribute meaningfully in our separate ways? We are proud to be miners, and we would like to diversify our abilities into agriculture, but as we do this, we should start at a point where we can observe what is happening. Every hon. Member in this House has been empowered with funds to test the venture of agriculture. I would like to proudly announce that Chingola Constituency, which I represent, bought forty animals last year to slowly start the growth process, and to see how we can engage with our friends from different regions and learn. It is in the same way that we will not transform the Southern Province, the Western Province and the Central Province into mining zones overnight, and name them the Copperbelt or the coal zones.

 

Mr Nkandu: Quality!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: Madam Speaker, we need to work with different comparative advantages. In the last four years, the Government of the Republic of Zambia has continued to increase animal population across the country. I am proud to announce that chiefs, like my chiefs, Chief Luchembe and Chief Kabinga, in Muchinga Province have started receiving animals. However, it does not mean that we should declare their areas cattle zones. It is about sharing the resource to help us have, unfortunately, my elder brother lamented about relish, and share diversity even in the agricultural process. We will continue populating areas across the country with animals, but that does not mean that every part of the country should be a cattle zone. In the same way, not every part of the country should be a mining zone. Each comparative advantage must be built upon where it is. To meaningfully contribute to the well-being of our economy, we should build on the cultures and abilities of every person where they are resident.

 

Madam Speaker, after the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock gave the seconder of the Motion, my dear brother, Hon. Fube’s constituency animals so that the people could rear them to grow the fortunes of their food security and other things, the hon. Member stood on the Floor of this House and said that the people were not happy with the animals because they ended up becoming wild animals. How do you refer to cattle as having become wild animals, then, today, turn, because you want to be political, and say that you want this initiative to be declared across the country? First, let us learn how to be cattlemen. Let us learn how to nurture animals in the same way we have learned to be fishermen in Chilubi and the other good things we are doing, and then we can teach our friends and make such declarations.

 

Madam Speaker, as Minister responsible for business in this country, I want to say something. We are proud of the different opportunities we have in our region. We want to build on the messages of His Excellency the President, who said, “Let every region be an economy on its own”. A region being an economy on its own comes with comparative advantages. We are proud to say that we, in Luapula, are very strong fishermen. We need to bring fish cages in the lakes and grow the fortunes of our fish. Yes, we have good pasture land, but it is not going to be done overnight. Just because other regions are making it big in cattle rearing does not mean that we will become cattlemen overnight as well. Equally, we will not turn the people of the Western Province into fishermen like we are in Luapula Province.

 

Mr Amutike: We are already fishermen!

 

Mr Chipoka Mulenga: You are not as big as we are in Luapula because for us, fishing is our mainstay.

 

Madam Speaker, look at us on the Copperbelt. In Chingola Constituency, we are now keeping animals, but it will not be our mainstay. It is another stream of economic that we are going to invest in, but we will not declare Chingola as a cattle zone overnight. We do not need to compete with one another in a country based on our comparative economic advantages, but we should leverage or complement one another based on the opportunities that God has given us. So, for this cause, I wish to say that the engineer and hon. Member of Parliament has come up with a good Motion, which is already in motion. Recently, we declared cattle zones, which are localised, to contribute to the US$1 billion worth of revenue to come into the country.

 

Madam Speaker, I would also like us to look at what is in Kamfinsa that we can build on. What resources do we have on the Copperbelt? Are the miners getting the most out of the copper that we have? Are the people around getting the most out of it before we think of shifting from one ship to the next?

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to rest my case by saying that I do not support the idea because it has come at a time when we are focusing on many other comparative advantages based on regions that we should build on to support the growth of our economy.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa, Mr Christopher Kang’ombe, for bringing this important Motion to the attention of this House. The Motion urges the Government to establish livestock farming blocks in provinces with low cattle stock, a proposal that speaks to our collective commitment to agricultural diversification, food security and rural development.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government recognises that livestock production is a critical pillar of our economy and a primary source of livelihood for many Zambians, especially those living in rural areas. My ministry also acknowledges the disparities in cattle distribution across provinces. The House may wish to note that according to the 2024 Integrated Agriculture Survey highlights presented on 30^th October, 2025, Zambia has an estimated 4.2 million herd of cattle distributed as follows:

 

Province                   Number of Cattle

 

Southern                               1,747,550

 

Central                                     720,758

 

Eastern                                     599,857

 

Western                                    533,297

 

Madam Speaker, the remaining provinces; Luapula, the Northern, Muchinga, Copperbelt, Lusaka and the North-Western collectively hold less than 350,000 herd of cattle. These are the provinces referred to in the Motion as having low cattle stock.

 

Further, Madam Speaker, the House may wish to note that the national cattle population has declined by 21 per cent due to increased mortality associated with the 2023/2024 drought. To mitigate these effects, my ministry has strengthened livestock development initiatives, including stocking and restocking programmes aimed at rebuilding the national herd towards the target of 7 million by 2027.

 

Madam Speaker, the Motion also speaks to the need for livestock farming blocks. The House may wish to note that the Government has already established a comprehensive framework through the farming block development programme. Several farm blocks have been set up across the country, including in provinces identified as having low cattle stock as follows:

 

1. Musonda and Musa Farming Blocks in the Northern Province;

 

1. Luena Farming Block in Luapula Province; and

 

1. Masha, Malashi and Mbesuma Farming Blocks in Muchinga Province.

 

Madam Speaker, the forthcoming Farming Block Development Agency Bill will further promote livestock production, strengthen co-ordination, enhance infrastructure development and attract private investment through an institutionalised approach. These farming blocks are designed to support integrated agriculture where livestock and crop production interact to create synergies that enhance productivity and sustainability.

 

Madam Speaker, in responding to this Motion, the Government wishes to express its appreciation for the concerns raised by Hon. Kang’ombe. However, I wish to affirm and assure this House that the Government is already implementing comprehensive, targeted and phased programmes to expand livestock production, particularly in provinces with low cattle population. In view of these ongoing interventions being rolled out in a co-ordinated, sustainable and phased manner, the Government does not support the Motion for the following reasons:

 

Infrastructure Development

 

Madam Speaker, under the farming block development programme, the Government has prioritised essential infrastructure such as roads, electricity, and water systems to make farming blocks viable and attractive for investment in livestock and crops. Additionally, the now-concluded Sustainable Livestock Infrastructure Management Project (SLIMP) and Livestock Infrastructure Support Project (LISP) left a lasting impact in understocked provinces through the development of the following:

 

1. livestock services centres;

 

1. milk collection points;

 

1. livestock markets; and

 

1. modern slaughter houses.

 

Madam Speaker, these efforts have benefited 248 livestock groups, supported over 100,000 households and created 120 permanent and 18,000 seasonal jobs. Furthermore, the Enhanced Smallholder Livestock Investment Project (E-SLIP) continues to strengthen national animal health systems through mass vaccinations, disease surveillance laboratory upgrades, improved artificial insemination services and farmer training.

 

Madam Speaker, from 2018 to 2025, E-SLIP has benefited 75,335 households in the Northern Province, 86,398 in Luapula Province, 95,417 in the Copperbelt Province, 202,728 in Muchinga Province, 1,470 in Lusaka Province, and 65,330 in the North-Western Province.

 

Madam Speaker, in the 2025/2026 period, the Government will place 1,150 beef cattle, 1,000 goats and 150 bulls with various community groups across the country. Efforts towards forage development, pasture improvement and rebuilding herds in understocked provinces are ongoing, with priority in boosting national resilience and farmer incomes.

 

Disease Control

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is strengthening veterinary services and disease surveillance to safeguard livestock health. Interventions include the control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), footandmouth disease (FMD) and east coast fever (ECF). These efforts are supported by robust vaccination campaigns and enhanced monitoring systems.

 

Public-Private Partnerships

 

Madam Speaker, the Government is working closely with private investors and development partners to mobilise resources; bring in technical expertise; and introduce  modern technologies to strengthen livestock value chains. This will help position Zambia as a regional leader in livestock production and beef exports.

 

 Community Engagements

 

Madam Speaker, community engagement is central to the success of livestock expansion. The Government is working with traditional leaders and local communities to respect customary land rights, address community concerns and ensure inclusive participation. A success story is seen in Kaputa District, where thirty-eight beef cattle given to co-operatives in 2018 have multiplied to 126, with forty-one bulls sold, generating K1.25 million. The co-operative has used these profits to purchase a tractor and implements, demonstrating clear transformation at the household level.

 

Congratulations, Hon. Nkandu. Congratulations, Kaputa.

 

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kapala: Madam Speaker, allow me also to emphasise that these initiatives are aligned with the Government's vision to position Zambia as a major beef exporter, targeting US$1 billion in annual exports by 2030, with the national herd expected to grow to 7 million by 2027. Zambia is moving towards meeting international export standards for markets, such as Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. The Government is also working closely with the Zambia National Service (ZNS) and the Zambia Correctional Service to scale-up livestock development through the establishment of large-scale cattle ranches, including Mbesuma Ranch in Chinsali, and Chishimba Ranch in Luapula. These centres provide improved livestock genetics, support multiplication and offer training to smallholder farmers directly benefiting surrounding communities.

 

 Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to transforming the livestock sector into a key driver–

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Minister, you may conclude as your time is up.

 

Mr Kapala: I will conclude in two minutes. 

 

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to transforming the livestock sector into a key driver of economic growth, household resilience and poverty reduction through targeted investments, integrated farm block development and collaboration with strategic partners, such as the ZNS and the Zambia Correctional Service. We are laying a firm foundation for job creation, enhanced food security and increased foreign exchange earnings through beef exports.

 

Madam Speaker, I, therefore, wish to assure the House that the Government will continue to work tirelessly to implement these interventions in line with the Vision 2030 and the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, thank you, once again, for the opportunity to present this very important topic. Like I said when I started, we, as a country, must begin adopting best practices. If there is one part of Zambia that is doing very well, I think, lessons should be drawn from there so that other parts of Zambia can learn.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to correct one aspect. This Motion does not allege that the Government has been discriminating. This Motion acknowledges that there are parts of Zambia that have done exceptionally well.  I think that statistics have been there from the time of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), the Movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) and the Patriotic Front (PF). There have always been provinces that have done very well in livestock production. I thought that today the conversation would be around how to learn lessons from those areas that have done very well.  The starting point is obviously setting up a livestock farming block, where we can begin training our people and realigning their thinking in terms of what they are capable of doing, so that at the end of the day, we hit the target that we need to pursue as a country.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to thank everyone who has debated. I know that we can always have opposing views on any topic, but what is common is that we have a country to develop. We want a country that will not always look externally for lessons. Lessons can be learned from within our own country at a lower cost, and we can still achieve what we need to achieve.

 

Madam Speaker, once again, I want to thank everyone. I want to thank the seconder of the Motion. At least, we are on record that we brought this conversation to Parliament. The books of history will record today that the conversation is around how to change the minds of our people. How can we encourage the people in Lufwanyama to do better? How can we encourage the people in Mansa to do better? How can we encourage the people in Solwezi to do better in this aspect? This is the starting point. I think that it has been a very productive engagement.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Question that this House urges the Government to set up livestock farming blocks in provinces with low cattle stock put and negatived.

 

_______

 

BILL

 

REPORT STAGE

 

The Cotton Bill, 2025.

 

Report adopted.

 

Thirding Reading on Thursday, 20^th November, 2025.

 

_______

 

MOTION

 

MOTION OF SUPPLY

 

(Debate resumed)

 

The Minister of Labour and Social Security (Ms Tambatamba): Madam Speaker, during my last debate, I reflected on four strategic areas of the 2026 Budget, upon which the Ministry of Labour and Social Security anchors itself.

 

 Madam Speaker, the proposed 2026 Budget Estimates for the Ministry of Labour and Social Security seek to strengthen the following:

 

 Labour and Productivity Services Programme

 

Madam Speaker, under this programme, my ministry seeks to strengthen the Labour Inspectorate through the following:

 

1. enhance monitoring of companies for extension and lodging of new collective agreements, Zambianisation inspections being a major part of it;

 

1. promote social dialogue with its partners and workers and employers, because we move as a threesome at decision-making and ensuring harmony in the industry;

 

1. review the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019, the Industrial and Labour Relations Act and the Factories Act, and the development of the National Productivity Bill, which are very critical to achieving the national growth agenda and turnaround; and

 

1. provide labour market statistics that are critical to the New Dawn Government’s agenda, including skills surveys to produce an essential skills framework relevant to the industry at this moment. Designing, mainstreaming and measuring productivity in the public sector is part of what is contained in that budget.

 

Madam Speaker, designing, mainstreaming and measuring productivity in the public sector is part of what is contained in that budget.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister highlighted the need to align the education system with the demands of the labour market through the implementation of the 2023 Revised Curriculum. My ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Technology and Science, is therefore repealing and replacing the Apprenticeship Act with the Work-Based Learning Bill in order to close the skills mismatch gap between supply and demand. This is intended, among other interventions, to improve our young people’s employability.

 

Occupational health and safety

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry will continue to focus on safety and health to reduce workplace hazards, promote adherence to safety regulations and encourage a culture of care and responsibility. The ministry is grateful to this august House for the support rendered so far in supporting the Occupational Health and Safety Bill No. 17 of 2025, which is a critical piece of legislation in promoting occupational health and safety.

 

Social Security

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister highlighted the need to continuously liquidate and improve accessibility to pension benefits, which remains top of our Government's agenda. In this regard, my ministry will review the following pieces of legislation:

 

1. the National Pension Scheme Act No. 40 of 1996; and

 

1. the Workers’ Compensation Act No. 10 of 1999.

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry will also continue with the promotion of social security awareness programmes, which is critical in preparing the workforce for retirement. Right at the time of entry into the labour market, we want to ensure that our workers begin to think about how and what we should put in place at the time of retirement.

 

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the Budget is undoubtedly focusing on turning around and rebuilding our economy under the innovative and delivery-driven President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. Our President is about results at the end of the day. It takes tough choices today to secure a more prosperous tomorrow. It is a Budget that builds bridges, connecting rural areas to urban areas and our current workforce to jobs. It fosters unity and hard work as opposed to handouts and ensures that the fruits of growth are widely shared.

 

Madam Speaker, therefore, it is necessary …

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can wind up, hon. Minister.

 

 Ms Tambatamba: … that we all support the 2026 Budget and its implementation in totality.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

 Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Defence (Mr Lufuma): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to participate in this Motion.

 

Madam Speaker, it is my honour and privilege, of course, to present to this august House the 2026 Budget policy statement for the Ministry of Defence on the Estimates of Expenditure for the Period 1^st January to 31^st December 2026.  Allow me to first congratulate the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for presenting a comprehensive 2026 National Budget.

 

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Defence 2026 Budget Estimates were informed by the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), the Strategic Plan, the 2026 to 2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and other key policy documents. The budget reflects our continued commitment to safeguarding Zambia’s sovereignty and supporting national development under the theme: “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards A Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia.”

 

Madam Speaker, our budget priorities aim to uphold Zambia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while also contributing to national development and food security. It is in this regard that the ministry remains committed to its mission, which is to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity for national peace and security.

 

Madam Speaker, this year, the ministry was allocated K10.24 billion with an additional K738 million in supplementary funding. By mid-year, we spent almost K7 billion. Of course, by now, it is a bit more. That money was released, and it was spent on core strategic objectives as follows:

 

Improving Defence and Security Services

 

Madam Speaker, the focus has been on border patrols, maritime and airspace surveillance, peacekeeping missions, disaster response and logistical support operations.

 

 Enhancing Financial Management and Resource Base

 

Madam Speaker, the focus has been on enhancing agricultural production and productivity, resulting in cultivation of over 2,765 ha and acquisition of 30,000 ha for agriculture, aquaculture expansion, enhanced value chains, operational and tow milling plants.

 

Infrastructure and Logistics Improvement

 

 Madam Speaker, the focus has been on the completion of ongoing construction of 816 housing units in Chalala and semi-detached housing for the Zambia National Service (ZNS), improving water access and improving sanitation facilities in military containment. We also provided disaster response during the decontamination of the Kafue River after the chemical spill, delivered relief food, implemented the locust control exercise in the Western Province using helicopters and enhanced cross-border main smuggling control.

 

Human Capital

 

Madam Speaker, we have continued professional training for personnel, both locally as well as internationally.

 

The 2026 Budget Highlights

 

 Madam Speaker, allow me to give an overview of the 2026 Budget for the ministry. The 2026 Budget will focus on strategic priorities, fiscal sustainability in the work of limited resources and effective resource allocation and optimal utilisation to support national security interests and development aspirations.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

 

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the chair]

 

Mr Lufuma: Madam Speaker, before business was suspended, I was making my contribution to the debate on the 2026 budgetary allocation for the Ministry of Defence.

 

Madam Speaker, the estimate for the ministry is K11.9 billion, which indicates a 13.3 per cent increase from the 2025 budget estimates. K8.97 billion, approximately K9 billion, representing a total of 77 per cent, has been allocated to personnel emoluments. The rest, which is K2.01 billion, representing 23 per cent, has been allocated to recurrent operations, infrastructure development, agriculture and other strategic programmes.

 

Madam Speaker, the strategic objectives of the ministry are as follows:

 

1. enhance national security;

 

1.  improve the welfare of personnel;

 

1. enhance defence force contribution to food security as well as revenue generation;

 

1.  enhance Zambia’s contribution to peacekeeping operations; and

 

1. improve infrastructure, equipment and logistics.

 

Madam Speaker, the priority areas and operational strategies for the 2026 budget are:

 

Strengthening National Defence Capabilities

 

Madam Speaker, the budget focus will be on border surveillance, mobility and defence readiness. Acquisition and maintenance of equipment, border patrols and training will be prioritised.

 

Enhancing Human Capital

 

Madam Speaker, improving the welfare of personnel within the defence force will be prioritised, particularly the construction and completion of housing units and improving water reticulation in the maritime cantonments and addressing personnel-related emoluments.

 

Enhancing Defence Force Contribution to National Food Security and Revenue Generation

 

Madam Speaker, the focus will be on the expansion of agricultural activities; acquisition of land and expansion of cultivated hectares, enhanced mechanisation, support the recapitalisation of the defence industries, such as rehabilitating Mupepetwe Engineering, and support the provision of medical equipment to health facilities.

 

Enhancing Contribution to the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Operations

 

Madam Speaker, that will be done by expanding participation in UN peacekeeping operations and supporting requisites for effective operations, which include training, logistics and peacekeeping centre support. The budget focus will be on international readiness and foreign exchange inflows.

 

Madam Speaker, the budget I have presented today is a statement of intent, a roadmap for programmes and a reflection of our collective aspirations as a nation.

 

In conclusion, Madam Speaker, I would like to call upon this august House to support this budget in order to deliver on our mandate of defending the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I would also like to thank all the hon. Members of this august House for their continued support.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker gave the floor to Mr Mubanga.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ema, small, small, aya!

 

The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development (Mr Mubanga): Madam Speaker, allow me to start by thanking you for according me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Supply, particularly regarding Vote 35, which is for the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

 

Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for delivering a well-thought-out 2026 National Budget under the theme, “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”.

 

Madam Speaker, from the outset, I would like to thank the Government through the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, on behalf of my ministry, for continuously increasing the ministry’s budgetary allocation since 2021. The ministry’s budget has been increasing. Previously, the empowerment fund allocation was only at K45 million per year. When we came into office, the ministry was allocated K414 million in its first year, 2022, of being created. In 2023, the allocation increased to K501 million. In 2024, it increased to K535 million. In 2025, it increased to K576 million, and the proposed increment in the 2026 National Budget is K659 million. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment towards supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and co-operatives across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry has taken note and welcomes all the observations and recommendations that were made by the Committee, especially the recommendation to re-allocate funds within the Vote. As a ministry, we will address the following key issues:

 

1. provide capacity building to co-operatives through training and governance, entrepreneurship, business and management skills. Capacity building will also incorporate MSMEs due to the critical role they play in economic transformation and contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) of our country;

 

1. enhance staff at the district and provincial levels so that we can monitor the performance of co-operatives in various sectors; ­

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Lower your voices, hon. Members.

 

Mr Mubanga: Madam Speaker, I continue with the ministry’s key focus areas as follows:

 

1. address the challenge of mobility of our district staff, considering the geographical vastness of many districts across the country; and

 

1. in addition to the proposed re-allocation of the budget within the Vote, the ministry will ensure full implementation of the MSME monitoring and evaluation system, which will help the ministry track the performance of MSMEs.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me to make a correction on the Programmes where the K64 million will be reallocated as follows:

 

1. “Co-operative Skill Development” should read ‘Co-operative and Development’, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development, with an added allocation of K46 million; and

 

1. “Procurement Management” should read ‘Human Resource Management and Administration’, because acquisition of motor vehicles and motorcycles is managed by the Department of Human Resource and Administration.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 National Budget provides hope to our people, as it clearly demonstrates the Government's unwavering commitment to consolidating the progress made in repositioning our country's economy on a sustainable path of recovery and growth.

 

 As I conclude, Madam Speaker, I wish to state that as policy makers, we need to continuously ensure that MSMEs and co-operatives are supported by all stakeholders. This is because they are vital to improving the livelihoods of our people. The MSMEs and co-operatives will continue to be crucial in contributing to the growth of our economy in a sustainable manner.

 

With these few remarks, Madam Speaker, I wish to appeal to all hon. Members of this august House to support the 2026 Budget Estimates.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources (Mrs Masebo):  Madam Speaker, I wish to express my gratitude for according me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the National Budget, which is on the Floor of the august House. Allow me to also compliment other hon. Ministers and hon. Members of Parliament who have debated on the National Budget. The 2026 National Budget presented aims at fulfilling what has been prioritised by the New Dawn Administration.

 

Madam Speaker, as I commence my debate, allow me to state that the 2026 National Budget will enable my ministry to undertake its set programmes, and these programmes include the following:

 

1. management of natural resources;

 

1. strengthening the land administration and regulation; and

 

1. management and support services for improved service delivery.

 

Madam Speaker, let me highlight how the 2026 National Budget will strive to achieve my ministry's objectives as follows:

 

Budget Allocation

 

Madam Speaker, with the allocation of K281.1 million to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in the 2026 National Budget, my ministry will strive to achieve its strategic objectives outlined in the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP). This allocation will support the fulfilment of the ministry's mandate through the implementation of the above-stated programmes.Zambia Integrated Land Administration System

 

 Madam Speaker, my ministry will continue the exercise of integrating the Zambia Integrated Land Administration System (ZILAS) with the National Land Titling programme, with Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA), the National Registration Office and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in order to create a one-stop shop.

 

Madam Speaker, the integration of ZILAS is crucial for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources because it improves land administration by streamlining processes, reducing bureaucracy and increasing efficiency in land administration. It also enhances transparency and accountability, provides accurate and accessible land information, as well as reduces corruption and disputes. In addition, the system will support sustainable land use, facilitate planning, monitoring and management of land resources, ensuring environmental sustainability and foster economic growth. The system will also simplify land transactions, increase investor confidence and unlock the economic potential of land assets, including resolving land disputes by providing a clear and reliable system for resolving land conflicts and ultimately contributing to sustainable development and improved livelihoods.

 

Decentralisation of Lands and Deeds Registries in all Provincial Towns

 

Madam Speaker, this has been done, and this is another area of focus in the 2026 Budget. My ministry will ensure that lands and deeds registries are in all the provinces. My ministry has also prioritised decentralisation as a key factor in an effort to bring the services closer to the clients. In this regard, my ministry has envisaged opening up registry offices in the remaining provincial centres. Currently, our lands and deeds registries are in Chipata, Choma, Kabwe and Lusaka, and these offices are gazetted and operational.

 

Reaffirming Zambia's International Boundaries

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry is charged with the responsibility of border reaffirmation in order to ensure border security. The 2026 National Budget will enable my ministry to engage stakeholders regularly at the national and international levels on border reaffirmations. Around border reaffirmations, this is crucial for several reasons as follows:

 

1. it prevents disputes and conflicts with neighbouring countries while ensuring national security and stability;

 

1. it facilitates trade investment and economic growth by reducing uncertainty and risks, and

 

1. it promotes co-operation and diplomacy among neighbouring countries, fostering regional stability and development.

 

Land Titling Programme

 

Madam Speaker, land titles give citizens, especially women and vulnerable groups, secure rights to their land, protecting them from disputes and evictions. It economically empowers Zambians by using the title as collateral when accessing credit thereby boosting economic growth. Clear land ownership attracts investors, creates jobs and stimulates development. The land titling programme will also increase Government revenue through property taxes. Therefore, my ministry will continue with the land titling programme so as to ensure access and security of land tenure, especially for women and other vulnerable groups. Working with Presidential Delivery Units, strategies have been put in place to ensure that the issuance of certificates of titles is enhanced. I am happy to inform the House that the ministry has, in this regard, been distributing hundreds and thousands of titles. Just yesterday, I was happy that Chingola received their certificates, and I hope that the hon. Member of Parliament who has been pushing for that is now happy that the titles have been issued and more are coming until next week.

 

Enhancing Revenue Collection

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 National Budget will also enable my ministry to enhance revenue collection, and this is one of the major focus areas of my ministry. In this regard, focus will be made on the ways in which revenue collection nafimbi fimbi.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Meaning what, hon. Minister?

 

Mrs Masebo: Sorry, Madam Speaker, I will repeat. In this regard focus will be made on the ways in which revenue collection will be maximised by allocating more resources to programmes and activities, which will contribute to the collection of more revenue.

 

Land Development Fund

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry oversees the co-ordination of the Land Development Fund (LDF) by facilitating the disbursement of resources to local authorities. The fund is meant for the following:

 

1. prepare plans for the project site;

 

1. demarcate and survey the project site;

 

1. construct roads in the project site;

 

1. undertake water articulation in the project site; and

 

1. provide electricity to the project site. 

 

Madam Speaker, this is important. My ministry will continue supporting councils, especially the newly formed ones so that they can open their respective areas for development. Ordinarily, councils apply for this land fund to enable them to do what has already been articulated.

 

Madam Chairperson, when councils open up new areas, services are taken closer to the people. In turn, councils as well as my ministry will raise revenue through services as more plots will be allocated and serviced.

 

Legislative Reforms

 

Madam Chairperson, we will continue with legislative reforms, which will be one of our major activities. As you know, we have been looking at pieces of legislation under the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. Currently, we are reviewing the Lands Act. We hope that by next year, we will bring this matter to Parliament, after consultations are completed in various provinces. We are remaining with three provinces to consult, and we hope that before the end of the year, these three provinces will be covered. We also hope that we can validate what we have collected before finalisation.

 

Madam Chairperson, I also want to say that it is our considered view that land is an important natural resource politically, economically and socially. Land is one of the most critical components of the means of production. Land forms the basis of human survival. It enables humans to undertake survival activities and provides a continuous existence of all life forms and minerals. Land is not only an economic asset. It is the foundation for dignity, identity, social inclusion and sustainable livelihood  yet, persistent inequalities continue to limit equitable access and control over land.

 

Co-ordinating Biodiversity Planning

 

Madam Chairperson, co-ordinating biodiversity planning in the country is one of the core responsibilities of my ministry, which involves developing policies, strategies and guidelines on biodiversity, assessing the status of biodiversity, minimising threats and loss of biodiversity and monitoring, reviewing and reporting on the impacts of programmes meant for conserving and protecting our biodiversity.

 

Madam Chairperson, in talking about what we will do next year, I also just want to use this opportunity to inform the people that next year, we shall put more resources into the Land Tribunal so that many conflicts can be handled as quickly as possible at that level. I also want to say that, let us avoid creating problems for ourselves. Let us understand what the laws are around land alienation or administration. Let us not create a country of confusion. Let us apply for land through local authorities, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and traditional authorities. Please, remember that there are two sets of systems we follow. We have land under the traditional authorities and we have land under councils, which is State land. State land is advertised, and you apply and land is allocated to you.

 

When it comes to traditional land, it is the chiefs who must give consent. Consent must be given for converting that land from traditional land to State land. So, do not start advertising traditional land and telling the public that traditional land is for sale. There is nothing like that. Please, do not buy traditional land. Traditional land is not for sale. It is something that is supposed to be given to the people through the chiefs in those specific areas. When you see somebody selling traditional land, be afraid. Know that you are buying trouble. When you buy trouble, you will have no one to support you. There will be no title issued to that land. So, please, be wary, do not get involved in illegalities because you will not be supported. You are on your own.

 

I thank you, Madam Chairperson.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: The next hon. Minister to debate is the hon. Minister of Fisheries and Livestock.

 

For consistency, when the House is in Committee of Supply or Committee of the Whole House, the Presiding Officer who sits at that Table will be addressed as The Chairperson. However, when the Presiding Officer is on the seat here, he or she is addressed as Mr Speaker or Madam Speaker. So, let us not confuse the people.

 

 The Minister of Fisheries and Livestock (Mr Kapala): Madam Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion moved by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, on 4^th November, 2025, on matters pertaining to the 2026 National Budget, as they relate to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock.

 

Madam Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the chairperson and members of the Expanded Planning and Budgeting Committee for the hard work in preparing the report, which has raised critical observations on page 23 regarding Head 86, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock. Having noting these concerns, I wish to respond to them with clarity and commitment.

 

Investment in Research and Development

 

Madam Speaker, my ministry welcomes the recognition by the Committee on increasing investment in research and development. This is a strategic move aimed at enhancing productivity, enhancing disease control, and positioning Zambia to achieve its ambitious target of US$1 billion in beef exports. We are prioritising innovations in breeding, nutrition and disease surveillance to support this goal.

 

Pasture and Rangeland Management

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee has rightly noted the reduction in funding for pasture and rangeland management. While fiscal constraints have necessitated some adjustments, I assure the House that we are exploring partnerships and community-led initiatives to sustain pasture development and improve climate resilience in livestock production.

 

Veterinary Drugs and Vaccines

 

Madam Speaker, the Committee raised concerns about the lack of a distinct budget line for veterinary drugs and vaccines. I wish to clarify that these critical inputs are embedded within the broader programme allocations. However, we acknowledge the need for transparency, and we will work with the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to ensure clearer budget presentation and adequate funding for disease control.

 

Timely Release of Funds

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry has faced challenges due to erratic disbursement of funds, which has affected programme implementation. We are engaging the Treasury to improve cash flow predictability and ensure that operational targets are met without delay.

 

Climate Resilience and Livestock Sustainability

 

Madam Speaker, climate change remains a pressing threat. The ministry is integrating climate-smart livestock practices, including drought-tolerant fodder, water harvesting and early warning systems. We are committed to building resilience across the livestock value chain.

 

Export Readiness and Market Access

 

Madam Speaker, to support our export ambitions, we are strengthening veterinary certification systems, traceability mechanisms, and compliance with international standards. We are also encouraging regional and global markets to expand Zambia’s footprint in livestock exports.

 

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock remains committed to delivering on its mandate. We are grateful for the Committee's insights, and we will continue to engage Parliament and stakeholders to ensure that our sector contributes meaningfully to national development, food security and economic transformation.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I have a long list here. I have a special request for hon. Ministers. I do not know if four or five minutes will be enough for you to deliver your debate, because we have to close this Motion today. If you can, use four minutes or so to accommodate the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, the hon. Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, the hon. Minister for Lusaka Province, the hon. Minister for Copperbelt Province and the hon. Minister for Southern Province.

 

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, thank you for granting me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Supply presented by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.

 

Madam Speaker, the mining sector continues to be the backbone of our country, and that is why the New Dawn Government, under the able leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, has made it a point to resuscitate the mining sector and bring it to levels unprecedented in this country.

 

Madam Speaker, four years ago, the mining sector was set on a path of recovery because at the time, almost all mines that were operating in Zambia were operating in the negative. Our leader, President Hakainde Hichilema, gave the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development the mandate to reach the target of producing 3 million metric tonnes of copper in ten years. As we speak, the mining sector is showing an upward trend in terms of growth. Since 2021, this year alone, we are poised to reach a psychological barrier of 1 million metric tonnes of copper, which we have never achieved since Zambia was given to us by God.

 

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, meaning, we are breaking a psychological barrier because of the great policies that have been put in place. The mining sector was given a new policy direction, which included reforms to set up what we are calling the Mining Regulation Commission. I thank this honourable House for approving the Minerals Commission, which is now an Act of Parliament, and this Government has started operationalising the Minerals Commission, and it appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the board of the commission to regulate the mining sector.

 

Madam Speaker, apart from that, through the support of this House, the other reform that we have put in place is the setting up what we are calling the Geological and Minerals Development Act of 2025, which has set up a dedicated directorate for artisanal miners. This same Act empowers the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to come up with local content, and working together with the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, we have come up with a local content Statutory Instrument (SI), which supports Zambian businessmen to participate in the mining sector.

 

Madam Speaker, through this SI, starting January, 20 per cent of all the total mining spend will go specifically to local entrepreneurs. Within twelve months, that threshold will increase to 25 per cent. Within twenty-four months, the threshold will rise to 35 per cent until it reaches 40 per cent of the total mining spend that should go to local suppliers and contractors.

 

Madam Speaker, let me put this in context and give an example to Zambians what this entails, but before I even give those details, I would like to thank the courageous leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema –

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order, hon. Minister!

 

You can summarise. 

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, you cannot talk about the mining sector in five minutes. You need more time.

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You would have debated yesterday.

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, just give me a minute for me to emphasise on local content.

 

Mr Nkandu: Correct.

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, successive Governments failed to sign this SI. It is the first of its kind. It required courageous leadership, and we thank President Hakainde Hichilema for his courage to allow us to go ahead with this local content regulation to support Zambian local entrepreneurs.

 

Mr Mubika: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, to put things into context, in 2019, a study was done to understand the total local spend in the mining sector, and it ranged between US$3.5 to US$5 billion at the time, and it was established that Zambians were only benefiting a paltry 3.2 per cent of the US$5 billion plus. That is according to the study that was done. Now this Government is saying, much as it is making good policies for investment and for the mining sector to thrive, it must not leave the Zambians behind, and that is why it has put in place this local content SI in place. Within that SI, there is what we are calling non-coal mining goods and non-coal mining services, which will be exclusively for Zambians, including things like cleaning, clearing and forwarding, and transportation. All these things that Zambians have been crying for will be exclusively for Zambians. Also, for coal mining goods and coal mining services, Zambian companies will have a 15 per cent advantage as they bid for those goods.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, this is a law that will make Zambians now feel the benefit. Our appeal, as I conclude, is that Zambian suppliers and contractors follow the HH mantra: The right price, timely delivery and quality.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

The Minister of Water Development and Sanitation (Eng. Nzovu): Madam Speaker, I wish to thank you sincerely for according me this opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Supply moved by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning on the 2026 Revenue and Expenditure for the period 1^st January to 31^st December, 2026.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me, from the outset, on behalf of the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation, to express my sincere gratitude to the New Dawn Administration, under the leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander of all the Armed Forces, for the continued support to the water and sanitation sector.

 

Madam Speaker, as a clear demonstration of his commitment to the sector, that is, President Hakainde Hichilema, the Government has increased the 2026 Budget allocation to the ministry from K2.46 billion in 2025 to K2.69 billion in 2026, representing a 9 per cent increase. Additionally, the Government has also zero-rated the supply of piped water for value-added tax purposes. This measure will allow utility companies to claim attributable input value-added tax, hence reducing operating costs. This demonstrates the Government’s unwavering commitment to improving access to clean and safe water and ensuring sustainable management of our natural water resources.

 

Madam Speaker, while we appreciate this significant increment, I must be candid with this House that the challenges facing the water sector today are vast, they are urgent, and they are rapidly escalating, meaning our current resources will still fall far short of what is necessary to guarantee water security for all citizens. The sector is facing a number of challenges, such as pollution, encroachment on research zones and water sources, and ageing infrastructure. These challenges are compounded by population growth, climate change and illegal mining. Water utility companies continue to face challenges such as the high cost of water treatment chemicals and the rising debt burden. The challenges are further compounded by high non-revenue water, coupled with historically low water tariffs. This severely limits the sector’s capacity for internal investment and maintenance.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry’s central and compromising focus is on achieving national water security, which is not just an environmental goal but an economic imperative. Water is a foundation that supports our national pillars, including agriculture by ensuring irrigation for food security, energy through powering our hydroelectric grids, and livestock development, as well as municipal services through the provision of clean and safe water for growing cities and towns. To meet this critical goal, our immediate priority is the construction and rehabilitation of dams. This will serve as a buffer to our nation against the realities of drought and climate variability.

 

Madam Speaker, despite facing funding challenges, we are firmly pressing ahead with several targeted and essential programmes. We are expanding access to safe and reliable water by aggressively constructing and rehabilitating boreholes and developing new pipe water schemes. The ministry is protecting underground water for future generations through strategic aquifer identification, mapping and characterisation efforts.

 

Madam Speaker, to safeguard public health and human dignity, the ministry is improving access to adequate sanitation by constructing waterborne sanitation facilities in public institutions, such as schools, health facilities and markets. The ministry is also enhancing trans-boundary diplomacy and co-operation to ensure equitable and sustainable management of shared waters, recognising that water knows no borders and is vital for regional stability.

 

Madam Speaker, the 9 per cent increase in the ministry’s budget marks a strong start, but let us be clear, the existing gap between need and provision is still substantial. This funding gap hinders the ministry’s ability to effectively tackle non-renewable water, enforce vital anti-encroachment measures and move forward with essential capital projects, such as dam construction, at the pace our nation requires.

 

Madam Speaker, the ministry is committed to achieving universal access to water and sanitation by 2030, aligned with the Vision 2030 and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 6. However, meeting this mandate demands a bolder commitment. We must invest more aggressively today in infrastructure, catchment protection, groundwater development and climate-resilient projects. I appeal directly to this House, as I always say, that we cannot compromise our future prosperity by failing to secure our water supply. I would like to urge hon. Members to continue focusing on this issue and to support the ministry in leveraging every possible resource, including the CDF, to fast-track vital investments. Let us collaborate to deliver water security that every citizen, farmer and industry deserves.

 

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

 

The Minister for Lusaka Province (Mrs Mulyata): Madam Speaker, I would like to thank you most sincerely for giving me this opportunity to add my voice to the debate in support of the 2026 National Budget, presented to this august House by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, under the theme, “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”.

 

Madam Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Committee that scrutinised and provided valuable comments on the 2026 National Budget for Vote 90 – Office of the President –­ Lusaka Province. I would like to assure the Committee that the province will take into consideration the recommendations as it implements its budget.

 

Madam Speaker, the National Budget is well-suited to consolidate the achievements that the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government, under the able leadership of Mr Hakainde Hichilema, the President of the Republic of Zambia, has made while continuing to drive productivity and inclusive growth. The country has experienced a level of development never seen before.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, owing to the policies that the Government is implementing, the Budget also presents policies that will continue to accelerate economic growth. The Lusaka Provincial Administration will continue to ensure the Government’s consistent efforts in transforming the agricultural sector by increasing production and productivity, enhancing market access, developing market linkages and creating mechanisms to ensure that the sector is anchored on diverse, climate-smart and resilient agriculture. As a province, we work closely with the traditional leadership to encourage farmers in the chiefdoms to implement the Government’s policies in agriculture. These and other efforts have borne fruit, as evidenced by the historic maize bumper harvest in Lusaka Province of 55,850 metric tonnes of maize, against a target of 22,000 metric tonnes, as recorded during the 2024/2025 Farming Season. Well done to Lusaka Province.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, as Lusaka Province, we will continue to support economic zones to make them ideal for strategic investment. Currently, the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LSMFEZ) has an estimated investment value of US$1.8 billion, and is creating over 10,500 jobs with the potential for the number to increase. As one operating at full potential, with the UPND Government policies presented in the 2026 Budget, more investment will be attracted to the LSMFEZ in the areas of real estate, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Mulyata: … commercial development, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Mulyata: … educational facilities, …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Mrs Mulyata: … healthcare facilities, digital infrastructure and institutions, among others. The economic zone has attracted over thirty-three investors so far in various areas. This is further evidence that the country is back on the right path.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

The hon. Minister’s time expired.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Wind up, hon. Minister.

 

Mrs Mulyata: Madam Speaker, since the introduction of free education in 2022, we have witnessed a massive increase in enrolment of about 2.3 million learners, with 600 learners enrolled in Lusaka Province. As a province, we have continued to ensure that all the children receive quality education. The homegrown School Feeding Programme has been scaled up and has since reached 616 children so that vulnerable children have the opportunity to access education and remain in school.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 National Budget will continue to support the Government’s Free Education Policy and School Feeding Programme in our schools.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker. May God bless Zambia.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

The Minister for Copperbelt (Mr Matambo): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me a chance to add my voice to the debate on the Motion of Supply for the 2026 National Budget, which was presented to this House by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, under the theme, “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”.

 

Madam Speaker, what gains are we consolidating? On behalf of the people of Copperbelt Province and, indeed, on my own behalf, allow me to acknowledge the significant strides made by the Government under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema. I will start with the road network. The Copperbelt Province was given a raw deal by the previous regime on road networks. Wherever you went into the province, you would think there was war. Works have since been undertaken on the Chingola/Chililabombwe/Kasumbalesa Road. We have a brand-new road. The construction of the Lusaka/Ndola Dual Carriageway has also led to the reconstruction of Masangano/Fisenge Road into Luanshya; there is a brand-new road. Further, the construction of the Ndola/Sakanya/Mufulira Road, which was last worked on in the days of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) Government. A contractor is on site, and almost 56 per cent of the work has been done. The Government is also constructing township roads in all the districts of the province. If you go to Ndola, you will find a contractor working on the roads. In Luanshya, Kitwe, Chingola and Chililabombwe, contractors are on site working on the roads. Last Saturday, the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development announced that the ministry would work on the Mpongwe/Machiya Road. The Lumpuma/Mukutuma stretch will also have a brand-new road.

 

Madam Speaker, in the health sector, construction of six Level I hospitals has been done in the past four years. The first-ever cancer hospital, since the creation of the earth, will also be completed in December.

 

Madam Speaker, when we came into office, the availability of drugs in hospitals and clinics was at 43 per cent. It has now improved to 95 per cent, and more than 4,000 health personnel have been employed. Copperbelt Province has received about 4,000.

 

Madam Speaker, in the education sector, fifteen secondary schools are under construction. Contractors are on site to complete four secondary schools, whose construction  had stalled, namely Luansobe, Lufwanyama, Lumpuma and Milundu. The Government is also constructing Masangano Boarding School.

 

Madam Speaker, the province has received close to 5,000 teachers. Before, the teacher-pupil ratio was 1 to 100. However, it is now at 1 to 47. When we came into power, only 600,000 children were enrolled in school, and many struggled to pay school fees. Today, enrollment has increased to almost 1.1 million, meaning that more than 500,000 children have been given a chance to attend school, including that orphan in Twapya and Mpongwe.

 

Madam Speaker, increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF from K1.6 million to K40 million has resulted into 1,872 children being  sponsored to attend boarding schools.

 

Madam Speaker, the following has also been achieved through the CDF:

 

1. about 15,000 youths have been sponsored and trained in lifelong skills;

 

1. I54 classrooms have been constructed;

 

1. over 650,000 desks have been provided;

 

1. 293 staff houses have been constructed;

 

1. eighty-eight health posts have been constructed;

 

1. 444 boreholes have been provided;

 

1. 133 boreholes have been rehabilitated;

 

1. seventeen police posts have been constructed; and

 

1. twenty-two brand new Land Cruisers have been procured.

 

Madam Speaker, 200,000 of our people have benefited from the Cash-for-Work programme.

 

Madam Speaker, when it comes to peace, my province was referred to as “Beirut” because there were machetes everywhere. People were being beaten in the markets …

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can wind up, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Matambo:  … and at the bus stops, but peace has returned to the Copperbelt. That is why no one will ever be allowed to take confusion or violence to the Copperbelt Province. In this vein, the people of the Copperbelt Province support the 2026 Budget.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

 

The next to debate is the hon. Minister for Southern Province. He will debate  strictly in four minutes.

 

The Minister for Southern Province (Mr Nanjuwa): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the Motion of Supply. I rise with a deep sense of honour and responsibility to voice my unequivocal support for the 2026 National Budget as ably presented by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Musokotwane. Allow me to commend him for delivering a Budget that is not only bold and forward-looking, but also grounded in practical realities that speak directly to the needs of our people.

 

Madam Speaker, a National Budget is more than a financial plan. It is a statement of intent, a contract between the Government and its citizens. Its success is measured not merely in numbers, but in the lives it transforms in every province, district, community and household across the Republic of Zambia. It is from this vantage point of implementation at the provincial and local level that I lend strong support.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 Budget allocation for the Southern Province, set at K169.4 million, is not an isolated allocation. It is a deliberate and coherent localisation of the National Budget, which stands at K253.1 billion. The National Budget articulates the “What” ours is the “How”. It is our responsibility to ensure that the commitments made in this august House translate into visible change for the people of the Southern Province.

 

Madam Speaker, the National Budget rightly underscores the importance of strengthening domestic revenues. In the Southern Province, we are embracing this responsibility with vigour. We project to generate K8.7 million in non-tax revenue, proof that the province is not a passive consumer of national resources, but an active partner in building fiscal resilience and national self-reliance.

 

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning emphasised the need to protect our citizens from the severe effects of last year's drought. In the Southern Province, we have responded with utmost seriousness. We have allocated K37.7 million to community development and social services, focusing on the co-ordination of the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) and Cash-for-Work programmes and others. Through this allocation, we will ensure that the enhanced transfer value of K800 per beneficiary reaches the intended beneficiaries promptly and consistently. In this way, we are faithfully executing the national policy of safeguarding livelihoods and restoring dignity to our most vulnerable citizens.

 

Madam Speaker, under the economic development programmes, K23.7 million has been earmarked for public infrastructure maintenance and land administration, which are the key drivers of local economic activities. Further, the K32.1 million allocation toward Natural Resource Management will strengthen water resource development and forest protection.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: You can wind up, hon. Minister.

 

Mr Nanjuwa: Madam Speaker, this dual investment forms the backbone of our climate resilience strategy and directly supports the national objective of securing sustainable livelihoods, especially in drought-prone areas.

 

Madam Speaker, I am so excited about the K800 million allocated to our province through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Indeed, the CDF is a game changer.

 

Madam Speaker, I am so excited, and so,on behalf of the Southern Province, I wish to assure the House that we support the 2026 Budget.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

The Vice-President (Dr Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I am deeply honoured to address this august House on the state of our nation's macroeconomic performance and the key priorities of the 2026 National Budget as presented by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP.

 

Madam Speaker, this year's Budget marks a significant milestone in our nation’s economic journey. It reflects our collective resolve under the leadership of His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, to consolidate macroeconomic stability, promote inclusive growth and safeguard the well-being of our citizens.

 

Madam Speaker, the Zambian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience amidst both domestic and global challenges. The 2026 Budget projects a strong gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 6.4 per cent following a growth rate of 5.8 per cent in 2025 and 3.8 per cent in 2024. This positive trajectory is driven by robust performance in the mining, agriculture and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sectors.

 

Inflation, Madam Speaker, continues to decline from 16.7 per cent in 2024 to 11.9 per cent in 2025 and is projected to range between 6 per cent and 8 per cent in 2026. This reduction is underpinned by a bumper maize harvest, a stable exchange rate and prudent monetary policies. Furthermore, fiscal discipline and sound debt management have led to a narrowing of the fiscal deficit from 9 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2021 to a projected 2.1 per cent in 2026. Following the successful debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework, Zambia's fiscal credibility has been restored, and investor confidence continues to be strengthened.

 

Madam Speaker, the national revenue of K253,089,454,320, representing 27.4 per cent of the GDP, is financed largely from domestic revenue, with 81.6 per cent sourced internally, and 65.5 per cent is from tax revenue while 16.8 per cent is from non-tax sources. Hon. Minister, well done.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government spending priorities are aligned with our national development agenda. Education has been allocated K30,590,689,212, Health K24,746,318,831 and Economic Affairs K58.6 billion. In addition, K6.2 billion has been set aside for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) while K15.7 billion has been allocated to social protection programmes. You cannot do any better when you look at the allocation that goes to social protection programmes. This Government is truly a pro-poor Government.

 

Madam Speaker, debt servicing, which is also a concern in the report from the Expanded Planning and Budgeting Committee, is taking quite a bit from the Budget, with K52,001,221466 dedicated to domestic debt interest and K21,665,800,00 to external obligations. These are things that all of us should be looking at when we look at what we are going through. This is a huge amount of money going to debt servicing, but it is not deterring us from implementing our agenda of developing this country.

 

 Madam Speaker, the mining sector continues to anchor Zambia's economic transformation. The hon. Minister could not even finish stating everything because so much is happening. Copper production is projected to surpass 1 million metric tonnes for the first time in recent years. This growth is being driven by new investments, mine expansions and the formalisation of artisanal mining.

 

Madam Speaker, in the agriculture sector, the country has recorded a bumper harvest of over 4 million metric tonnes, supported by timely input distribution and expanded irrigation infrastructure. Efforts are now being directed towards improving value addition and export competitiveness.

 

Madam Speaker, the energy sector is diversifying rapidly, with an addition of 1,500 MW of mainly solar power expected to be added to the grid, complemented by 300 MW to be added from the new Maamba Thermal Power Plant. This is what your Government is doing to grow the economy and improve the livelihoods of our people.

 

Madam Speaker, in infrastructure development, particularly, in the transport sector, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have continued, while tourism has rebounded significantly, with international arrivals rising from 1.1 million in 2022 to 2.2 million in 2024. This is a great feat. Manufacturing, too, is gaining momentum through new industrial zones and the revival of key industries such as the Zambia China Mulungushi Textiles. This shows growth in the economy as jobs are being created in this sector. Other sectors are also being looked at.

 

Madam Speaker, this is the general picture of our economy, and this is all working under the New Dawn Government.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government's investment in social development remains key in the alleviation of poverty. Since 2022, over 42,000 teachers and 18,000 health workers have been recruited. I must mention that we still have the intention of recruiting more in 2026. This is the performance of the economy. The Free Education Policy that hon. Members referred to has brought students to the tune of 2.3 million into schools. This is not a small matter, and it is extremely important.

 

Madam Speaker, while over 280 new health facilities have been constructed to enhance access to quality health, we realise that there is still a need for more health facilities. However, what is important is that, as we take note of the challenges we should also take note of the progress that has been made under this Government. For example, in education, we are aware that there is still a need to work on improving infrastructure, but what has been done is far much greater. The vision in this Budget is to really help many students in our nation to continue going to school. 

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 National Budget is therefore, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the vision of an inclusive, resilient and prosperous Zambia. Through prudent fiscal management, targeted social investment and sustained economic reforms, this Administration is laying a strong foundation for lasting transformation. This is what you have seen in the Budget.

 

Madam Speaker, with those few words, I want to declare that I support the Budget of 2026.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Madam Speaker, I want to start by thanking all the people who have debated this Motion for the support that they have given to the 2026 Budget. I also want to thank your Committee for their support and the advice that they provided.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2026 Budget is a continuation of the policies that were started in 2021, and there is no doubt whatsoever, that the Budgets of the previous years, just as that of 2026, are continuing to provide positive change in our country. Hon. Colleagues who have debated this afternoon have spoken about the debt restructuring. They have talked about the economic growth taking place year after year since 2021. They have talked about free education policy, which the hon. Minister for Lusaka Province expounded on with a lot of passion. They have talked about the transformations taking place in our constituencies. All these are positive changes that have been taking place because of the implementation of the Budgets since we came to power in 2021.

 

Madam Speaker, the imports of the positive changes are not just about success. The imports of these positive changes are to demonstrate that the Government of Mr Hakainde Hichilema is capable.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: This means that even as we face challenges like the challenge of energy, which of course is on everybody’s tongue today, we can confidently say that just as we resolved so many other challenges such as the debt, absence of infrastructure, hunger and so on and so forth, we are confident that the challenge of energy will also be resolved because we have demonstrated a track record of success.

 

Madam Speaker, I want to spend a few minutes to respond to some of the issues that were raised. One of the issues that was raised was that this Government is borrowing excessively. This is astonishing because at the time when the whole world, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), international media, local economists and everybody else were advising the Zambian Government then, under the Patriotic Front (PF), to watch out, because it was headed for trouble and was borrowing too much, our colleagues on the left kept on saying that they were fine until they demonstrated that the country was not fine because they defaulted. Defaulting means that you are no longer capable of servicing your debt because you have borrowed too much. This is the very thing that they were refusing. So, at the time when this advice was coming through for them to watch out, they ignored it. Today, the whole world is telling us that well done because we have managed to deal with our debt and …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: … they have now reversed and are saying that we are borrowing too much and we are headed for trouble. So, it is like dealing with human beings who think in the opposite of what others think …

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: … and when everybody says this is white, they will say this is black or that this is a hyena, they will say, no, this is an elephant.

 

Madam Speaker, this reminds me of one of the stories when I was still a schoolboy. Somebody talked about a road accident that had happened. The accident was so bad such that one of the people who was in the car had his head cut off. So, the body was busy vibrating and the head was also vibrating. Thereafter, a woman came on the scene and said “oh! people have died.” As she said that, the head that had been decapitated said, “kwena e napusuka.”

 

Laughter

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: What does that mean, hon. Minister?

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, meaning –

 

Interruptions

 

Hon. UPND Member: I have survived!

 

Dr Musokotwane: No, it was said by one of the Copperbelt boys.

 

Laughter

 

Dr Musokotwane: It means that the head which had been decapitated, said “thank God I have survived the accident.” Now, at that moment, you can see that there are some people whose minds see things differently. The decapitated head, thinking it was normal, said I have survived the accident, when it was headed for death. So, we just have to accept that in this life, there are human beings who see things strangely and very differently because this is a matter that we have explained over and over. This is a matter where international media, the IMF, the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AFB) are congratulating Zambia and telling it well done for restructuring its debt, but some people are still saying that we are borrowing excessively, yet it is them who borrowed excessively and put US$120 million in Zambia Railways, but today the trains still move like a chongololo, very slowly and confused.

 

Madam Speaker, this is something that we are very comfortable with. The debt has been restructured and the economy is growing strongly.  I assure the House that in the coming years; 2026, 2027, 2028 and going forward, this economy is going to be stronger than ever seen before in this country.

 

Hon. UPND Member: Hear, hear!

 

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, hon. Members heard my colleague, the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, talk about a target of 1 million metric tonnes towards 3 metric million tonnes. They can see for themselves how factories of fertilisers are coming up. Factories like Mulungushi Textiles are being revived. Tomorrow, this gentleman (Pointed at Mr Tayali) will have a ground-breaking ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Tanzania Zambia Railways (TAZARA) worth US$1.4 million, that means jobs will be created all the way from Nakonde to Kapiri Mposhi, jobs which were not there. These are all signs of how this country, step by step, is making progress.

 

Madam Speaker, I thank the Committee and the House for the support.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

 

Ms Mulyata: Viva HH, viva!

 

Hon. UPND Members: Viva!

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

Laughter

 

Question put and agreed to.

 

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ADJOURNMENT: ADDRESS THE CHALLENGE OF INADEQUATE WATER AND SEWERAGE SERVICES IN AREAS WHERE LAND IS ALLOCATED FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

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

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Notice of an item for debate on the Motion of Adjournment of the House has been received. The debate is for thirty minutes.

 

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, once again, I thank your office for allowing me to come and make a few comments on this very important topic.

 

Madam Speaker, for many years, local authorities have been given the mandate by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to allocate land where they feel that people can undertake residential developments. Over the years, again, we have also had private property owners who have subdivided their pieces of land to allocate to individuals. Now, in both cases, we have had one common problem, and that is basically a scenario where land is available for residential development but, clearly, we do not have a co-ordinated plan that guarantees that a piece of land that has been allocated to a citizen will be provided with water and sewerage services.

 

Madam Speaker, the conversation for today is basically on how do we march these two separate important aspects of land development? On one hand, there is a piece of land that has been allocated. On the other hand, the water utility company that ideally is supposed to provide water and sewerage services may not have the resources to make these services available. So, today, I bring a conversation to Parliament to ask that we begin co-ordinating these two activities. For instance, I am aware that from the pricing point of view, if a piece of land from a local authority is going to include all the aspects that are required such as the provision of water and sewerage services, it means that that cost has to be met by someone. So, the Government may decide to allocate the money to the local authorities to plan for the areas, even before the land is allocated. That is why today, I am asking myself, from a policy point of view, a Government directive point of view, whether it is possible for the local authorities or the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to plan for the provision of water and sewerage services where land is allocated before the pieces of land are offloaded. Someone has to give that directive. Someone has to direct the local authorities to separately estimate the cost associated with providing services before allocating pieces of land.

 

Madam Speaker, you may be aware that people are allocating land, which has been subdivided, along Leopards Hill Road, and they are the owners of those pieces of land. As you head out of Lusaka to the Copperbelt Province, many people who own 10 ha pieces of land have also subdivided them, and you know that subdivision is allowed by law. The point is that as you subdivide the small pieces of land, where is the plan on how people will have access to water? Where is the plan on how people will access sewerage services? Will they rely on boreholes when we know that our water table may not be effective and adequate for many years to come? Today, I am asking myself, and I hope this is a conversation that will be on-going, though there must be a point at which a decision is made. What is the policy? Is the policy to continue allocating land, whether in Solwezi, Choma or Mumbwa, without a plan that provides people with those two important aspects; guaranteed access to clean water and proper sanitation conditions?

 

Madam Speaker, this is something I thought, without asking the Government, we would urge the councils to do. I think that it is important to provide policy direction.  It will be difficult for local authorities to decide on their own if they know that no money has been made available for support services. I know that we are discussing the National Budget but, at some point, there must be a provision made in the Budget that either guarantees that money will be made available for the services, or that we will look at innovative ways of raising the money for the accompanying services.

 

 Madam Speaker, this is not a complicated conversation. It is a conversation that simply demands that we put people from the local authority on the left, around the same table as the people from the utility companies, such as the Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company (MWSSC), Kafubu Water and Sanitation Company (KWSC), Nkana water and Sanitation Company (NWSC), so that we can plan together and have a holistic approach to residential development. Why allocate land when we know that the cost of service for the additional requirements has not been made available to the person who is buying that piece of land? I know people may argue that if we add the cost of the plot premium, providing water and sewerage services, then, the cost of the piece of land would be too high. However, the reality is that when you are given a piece of land, you must also be provided with water. The reality is that because you are a human being, you will need services that demand the provision of sewerage services. So, should we hide these expenses from the people of Zambia? We should be able to tell our people that if they buy a piece of land from the local authority, they need extra services as human beings who are occupying that property. As long as we ignore this conversation, people will continue acquiring land, and yet cannot occupy that property because they have to look for money to provide soakaways and boreholes, things that should be planned for and, from a planning point of view, there must be a conversation about it.

 

Madam Speaker, without exhausting my ten minutes, the conversation I bring to Parliament is that we, as policymakers, are the people who have to influence the direction that the Government pursues, and the policies from the Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. There must be this conversation. If we continue ignoring this conversation, then, we are not providing our people with an ideal environment to live in. This is my submission, today.

 

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Any further debate? There is nothing. There being no further debate, the Motion lapses.

 

Interruptions

 

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Order!

 

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The House adjourned at 1825 hours until 1430 hours on Thursday, 20^th November, 2025.

 

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