Thursday, 19^th February, 2026

The House met at 1430 hours

[MADAM SPEAKER in the Chair]

NATIONAL ANTHEM

PRAYER

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ANNOUNCEMENTS BY MADAM SPEAKER

ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE

Madam Speaker: Hon Members, I have received communication to the effect that in the absence of Her Honour the Vice-President, who is attending to other Government business, the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Hon. Jack J. Mwiimbu, MP, SC., has been appointed Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, from today, 19^th February, 2026, until further notice.

I thank you.

YOUTH LEADERS FROM MPONGWE DISTRICT

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of Youth Leaders from Mpongwe Parliamentary Constituency in Mpongwe District.

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

I thank you.

STAFF FROM LIMULUNGA TOWN COUNCIL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of staff from Limulunga Town Council in Luena Constituency, led by the Council Secretary.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Okay, they are not here, but I wish to welcome them. If they come while we are sitting, I will take the opportunity to warmly welcome them into our midst.

UNITED PARTY FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP FROM MANSA AND KAWAMBWA DISTRICTS

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to recognise the presence, in the Public Gallery, of Members of the United Party for National Development (UPND) leadership from Mansa and Kawambwa districts in Luapula Province.

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

I thank you.

DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION SENSITISATION PROGRAMME

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that the Diabetes Association of Zambia has been granted permission to conduct sensitisation on diabetes mellitus and hypertension on Monday, 23^rd February, 2026, from 1430 hours to 1545 hours in the Amphitheatre.

This will be followed by three days of complimentary health screening for diabetes mellitus and hypertension, from Tuesday, 24^th February to Thursday, 26^th February 2026, between 0900 hours and 1600 hours.

The objective of this initiative is to promote early detection and timely management of diabetes mellitus and hypertension, thereby enhancing overall wellness, productivity and work performance.

Interested hon. Members are encouraged to participate in this important health initiative.

I thank you.

THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I wish to inform the House that pursuant to Articles 9(2) and 86(1) of the Constitution of Zambia, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will address the House on the Progress Made in the Application of National Values and Principles as contained in Article 8 of the Constitution.  As indicated in the Business Statement presented last week on Friday, 13^th February, 2026, the Address will take place tomorrow, Friday, 20^th February, 2026, starting at 0900 hours.

In this regard, and in accordance with Order No. 21(2) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, all hon. Members are reminded to observe the utmost dignity and decorum of the House during the Address. In this regard, I wish to address the House on the following:

Electronic Gadgets

Hon. Members, in order to maintain the decorum and smooth functioning of our proceedings during the President’s Address, as well as to take care of security concerns, all hon. Members will not be allowed to bring any electronic gadgets, such as cellphones and tablets into the Chamber during tomorrow’s sitting. Invited guests will equally not be allowed to enter the Chamber with electronic gadgets. This measure is necessary to avoid any potential disturbances and security breaches as the President delivers his Address.

Movements during the Address

During the President’s Address, hon. Members and, indeed, invited guests are requested to remain in their seats and avoid unnecessary movements when the President will be delivering his Address. In this regard, should a Member need to leave the Chamber during the Address, he/she may do so quietly using the nearest exit point to avoid causing disturbances.

Punctuality

I wish to urge all hon. Members to be punctual for tomorrow’s Sitting and to be seated in the House by 0900 hours. I wish to inform the House that hon. Members and invited guests will not be allowed to enter the Chamber once the President begins delivering his Address. This measure is taken in order to maintain the decorum of the House and to prevent any unnecessary disruptions.

Your co-operation in this regard will be highly appreciated.

I thank you.

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MOTION

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS. 26, 27, 55 AND 87

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mwiimbu, SC): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that Order No. 26, 27, 55 and 87 of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, be suspended to enable the House to sit from 0900 hours until business has been concluded on Friday, 20^th February, 2026,

Madam Speaker, Article 86(1) read with Article 92 of the Constitution of Zambia, as well as Order No. 19(1) of the National Assembly of Zambia Standing Orders, 2024, requires the President of the Republic of Zambia to attend Parliament and report to the House the Progress Made in the Application of the National Values and Principles contained in Article 8 of the Constitution. In this regard, the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, is scheduled to attend and address the House tomorrow, Friday, 20^th February, 2026, starting at 0945 hours.

Madam Speaker, Standing Order No. 26 provides for the suspension of business for twenty minutes at 1040 hours on Friday. Further, Standing Order No. 27 provides for the House to adjourn at 1300 hours on Friday, while Standing Order No. 55 provides for the daily routine of the Business of the House. Furthermore, Standing Order No. 87 provides for the Vice-President’s Question Time every Friday.

Madam Speaker, it is necessary for the aforementioned Standing Orders to be suspended to enable the President to deliver his Address uninterrupted. It is for this reason that I move the Motion.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Hon. Members, this is a procedural Motion. Normally, once the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House moves a Motion of this nature, we proceed. However, I will allow the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, who has indicated to contribute to the Motion that has been moved. Hon. Member, please, stick to the Motion. Do not bring in extraneous ideas or issues in your debate. 

You may proceed, hon. Member.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, indeed, this is a procedural Motion. I will therefore, be very brief in supporting the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, who has moved a Motion it to suspend a number of Standing Orders, including the one to omit the Vice-President’s Question Time from the Order Paper.

Madam Speaker, before I do that, just allow me to welcome to the backbench my senior hon. Colleague in whom I am well pleased, the Member for Ikeleng’i, Hon. Elijah Muchima, who has been a public servant for many years both as a civil servant and indeed, as a Minister. This is a tour of duty. I would like to encourage him to soldier on.  I also wish to tell him that these are things that happen in the tour of duty.

Madam Speaker, I also welcome my dear brother, Hon. Elias Mubanga, who has also joined the backbench. We appreciate that he has maintained his nomination. We therefore, wish him well in his future endeavours.

Madam Speaker, the Motion to exclude the Vice-President’s Question Time from the Order Paper makes it a second Friday of hon. Members of Parliament not interacting with Her Honour the Vice-President. Tomorrow, we expect His Excellency the President to come and address this august House at this very critical time. Some of the questions we would have loved to pose to our own, Her Honour the Vice-President, are expected to be addressed by His Excellency.

Madam Speaker, His Excellency the President is coming at a time when the nation seems to be divided on various matters.

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu.

I guided that the Motion is to suspend Standing Orders. Let us not speculate.

Mr Kampyongo interjected.

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu!

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, these are the hon. Ministers who should have been fired. They should behave.

Madam Speaker: Order!

Let us not start reading what has not been said because that will amount to speculation. Let us wait for the Address by the President. In the Motion of Thanks, we will be able to address our concerns. For now, we are just suspending Standing Orders to allow the House adjourn and to omit the Vice-President's Question Time from the Order Paper.

May the hon. Member wind up so that we make progress.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, I am focusing on the Standing Order to omit the Vice-President's Question Time from the Order Paper. I was saying that we have missed an opportunity when we could have addressed a number of pertinent issues. We shall be talking about the application of national values.

Madam Speaker, we are getting into the ninth month since we lost the Sixth Republican President. We are now hitting headlines as a nation, regarding the same national matter which we have not collectively dealt with. I do not apportion blame on a matter like this because as a nation, through our wisdom, collectively, we should have appealed to ensure that this matter is solved.  Now, we have revelations of investigations that are popping up again, pointing to the fact that we, as a nation, we are failing to get together and address this very important issue.

Madam Speaker, how I would love His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, who will be here tomorrow, to assure the nation that this matter will be addressed sooner than later.  It does not please anyone to learn that the remains of His Excellency the Sixth Republican President are still in the fridge. We now hear about investigations which we do not even know who instigated them.

Madam Speaker, these issues require leadership wisdom.

Mr Nkandu interjected.

Mr Kampyongo: Hon. Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, be serious. I am talking about a serious issue. Do not be useless!

Mr Nkandu: Question!

Madam Speaker: Order, hon. Members!

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, please, resume your seat.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, these are the ones who are supposed to be fired.

Mr Kapyanga: He is always making noise.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, can we have some order?

Please, can we allow the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu to  -    

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in conclusion, –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I am still speaking.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in conclusion, –

Madam Speaker: I said, “Order!”

Hon. Members, let us allow the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu to debate freely. Democracy is about debating freely.

Hon. Member for Shiwang’andu, I guided. Please, stay away from controversial issues. This is because whatever you say, the hon. Members on the other side will respond. What they respond will be found to not be of good standing. Therefore, let us stick to the Motion.

May the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu wind up.

Mr Kampyongo: Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I still say that we need to provide leadership collectively as hon. Members, both on your right and left, to ensure that the family of the former Head of State is at peace. It needs to get back home so that it can resume its normal lives.

 Madam Speaker, since we are remaining with a few weeks to adjourn, we can interact with Her Honour the Vice-President on Fridays so that we can hear what the Government plans for its citizens who have challenges.

Madam Speaker, with these few remarks, I support the Motion to suspend the three Standing Orders.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, ordinarily, I would not have commented on issues surrounding the burial of the late President. However, taking into account the fact that this matter has been raised on the Floor of this House, it is my duty and responsibility to respond.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, it is trite to state that this Government has always been desirous of bringing the body of the late President to Zambia for burial. It is the family that does not want certain procedures to be taken. The family wanted to bury the late President in South Africa. As a responsible Government, on behalf of the people of Zambia, we decided to go to court in order to bring the body here so that the late President could be buried in his homeland. That is the issue. The President of the Republic of Zambia tried to engage the family on several occasions. Emissaries were sent to South Africa to discuss with the family in order to bring our dear late brother home to be buried. However, we have realised that some people, whom we thought were spokespersons of the family at the time, were using the issue as a political tool.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, as a result, this matter has been protracted. We, as the Government, as I indicated, are desirous of bringing the body home, having a dignified funeral, and burying the body in Zambia. That is what we intend to do on behalf of the people of Zambia. We have nothing to hide. The issue that has now arisen was brought out by the Patriotic Front (PF). Members of the PF are the ones who alleged that the late President was poisoned.

Mr Nkandu: Hear, hear!

Mr Mwiimbu, SC.: Madam Speaker, if you make such an allegation in a civilised society, the police will move in. That is what has happened in South Africa. We are not the ones who made the allegations. The PF members are the ones who made the allegations. They should let this matter be concluded in the manner they anticipated through the allegation of poison. We were all alarmed when we heard that the late President was poisoned. We were all anxious to know who poisoned him and the type of poison that was used. So, why do they want to throw the ball in our court when they are the ones who started it? Let us not start things that cause controversy in the country.

Madam Speaker, I want to end by saying that if the family is willing, if it wants to bury the body here, in this country, and it has changed its position, the Government of the Republic of Zambia is willing to do everything possible to bring the body for burial in Zambia.

Madam Speaker, I welcome the support given by the hon. Member for Shiwang’andu and the Whole House on this Motion.

I thank you, Madam Speaker. 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Question put and agreed to.

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URGENT MATTERS WITHOUT NOTICE

MR B. MPUNDU, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR NKANA, ON DR MUSOKOTWANE, HON. MINISTER OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING, ON THE ZAMBIA REVENUE AUTHORITY (ZRA) OFFERING BUSINESSES FLEXIBLE PAYMENT TERMS

Mr B. Mpundu (Nkana): On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised by the hon. Member for Nkana.

Mr B. Mpundu: Madam Speaker, I would like to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice, which matter I direct at the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.

 Madam Speaker, the matter I am raising is urgent and compelling such that if steps are not taken, we may continue losing lives. A number of our friends and colleagues have resorted to taking their lives because of failing to cope with the situation I want to explain. The tradition has always been that when businesses struggle because of an unfavourable business environment, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) offers them flexible payment terms towards whatever is owed to it. Today, the ZRA is no longer in any position to compromise with business entities. If a business entity owes the ZRA arrears, that business’s tax clearance is immediately revoked and its payments are garnished. Many businesses that might have, otherwise, contracted loans from banks are now closing up and, as you may be aware, those who got loans from the banks have had their property repossessed. Many have now resorted to taking their lives because of the pressure that comes with such a situation.

Madam Speaker, is the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning in order to not, at least, assure business houses that the so-called listening Government will treat them in a better way by way of being lenient, owing to the fact that those businesses have endured serious challenges, owing to the many things that have happened in the business environment?

Madam Speaker, I seek your indulgence on this matter.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Nkana, I suggest you in file in a question, which the hon. Minister can address. The matter is important, but it does not qualify as an Urgent Matter without Notice.

MR KANG’OMBE, HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR KAMFINSA, ON MR MWIIMBU, SC., HON. MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND INTERNAL SECURITY, AND ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, ON THE STATE OF THE ROAD IN KAKOLO FARM BLOCK IN KAMFINSA CONSTITUENCY

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

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised by the hon. Member for Kamfinsa.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, I wish to direct an Urgent Matter without Notice to the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House, who I believe will represent the hon. Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, and the hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Madam Speaker, I am raising this matter in relation to a farm block in my constituency called Kakolo, which has been cut off due to the bad state of the road that stretches from Zamtan leading to that important farm block. As a very responsible Member of Parliament, I visited the affected area where people have been cut off. I raised the matter with the engineering department at Kitwe City Council. The department attempted to resolve the problem but, clearly, failed because, for three days now, the place has remained cut off. Our farmers are struggling because they cannot go to the places they occupy. I took a drive to Mopani Copper Mines Plc hoping that the company would provide immediate relief with its equipment so that people could move between Zamtan and the farm block. Unfortunately, the company is also not in a position, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, to supplement the local efforts that we have made.

Madam Speaker, the third step I took was to reach out to the Zambia National Service (ZNS) command to request that it chips in quickly in the same way it has responded to similar challenges before to ensure that our people in Kakolo access their farm block. I have been compelled, with all those steps that I have taken, to raise this matter on the Floor because now the farmers and the people who occupy that residential area and farm block are asking why the Government cannot chip in, if all the efforts have not yielded any particular outcome.

Madam Speaker, this is why the matter is directed at the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House. I am requesting his indulgence on this very important matter.

Mr Nkandu: Use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)!

Mr Kang’ombe: Efikene ifyofine kabili, efyo ndemyeba. Nishi tamuleumfwa icisungu?

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Debating in other languages is not allowed, unless the hon. Member for Kamfinsa interprets what he has said in Bemba. I did not hear that.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, one of the hon. Ministers said that we should use the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), and I responded that those are the same measures that have not yielded the desired outcome of correcting the bad state of roads. So, I was basically making a running comment, since he was too.

Madam Speaker: Thank you.

Hon. Members, let us avoid making running commentaries.

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you said you have been to the mining company and the Zambia National Service (ZNS), but have you been to the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU)? I suggest that you go to there, because it is the one in charge of disaster management. In any event, that matter looks like it has been ongoing for some time. You said three days have passed since it happened. For a matter to qualify as an Urgent Matter without Notice, it has to be raised within twenty-four hours of its occurrence. So, the matter does not qualify. However, I suggest that you get in touch with the DMMU.

If the Government, and the ministry in particular, is not yet aware that the farming block in question has been cut off from the surrounding area, I urge it to, please, take measures to address the issue. This is because the people there will need access, as the hon. Member expressed. However, hon. Member for Kamfinsa, please follow up with the DMMU.

So, the matter is not admitted as an Urgent Matter without Notice.

The hon. Member for Mitete will be the last one to raise an Urgent Matter without Notice.

MR MUTELO, HON. MEMBER FOR MITETE, ON THE ACTING LEADER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE HOUSE, MR MWIIMBU, SC., ON FLOODS IN KAKWACHA WARD

Mr Mutelo (Mitete):  On an Urgent Matter without Notice, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: An Urgent Matter without Notice is raised.

Mr Mutelo: Madam Speaker, thank you very much. My Urgent Matter without Notice is directed at the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House.

Madam Speaker, it is raining cats and dogs in Mitete, meaning it is raining heavily. In Kakwacha Ward, Washishi in particular, people and domestic animals are suffering. There is a disaster. People are trying by all means to dig furrows to let water flow, but the situation is still unbearable. Since this is a listening Government, I want to bring this issue to its attention.

By the way, Madam Speaker, you mentioned Limulunga Town Council, but it is Mitete Town Council that is responsible for the area.

Madam Speaker, the Cash-for-Work Programme is helping. This is a listening Government, so I believe it can allow people to dig furrows in the fields to allow water to flow, under the Cash-for-Work Programme. So, apart from using the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), can we also use the Cash-for-Work Programme to allow people dig furrows?

Madam Speaker, this is not a dependence syndrome issue and any immediate measures will help the people of Washishi. It has happened before. The last time it happened, if I am not mistaken, was in 2006 or 2008, and it is happening again. So, climate change is a reality. Will the hon. Minister fly with me to Washishi after the President’s Address tomorrow so that, together, we can assess the extent of damage to the crops that have been submerged and institute measures? It is raining cats –

The hon. Member’s time expired.

Madam Speaker: Actually, your time, hon. Member for Mitete, has run out.

Mr Mutelo: Indeed, my time has run out. Thank you very much.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: I was focused on following what the hon. Member was saying, and forgot about the time.

Hon. Member for Mitete, I was following your remarks and trying to recollect. I think this is the second time you have raised the same matter. The first time you raised it was at the onset of the rainy season, and now you have raised it again. Just like I advised the hon. Member for Kamfinsa, please, visit the DMMU and find measures and means to alleviate the problems that your people are facing. However, during the rainy season, if it rains heavily, we expect floods. If there is no rainfall, we expect a drought. So, we just have to find means and ways to work around those challenges and ensure that people and property are safe. Please, visit the DMMU offices to address that issue. Otherwise, we can send some boats for you to do the Kuomboka Ceremony.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: That was on a lighter note.

Let us make progress.

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MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

UPDATE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY AND INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND PROGRAMME

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane):  Madam Speaker, I thank you for granting me this opportunity to update the House, and the nation at large, on the state of the economy as of the end of December, 2025, and also give an update on the programme that we have with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Madam Speaker, when we assumed office in 2021, we inherited a difficult economic environment. Our nation faced unsustainable debt, weak domestic revenues, high inflation, exchange rate volatility, low gross international reserves and declining investor confidence. The situation was made worse by policy inconsistencies. This undermined investments in key sectors such as mining, energy and infrastructure. Through decisive reforms and targeted interventions, we have safeguarded macroeconomic stability, supported and improved livelihoods and laid the foundation for stable and sustained growth for the future. Today, I wish to highlight the progress we have made regarding the economic situation in the country and give an update on our programme with the IMF.

Madam Speaker, the Government remains committed to fostering transparency and strengthening public confidence through timely updates on key economic developments, both domestic and external. By sharing accurate and up-to-date information, we empower our citizens with the correct information to enable them to debate and counter the spread of misinformation that undermines our collective efforts. Such key developments include:

Domestic Economic Developments

Madam Speaker, in 2025, our economy showed strong signs of recovery, with growth projected at 5.2 per cent from 3.8 per cent recorded in 2024. This growth was supported by the rebound in agriculture, improved mining output and the continued expansion of the information and communication technology (ICT) sector.

Madam Speaker, in the mining sector, a predictable tax regime, issuance of licences and dispute resolution encouraged new investments and the re-opening of previously idle mines. In this vein, copper production continued to rise in line with our long-term goal of achieving 3 million metric tonnes by 2031. As at end of 2025, copper production increased by 7.8 per cent to 890,000 metric tonnes, or just over 890,000 metric tonnes from 826,000 metric tonnes in 2024. This was mainly due to increased output from all the major mining companies.

Madam Speaker, in agriculture, the sector recovered in the 2024/2025 Farming Season due to improved rainfall conditions, strengthened extension services and the full rollout of the Electronic Voucher (e-Voucher) System under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) in all districts. We also rehabilitated dams and expanded irrigation to encourage year-round production. These reforms led to improved food security and stronger production outcomes in the 2024/2025 Farming Season, with a bumper maize harvest of 3.66 million metric tonnes recorded.

Madam Speaker, key reforms in the energy sector include the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations Framework, the Net Metering Policy Framework and the Energy Single Licensing System. With these interventions, the private sector has been actively participating in the energy sector. This includes generation, distribution, importation and export of electricity. The reforms have increased the installed electricity generation capacity and resulted in improved electricity supply. Consequently, electricity generation increased by 7.8 per cent to 14.36 million MWh in 2025, from 13.32 million MWh in 2024. An additional generation totalling 149,761 MWh from solar and thermal projects was recorded in 2025.

Monetary Sector Developments

Madam Speaker, the monetary policy has continued to focus on containing inflationary pressures and anchoring inflation expectations. By the end of 2025, inflation had moderated to 11.2 per cent, from an average of 15.0 per cent recorded in 2024, reflecting improved food supply, stabilisation of the Kwacha and lower energy-related pressures. In January 2026, inflation returned to a single digit for the first time since early 2024, with the annual rate dropping to 9.4 per cent. On the foreign exchange market, the Kwacha appreciated by 21.1 per cent against the United States (US) Dollar from December 2024 to December 2025, to a monthly average exchange rate of K22.13 per US$1 in December, 2025. In January 2026, the Kwacha had further appreciated by more than 10 per cent against the US Dollar, trading at about K18.8 per US$1. This positive development is attributed to increased supply of foreign exchange by the mining sector and improvements in the macroeconomic environment, leading to inflows from foreign financial institutions seeking to invest in the domestic market, mostly in Government bonds.

Budget Performance

Madam Speaker, the 2025 Budget performance reflects a generally stable fiscal outcome, underpinned by strong income tax collections and controlled expenditure. The total revenues and grants to the Treasury amounted to K187.89 billion against a target of K185.5 billion, which represented a 1.3 per cent overperformance. Generally, domestic revenues were 2 per cent above the target. A total of K181.6 billion was collected against a target of K178.1 billion. Out of this amount, tax revenues were largely on target at K143.6 billion, and non-tax revenues at K38.03 billion were also above target by 6 per cent. Grants amounted to K6.21 billion, against a target of K7.35 billion, representing an underperformance of 15.6 per cent related to the delay and sometimes vessels of promises of aid from co-operating partners.

Madam Speaker, on the expenditure side of the Budget, the Government spent K223.7 billion against a projection of K233 billion, representing an underperformance of 4 per cent. Of this amount, K208.2 billion was financed domestically, while K7.4 billion was financed from outside. Notable expenses were as follows:

1. debt payments of K58.1 billion, which was below the target by 6 per cent due to a lower than projected exchange rate, which resulted in a reduced external debt servicing. Of the total, K40.9 billion was paid toward domestic debt, while K17.2 billion was allocated to external debt;

 

1. transfers of K31 billion were below the target by 18.6 per cent, against the target of K38.15 billion, due to lower disbursements towards the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). Other notable expenditures included the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at K5.63 billion, Free Education at K2.48 billion and the Cash-for-Work programme at K1.56 billion;

 

1. liabilities of K17.3 billion were above target by 7.6 per cent to facilitate clearance of arrears by the Central Government to inject liquidity into the economy;

 

1. on social benefits, the Government released K13.37 billion, against the target of K15.61 billion. Notable expenditures under this category included pension benefits at K3.3 billion and Social Cash Transfer (SCT) of K9.3 billion; and

 

1. assets of K25.5 billion include roads, provincial aerodromes, strategic food reserves and general capital investments.

 

Madam Speaker, the 2025 Budget was broadly on track, with disbursements to key flagship programmes achieved like Free Education, the CDF and the Cash-for-Work programme. These expenditures reflect our commitment to value‑for‑money investments, expanding opportunities for our people and protecting the vulnerable.

Madam Speaker, in order to sustain Budget credibility, our Budget deficit closed at 3.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), better than the projected 4.6 per cent of GDP.

Public Debt

Madam Speaker, as of December 2025, the total public sector debt stood at US$28.9 billion, comprising US$16.1 billion in Central Government external debt and US$1.4 billion in Government-guaranteed external debt. The domestic debt was US$11.4 billion. Obviously, this was borrowed in Kwacha, but for the sake of consolidation, I expressed everything in Dollars. That is why the amount is US$28.9 billion. Otherwise, of that amount, the external debt is US$16.1 billion. The stock of domestic debt contracted through the issuance of Government securities increased marginally by 0.4 per cent, rising from K252.8 billion in September 2025 to K253.7 billion in December. This upward trend was consistent with the programmed financing requirements for the Budget.

Madam Speaker, on the external side, the Central Government’s debt rose by 0.7 per cent to US$16.1 billion from US$16.04 billion in September 2025. The increase was primarily driven by disbursements from multilateral partners.

External Sector Developments

Madam Speaker, let me now talk about the external sector developments or the Balance of Payments. I am happy to say that the position showed signs of gradual stabilisation with notable developments by the end of September 2025. Preliminary data indicates that the current account deficit narrowed to US$25.1 million from a deficit of US$541.6 million, as at the end of June 2025. This was driven by a stronger balance of payments on goods, which rose to US$600 million from US$257.5 million in June 2025.

 Gross International Reserves

Madam Speaker, as at the end of December 2025, the Gross International Reserves was at US$5.2 billion, which was equivalent to 5.2 months of import cover. The build-up in reserves was mainly due to the disbursements under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) project, the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) purchases from the market, and increases in statutory reserves.

Update on the International Monetary Fund Programme

Madam Speaker, finally, let me talk about the programme with the IMF. I am pleased to mention that the Government has successfully concluded a thirty-eight months programme with the IMF. The Government has decided to not request an extra one-year extension of the programme. Instead, we will immediately engage in talks with the IMF on a successor programme, which envisaged focus on supporting growth, investment and job creation.

Madam Speaker, allow me now to share some of the key achievements from the programme. Under the programme, we managed to restoration of macro-economic stability and fiscal discipline. We also managed to restructuring Zambia’s debt. So, as a consequence of the programme, investor confidence has been improved and this is as follows:

1.  investment in the 300MW Maamba Coal Plant;
2. bringing the new mines such as the Kitumba Copper Mine in Mumbwa on board; and
3. investment in the Urea Fertiliser Plant in Chilanga. This means that Zambia will now be a net exporter of all types of fertiliser.

Madam Speaker, another success under the IMF Programme was the increased access to concessional financing. A lot of money that we received under this programme especially from the World Bank was through grants. In other words, these were not loans, but grants. It was free money given to us because we managed to convince our partners that we are doing the right things in Zambia. 

Improved Governance Environment

Madam Speaker, another successful programme is the improved governance environment in the country. The Government remains committed to a responsible debt management, enhanced tax administration and ensuring that mineral revenues benefit the whole country.

Outlook for 2026

Madam Speaker, as I turn to the outlook, let me say that in 2026, it looks positive with the real gross domestic product (GDP) growth projected at 6.4 per cent. Mining will remain the main driver of growth supported by the ramped-up in investments. Inflation is projected to ease towards 5.6 per cent supported by the exchange rates appreciation and the expected decline in food prices.

Madam Speaker, in conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Government’s unwavering commitment to steer the country’s economy towards sustained growth, macroeconomic stability, and improved livelihoods for all Zambians. The developments recorded in the first quarter of 2025, reflects both our resilience and the impact of the reforms we continue to implement under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

Madam Speaker, we are aware of the challenges that remain, ranging from global uncertainties to the domestic structural constraints. However, we remain confident that through the implementation of the sound policy, prudent fiscal management and close collaboration with our stakeholders, we will build a stronger and more inclusive economy.

Madam Speaker, let me assure the House and the nation that the Government remains committed to accelerating reforms in public finance management, increasing production and productivity across all sectors because that is the only way to build wealth and also, to improve the livelihoods of people. 

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members are now free to ask questions on points of clarification on the Ministerial Statement that has just been issued by the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning.

Mr Kang’ombe (Kamfinsa): Madam Speaker, I thank you very much for the opportunity.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has given a report to the nation. Of course, people are interested to understand the policy direction given the fact that we have been reading plans by the Government to extend the facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Madam Speaker, I am aware that the period for which the facility was applicable had expired and the Government had initially indicated that it had no plans to remain on the IMF programme. The hon. Minister has indicated certain parameters such as, the rate of inflation and the reserves in the country. Ordinarily, people would expect that with the milestones that he has indicated, that may have been made, there will be no need for us to continue being on the IMF Programme. So, I would like to find out from the hon. Minister why there are still plans to remain on the programme. Is it that the information we have received is not official? I would want him to clarify that issue.

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

Madam Speaker: Order!

Before the hon. Minister comes to respond to that question, there is an indication or a point of order.

Hon. Member for Luena, what is a point of order?

Mr Anakoka: Madam Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity.

 Madam Speaker, as you know, I am not given to rising on frivolous points of order. I would like to raise a point of order on the hon. Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security in his capacity as the Leader of Government Business in the House.

Laughter

Mr Chaatila: Hammer!

Mr Anakoka: Madam Speaker, there have been reports in the last two days, to the effect that following the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No 13 of 2025, , hon. Members of Parliament will remain on the payroll after Parliament has been dissolved, an insinuation which is completely not stated in the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No. 13 of 2025. This matter has caused a lot of trepidation in the country. Is the Acting Leader of Government Business in the House in order to keep quiet, without clarifying this very important matter? People will be thinking that after Parliament is dissolved, hon. Members will still have a salary every month and they will be lining up at our homes. 

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

Mr Kambita: Are you scared?

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Regarding that point of order, what is the breach? Is it against anyone? Maybe, the hon. Member for Luena can find a way of having the issue discussed by the House. In any event, we do not debate ourselves. Therefore, it is a bit tricky and very difficult for me to make a ruling. So, the point of order is not admissible. The hon. Member should find means and ways of clarifying that point to the members of the public. The hon. Member can do that through a press release or something of that sort. I am not sure.

Mr Kapyanga: He is an anarchist!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, you may proceed.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member for Kamfinsa is seeking an answer to the question on why it is necessary to have an IMF programme, that is, the immediate past programme having lapsed. Why is there a need to have another IMF programme? Let me start by saying that we all aspire for our countries to do things on their own without the need for help from the outside, whether it is from donors or the IMF. In the year 2011, as the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) left office, things were in place, and there was no need for an IMF programme. We agreed with the IMF, bid its officers farewell and shook hands, as it said that we did not need the institution, and it left. However, with the debt accumulation that followed, it became necessary to go back, again, to ask for assistance.

Madam Speaker, in spite of the positive matrix that I have read out, Zambia still remains vulnerable. I say vulnerable because we must acknowledge that the debt restructuring process that we went through is debt restructuring. That was not debt write-off. During the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative days, debt was completely written off. Now, the debt has been restructured mainly by stretching it out so that it can be serviced over a long period of time. That is where the vulnerability comes through, because we are still servicing this debt, and there is always a possibility in this world that a crisis might emerge. A crisis might emerge because, maybe, copper prices slump. We do not project that, but you can never rule out anything. Vulnerability can also arise because of global conflict, whereby, for example, international trading routes are disrupted. Vulnerability can also arise because of a catastrophe of one type or another. So, we are okay, as far as debt service is concerned, but the position is not as comfortable as that which was obtained in 2011 when debt was written off. So, as insurance against the possibilities of a crisis emerging, we thought it important to have an IMF programme so that if, at all, a crisis emerges, there is a cushion that we can rely on.

Madam Speaker, the other reason we felt the need for another programme was that having stabilised the economy up to now, the next phase of economic management is how to make the economy to grow faster so that there are more mines, factories and farms opening up. That is where collaboration is needed. It may not necessarily be money but ideas. Can we put ideas on the table so that our economy can grow bigger, as I have said before, so that we aspire to be like Mauritius, Indonesia and so on and so forth. That is what will improve the living standards of our people. That comes through further economic reforms.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North): Thank you, Madam Speaker, for giving me this opportunity to ask a question on a point of clarification.

Madam Speaker, I would also like to thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for presenting the Ministerial Statement, in which he has outlined Zambia’s economic performance.

Madam Speaker, based on the 2026 Annual Borrowing Plan, the New Dawn Government has adopted a strategy that relies heavily on domestic financing. Notwithstanding the fact that part of the external debt has been restructured, what safeguards exist against accumulating new debt, especially domestic debt, which may pose public debt risks?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, Hon. Mtayachalo is asking about the guarantee we have to not start borrowing irresponsibly again. The guarantee is in the legislation that was passed in this House two years or three years ago. That legislation states that for us, as the Government, to borrow, we must come back to the House. In coming back to the House to ask for permission to borrow, we must demonstrate that, firstly, the extra borrowing that will be sought does not flip us into the zone of unsustainable debt. We have to demonstrate that to the House. That is normally done in terms of the documents that are presented to this House. So, what are those safeguards? They are the ratio between revenue and debt servicing, and the ratio between debt servicing and the amount of foreign exchange (forex) that the country generates. These are the safeguards that were embedded in the legislation that the House passed. Unless somebody changes that, we remain reasonably safe. The old days of borrowing willy-nilly are under control.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mabumba (Mwense): Madam Speaker, thank you for giving me this opportunity to ask a question on a point of clarification.

Madam Speaker, from the statement that the hon. Minister has presented, it is very evident that the just ended International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme has scored significant successes. We thank the hon. Minister for his resilience and leadership. In the statement, the hon. Minister mentioned that the successor programme of the current IMF programme will focus on growth and investment. Given the stabilisation of the micro-economic indicators, my question is: Are there specific sectors of the economy that are being targeted for that growth and investment?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, yes, there are specific sectors that we look forward to being the locomotives for this growth. Quite clearly, the mining sector is the biggest locomotive that we are relying on. We are confident because of the number of measures that were already approved by this Government, like avoiding ligation at all times; if there are issues, they should be resolved around the table so that mining continues to take place, encouraging exploration. There are aerial flights being undertaken to identify minerals and stability in the tax regime. With these measures already in place, I think that if the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development was to give this House information on the projects that are in the pipeline to be implemented in the next four or five years, there is no doubt that we would be confident that the mining sector will be the locomotive of the economy.

Madam Speaker, without doubt, the mining sector attracts other investments, especially in energy generation, where many reforms have also been undertaken. Reforms attract investment in power supply, thereby supporting mining, manufacturing and other sectors. There are a number of pipeline projects that will certainly be implemented in manufacturing due to tax stability and incentives that are being provided. My colleague, the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, is yet to come and talk about some of the projects that are in the pipeline. There is no doubt whatsoever that the foundation for the uptake of economic performance has already been laid. So, the hon. Minister is sitting good. Once a Minister, always a Minister.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Mumba (Kantanshi): Madam Speaker, thank you very much and I also thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning for the update he has provided. It is our hope that we will hear from the hon. Minister of Mines and Minerals Development and the hon. Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry soon so that they can supplement what he has told us about the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development and the general outlook of the economy.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister comes from Liuwa and I come from Kantanshi. He knows that we deal with people who do not understand the statistics on what we are talking about, such as the single-digit inflation and exchange rate stabilisation. However, the prices of commodities still remain the same. In fact, there are people who still believe that they were better off in 2021 than they are now. The hon. Minister knows very well that the economic overview he has given us is far better than it was in 2021. It is better …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Mumba: … because it represents a strengthened economy. When will we see the Government seriously engaging various players, especially the manufacturers, for the benefits of economic recovery to be passed on to our people? We already have a bumper harvest, but the price of mealie meal seems to be almost the same as it was before. People expect the price of mealie meal to ideally reduce. We produce sugar, but the price of sugar keeps going up. We produce cooking oil, but the price of cooking oil keeps going up, yet the Government has strengthened the exchange rate and the inflation rate has reduced. What will the Government do so that our people out there, whom the hon. Minister and I represent, can actually feel the statistics translating into an improvement in their daily lives?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, thank you and I also thank Hon. Mumba for that question. I think that he has been very consistent in challenging the Government to explain to the ordinary person the benefits of the numbers we are talking about.

Madam Speaker, the first point I want to address is what he referred to that there may be a perception among some people that they were better off in 2021 than they are today. That perception is a little bit distorted. It is a partial perception, in the sense that it does not take a holistic view of what a human’s well-being means. Once one takes a comprehensive view of what well-being means, there will be a realisation that most families are better off now than they were in the past. What do I mean? What I mean is that when people are saying that they were better off, yes, they may have been eating bread and other foods, but as they were doing so, their children were not going to school because they could not afford to send them to school. It can be very misleading to feel that because you are eating bread, but failing to take your child to school, then you are better off. People cannot be better off that way because by failing to take their children to school, they have condemned themselves as the present generation. They have also condemned their children, which is the next generation. They have also condemned the following generation, which is their grandchildren. They have condemned them to perpetual poverty because they are very focused on the present and not investing in the future. Therefore, I would say that anyone who fails to take their children to school is failing to invest in the future. Their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be condemned to poverty for the next forty to fifty years. So, when this Government takes that burden off the parents and puts it on the shoulders of society, how can anyone convince me that when their children are being taken to school, they are worse off compared to the time when they were failing to take their children to school? That does not make sense.

Madam Speaker, let me address the issue of the consumption patterns or what we spend to live. Yes, the exchange rate has stabilised. It has gone down. Some prices have been reduced, but not low enough. What should happen? Should we force prices to come down? I do not think that is the way we should see the future.  This is because forcing prices down, taking the example of the hon. Member who asked why the price of mealie meal is not being reduced, is basically telling the Government, or society at large, to go to a farmer and ask, “Mr Farmer, can you reduce the price of your maize so that a person who lives in Matero or Woodlands can get cheaper food? Mr Miller, can you reduce the price of mealie meal despite the electricity charges and other costs?” That is not the way we can make ourselves to grows prosperous. We see ourselves becoming prosperous through jobs being created. The jobs that are being created in the mines are driving up salaries. Jobs are also being created in manufacturing, tourism and energy sectors. As more and more people get jobs, poverty is reduced.

Madam Speaker, let us not forget the fact that the biggest poverty is when one has no income at all. When one has no income at all, it does not matter whether the price of meat or mealie meal is reduced. If one has zero income, one is in poverty. So, the growth of the economy, which has seen more mines coming up, more manufacturing and the construction of more roads and classrooms, is what will increase money in our pockets and reduce poverty. However, of course, jobs are not going to come all at once. This is why we now have these intermediate or temporary measures to deal with those who are vulnerable. We now have the Cash-for-Work Programme, the Social Cash Transfer (SCT) Programme and loan schemes, so that those who are weak in society and cannot immediately find jobs have a fall-back position. It is only the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government that has done this. No other Government has had such an expensive social protection scheme. So, let us not see ourselves benefiting by pushing prices down. Let us see ourselves benefiting through the more jobs that are being created. In the meantime, we pay for the children's school fees and social protection programmes. This is the way to protect ourselves.

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Kapyanga (Mpika): Madam Speaker, this is an election year. Suddenly, our economy is said to be growing and improving. On the other hand, Zambian youths, most of them are unemployed. The ordinary citizens in compounds like Chitulika and everywhere else are subjected to high prices of essential commodities. If that is the case, how will the Zambian people believe that indeed the economy has grown when they are not feeling the impact? Further, they are not seeing tangible infrastructure development. When the economy grows, the Government has the money to spend on tangible infrastructure development.

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I thought the answer I provided to the hon. Member for Kantanshi is precisely what the hon. Member is asking for. So, if he had paid attention to what I said, he would not have asked this question. I already answered the question.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: thank you very much. Hon. Members, let us take interest in this subject matter. I think, four years ago it would have been very interesting. Now, it looks like people are not very interested in the subject matter.

Let us make progress.

Mr Simushi (Sikongo): Madam Speaker, to start with, I would like to thank the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning and the United Party for National Development (UPND) Government for a job well done, regarding stabilising an economy that was in the doldrums. Indeed, ordinarily, today as we speak, we are not supposed to be speaking about stabilising an economy that is still supposedly in shambles. I think, what we are seeing is an economy that has really made significant progress. Today, the Kwacha is one of the best-performing currencies. Our inflation has dropped from 22 per cent or 23 per cent to 9.1 per cent. Debt has been successfully restructured. Today, Zambia is admired by many countries. We have moved from having one month of import cover to 5.2 months of import cover, and, of course, our President is ranked top five of presidents globally.

Madam Speaker, the question I have for the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning is: What is the secret behind this success? I feel it is a miracle. What is the reason that has led to this significant progress in just a period of four years?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, I think, the most important point is leadership. The most important thing is leadership. When the leadership is good, you see progress. When the leadership is bad, you see things deteriorating.

Madam Speaker, sometimes, we the citizens must reflect. We must reflect by asking ourselves a simple question, and it is: If in a small and simple organisation like a school, whether it is a primary or secondary school, you place a headmaster who is carefree, does not care about what the children are doing, who himself is misbehaving …

Hon. Government Member: A drunkard.

Dr Musokotwane: …. and is a drunkard, when the passing rates go down, can you be surprised?

Hon. Government Members: No!

Dr Musokotwane: Reverse that but with everything else remaining the same. Place a headmaster who makes sure that children do their homework, the teachers teach, the school grounds are clean and books are not stolen or torn, the pass rate will go up. So, if that is true for a small, simple organisation like a school, what more of a nation? What more of a nation?

Mr Nkandu: Very sober.

Dr Musokotwane: Therefore, Madam Speaker, this is why I say that leadership is the most important thing here. We had leaders who were weak. The result is what we saw. Now we have a leader who is strong and good, and the result is evident.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Amutike (Mongu Central): Madam Speaker, thank you very much, though it feels strange to be back here.

Laughter

Mr Amutike: I just came from the constituency yesterday. You know, I represent a constituency of highly intelligent people. Some of the best brains in this country come from Mongu Central. However, even in their intelligence, they are wondering how this hon. Minister and this Government who inherited an economy which was in default, an economy which under the Patriotic Front (PF) Government had negative growth of about 3 per cent, an economy where the exchange rate was US$1 to K24, managed to stabilise the economy decisively within thirty-eight months of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme, We now have a fiscal surplus exceeding 2 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in under three years. They are wondering how the Government has managed that. More importantly, what can the people of Mongu Central and the people of Zambia at large expect from this Government economically, going forward?

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, as I said a while ago, the most important factors here are good leadership. I want to add that apart from good leadership, I think that the onus is also on citizens to make sound judgments on who they vote for. They see a situation where one particular group of people is careless in the way it picks its leaders, and when those leaders are given a chance, they will spoil things. It is your responsibility as a citizen, as you go in that voting box, to say, “This one, no, because this one is a bad leader. This one, yes, because he is a good leader.” If we do that, then that road I spoke about, of aspiring to be like Mauritius, Indonesia and Malaysia will become open. If voters vote properly, judging good from bad, then we are on the path to prosperity like the other countries.

 Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much. You can stop the clock. Time has even gone. So, we have concluded. However, before I close completely, there was an indication for a point of order by the hon. Member for Lunte.

What is the point of order, hon. Member?

Hon. Government Members: He has just come in.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I thank you so much.

Madam, hon. Ministers do not know that you can see everyone in the Chamber. They are now saying that I have just come. 

Madam Speaker, I would like –

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member, sorry, I did not get your point.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I was saying that the hon. Ministers who are saying that I have just come do not know that you can see everyone in the Chamber.

Madam Speaker, I would like you to help correct the record because this is a House that keeps records. It is a House of procedure.

Madam Speaker, when the hon. Member for Mongu Central posed a question to the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning, he indicated that the hon. Minister inherited a default economy and that right now, we have a fiscal surplus.

Madam Speaker, fiscal surplus means receiving more revenue than what you need for expending in that particular fiscal year. My hon. Colleague knows that the five years the hon. Minister has presented Budgets on the Floor of this House, we have had fiscal deficits.

Madam Speaker, this year, the hon. Minister plans to borrow K106 billion from the local banks on top of the foreign borrowing. How can we allow the hon. Member for Mongu Central to mislead the hon. Minister, all of us in this House and the general public by saying that we have a fiscal surplus?

Is he in order, Madam Speaker?

Hon. Government Members: Which Standing Order?

Mr Kafwaya: Is he in order, in view of Standing Order No.  71, Madam Speaker, to come here and start saying things that do not exist?

 I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker. 

Madam Speaker: Thank you, hon. Member.

Knowing what the hon. Member’s interest has been in terms of the economy, the performance and the benefits that are accruing to the members of the public, I thought he was going to ask a question. Since the point that he has raised is technical, maybe, the hon. Minister of Finance and National Planning can respond …

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: … to it.

Hon. Opposition Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane:  Madam Speaker, I thank you very much.

Madam Speaker, where facts are correct, we must admit.   Indeed, as Hon. Kafwaya has said, we have had deficits. However, the stage at which we found deficits when we took over –

Interruptions

Dr Musokotwane:  Please, do not talk about deficits in terms of nominal numbers. I know the hon. Member knows these things. He should talk about the deficits in terms of percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) because that is a more reliable measure.

Madam Speaker, in 2021, –

Mr Kafwaya pointed at Mr Amutike.

Dr Musokotwane: No, do not point at him. He is an engineer and you are an accountant.

Laughter

Dr Musokotwane:  Madam Speaker, in 2021, fiscal deficits had risen to about 9 per cent of the GDP. This meant that our income and the borrowing rate was high. By last year, the deficit had declined from 9 per cent or 10 per cent, where we found it to around 3 per cent.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: Madam Speaker, if we see it in that sense, then, definitely, the engineer meant that the deficit had been declining …

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Dr Musokotwane: … from unsustainable to sustainable global standards. So, to that extent, I think it is the hon. Member for Lunte who is trying to confuse things.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister, thank you very much for that clarification.

Mr Kafwaya interjected.

Madam Speaker:  Hon. Member for Lunte, I think this subject is of great interest to you. Therefore, you should have asked questions on points of clarification instead of pointing fingers at who said what. semantics. It is a technical subject. So, at least now, it has been clarified.

We can make progress.

_______

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MADAM SPEAKER

VISITORS FROM MITETE LOCAL COUNCIL

Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, there were visitors from Mitete Local Council in the Public Gallery, but they have since taken leave. I would like to welcome them into our midst in their absence.

I thank you.

_______

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, my question number is 204, directed to the Minister of Health, but I do not know who is going to respond. 

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, you are just supposed to mention the number of the question. Now, you are doing my work. So, what will I say now?

The Acting hon. Minister of Health, may respond.

QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

SHORTAGE OF BLOOD SUPPLY AT THE CANCER DISEASES HOSPITAL AT THE UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL

204. Mr Kang’ombe asked the Minister of Health:

1. whether the Government is aware of the shortage of blood supply at the Cancer Diseases Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital  in Lusaka District; and
2. if so, what urgent measures are being taken to ensure the availability of blood supply to avert loss of lives.

The Minister of Information and Media, and Acting Minister of Health (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Speaker, I wish to emphasise that the Zambia National Blood Transfusion Services (ZNBTS) is the mandated institution responsible for collection, storage and distribution of blood in Zambia. The Lusaka Provincial Blood Centre supplies blood to fifty-six hospitals within Lusaka Province as well as to facilities in parts of the Southern, the Eastern and Central provinces that are in proximity to Lusaka. These hospitals include public, military, faith-based and private institutions.

Madam Speaker, I wish to assure this House that there is no shortage of blood. As highlighted, the ZNBTS is the designated authority for ensuring the availability of blood nationwide. The demand and supply of blood, however, fluctuate daily. For instance, unforeseen circumstances, such as traffic accidents or complications during childbirth may suddenly increase the need for blood. In this regard, blood supply is a dynamic and constantly shifting target.

 Madam Speaker, since 2021, ZNBTS has significantly scaled up its collection efforts to ensure adequate stocks for patients requiring transfusions across the country. Therefore, blood collection has grown from 112,000 units in 2021 to 215,000 units in 2025, representing a 100 per cent increase.

Madam Speaker, between 1^st January and 14^th February, 2026, the Lusaka Blood Transfusion Centre collected 4,862 units of blood, which were distributed to fifty-six hospitals. During this period, the centre supplied 966 units to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) and the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH). Specifically, the CDH received 221 units, the UTH Adult section, 442 units, the UTH children’s wing, 110 units, and the UTH Women and New Born, 193 units, bringing the total to 966 units supplied between 1^st January, 2026, and 18^th February, 2026. As of close of business on 18^th February, 2026, there were 274 units of blood in stock at the blood centre in Lusaka.

Madam Speaker, to enhance blood availability nationwide, the Ministry of Health has taken the following measures:

1. in 2026, the Government has allocated adequate funds to the ZNBTS to support blood collection, whose annual target is 400,000 blood units;
2. the Government procured ten motor vehicles to boost blood collection;
3. the Government procured automated blood processing equipment to produce red blood cells, platelets and plasma;
4. the Government procured twenty blood refrigerators for the storage of red blood cells, twenty plasma freezers for storage of fresh frozen plasma, ten platelet incubators for the storage of platelets, and ninety blood transport cooler boxes for transportation of blood; and
5. the Government deploys additional staff to the ZNBTS at every recruitment.

Madam Speaker, I wish to encourage all citizens between the ages of sixteen and sixty-five to be active blood donors on a voluntary basis. Blood can only come from humans. It is a perishable product with a short shelf life requiring constant replenishment.

Madam Speaker, I would to end by saying that the hon. Member of Parliament for Kamfinsa, the Member of Parliament for Lunte, Hon. Kafwaya, and the Member of Parliament for Nkana, Hon. Mpundu, are expected to live healthier lives so that they can contribute blood.  

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Lunte, do you have anything to say?

Mr Kafwaya: No, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Okay. That was on a lighter note.

Anyway, for you to donate blood, you must also enjoy good health. Maybe, people are worried that if they go to the hospital, they might find them with some challenges.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, as I ask the first follow-up question, I want to assure the hon. Minister that I am available to contribute my blood towards that very important undertaking. My commitment on this Floor is that I will proceed to the blood bank to provide the blood that is needed, because the Government cannot manufacture blood, obviously. So, that is my commitment.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has listed five measures that the Government is taking to ensure that the blood, once collected, is well-refrigerated and transported. Given the commitment he has made, I want to know whether he is aware that, despite all these efforts, news items are running about how people continue to find this commodity called blood unavailable? He was right to say that it is a dynamic and shifting parametre. So, at a time when a news item runs that there is no blood, is the ministry aware of those news items, which include complaints from members of the public? The hon. Minister has given us an assurance, and people want that assurance.

Madam Speaker, that is my first follow-up question.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, the way the Government works, ordinarily and generally, it does not give information based on media stories, because it knows that there is a lot of misinformation, especially in the media. So, the Government relies on official information and statistics, like I have just given.

 I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr J. Chibuye (Roan): Madam Speaker, thank you very much for this opportunity to ask the Acting hon. Minister of Health a supplementary question. I appreciate the Acting hon. Minister of Health’s feedback.

Madam Speaker, indeed, it is important that the Zambian transfusion centre is always stocked with the necessary blood. In his statement, the hon. Minister urged all citizens aged sixteen and upwards to consider donating blood at the centre. My question is: What are the expectations? Maybe, the hon. Minister will do well to amplify what the people who donate blood expect when they go to the centre. Are there any conditions or incentives that one expects as one donates blood?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, that question falls outside the precincts of the contents of my statement.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Okay. Let us make progress.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister listed the equipment, for the manufacture of blood cells and storage, and vehicles that were procured. Based on the request that came from the institution that collects blood, are those provisions enough? Is the ministry satisfied with the money that has been allocated towards those aspects based on what the institution requested? I am sure there is a list of things that the institution requires. Are those things that were procured enough to store the blood?

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for that question.

Madam Speaker, just like many other institutions of the Government, the demand, as I indicated earlier, is always increasing. That means even the resources required to ensure the collection and distribution of this blood should be increasing. So, I cannot say that is enough. It is a work in progress. That is why we have given a report of what the Government has done this year to show that it is responding to the needs of the community.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Chibombwe (Bahati): Thank you very much, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I must say that this afternoon I will accompany Hon. Kang’ombe to the blood bank so that I can donate some blood as well.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Mr Chibombwe: Madam Speaker, the Government had programmes back in the day through which health workers went around schools collecting blood from those who were above sixteen years old. I want to know if the Government can consider that so that it can get more blood. When I visited the blood bank, I was told that fewer people are willing to donate blood now, against the high population of patients.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, this is a listening Government. It is always open to ideas and suggestions that are progressive in nature. Save to indicate that the process of collecting blood is voluntary. Only those willing to donate their blood can do so. I would also like to take specific recognition and be cognisant of the commitments being made on the Floor of this House.

Mr Nkandu: The assurances!

Mr Mweetwa: I recognise the assurances from your hon. Members, Madam Speaker. As a ministry, we have taken note of this. Hon. Members should not use this question and answer session to launder themselves on the need to provide good blood.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much.

Hon. Members who wish to donate blood should, please, bear in mind that it is on a voluntary basis, just like some of the announcements we make on the Floor of the House that involve voluntary activities.

Mr Kampyongo (Shiwang’andu): Madam Speaker, I wish to follow up on the hon. Minister’s invitation to the hon. Members. You have been gracious enough to host many health programmes. When will the hon. Minister lead by example to all of us …

Laughter

Mr Kampyongo: … and request you to invite experts from the cancer hospital, which is a critical institution? Hon. Members can follow the example of the Acting hon.  Minister of Health in volunteering to donate blood here at your institution.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Thank you very much, hon. Member for Shiwang’andu. However, that is the problem of stepping out of the House, and then coming back to ask a question. The two Members, that is the hon. Members for Kamfinsa and Bahati, on their own volition, have already volunteered to donate blood. So, it was not at the insistence of the Acting hon. Minister of Health. We hope the two hon. Members have good blood.

Laughter

Madam Speaker: Let us make progress.

CONSTRUCTION OF A HYDRO-POWER STATION ON THE KALUNGWISHI RIVER

IN PAMBASHE

205. Mr Kapema (Pambashe) asked the Minister of Energy:

1. whether the Government has any plans to construct a hydro-power station on the Kalungwishi River in Pambashe Parliamentary Constituency;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented;
3. what the estimated cost of the project is; and
4. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Energy (Mr Chikote): Madam Speaker, the Government has plans to ‘devlop’ –

Laughter

Mr Chikote: The Government has plans to develop the Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project. This project has two sites: Kabwelume Falls 93 MW Hydro Power Station and Kundabwika Falls 151 MW Hydro Power Station. The total installed capacity will be 244 MW.

Madam Speaker, the engineering feasibility studies were completed in 2022, environmental and social impact assessment studies were completed in 2024 and a decision letter was granted by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) in 2024. The water permits were granted in 2025. The Government is in the process of engaging a private developer to implement the project.

Madam Speaker, the total estimated cost of the project is US$690 million based on the engineering feasibility studies.

Madam Speaker, as highlighted above, plans are in place to develop the Kalungwishi Hydro Power Project.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Kapema: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for the responses.

Madam Speaker, the people of Pambashe would like to know whether the Government has already secured the investor who will develop the hydropower station on the Kalungwishi River.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Minister of Energy, did you get the question?

Mr Chikote: I did, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, the Government has engaged a private developer called Lunzua Power Authority Limited to undertake on the project. Of course, the project has undergone many processes since 2001. We have been going back and forth, but the problems have now been resolved. So, we are waiting for the private developer to take on the project going forward.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Chibombwe: Madam Speaker, the project under discussion has been on the drawing board for close to twenty years now. At first, the site was owned by a company called Luapula Hydropower Project, which was pushed away from the site by ZESCO Limited. ZESCO Limited moved on site, and today the hon. Minister has mentioned that the site has been handed over to Lunzua Power Authority Limited. Is the new company developing the power project on behalf of ZESCO Limited or will it develop the project to own it?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, as I have said, the site in question has had several challenges since 2001. When we took over the Government, we decided to ensure that private players who had rights to the Kalungwishi River were brought together. There were issues resolving the courts of law. However, as I have stated, the matters have since been resolved and ZESCO Limited has decided to give the project to a private developer, which is the Lunzua Power Authority Limited. That is how we have proceeded with the project under discussion. Indeed, as the hon. Member has mentioned, the project has taken time from one player to another, and then back to ZESCO Limited, which also –

Mr Chibombwe conversed with Mr Kang’ombe.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, the hon. Member is busy talking. I do not know how he will get the response.

Madam Speaker: I was actually looking at the hon. Member for Bahati. He asked a question –

Mr Chikote: Tomorrow, he will ask about the same thing.

Madam Speaker, the Ministry of Energy has managed to ensure that the project takes off for the benefit of the nation. The 244 MW of power is enough to support the country’s economic activities.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

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

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, the question I wish to direct to –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Kamfinsa, just a moment.

There is an indication for a point of order. Hon. Member for Lunte, what is the point of order?

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

Madam Speaker: A point of order is raised.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, thank you so much for the opportunity to raise a point of order. I think, this will be my last point of order today. I want you to look at the United Party for National Development (UPND) hon. Backbenchers. Take a look and observe their level of interest in serving the Zambian people. Today, the President is stuck. He cannot find hon. Backbenchers to place in two ministerial positions that are vacant, because members of the Backbench are totally disengaged.

Madam Speaker, are the UPND hon. Backbenchers in order to be this disengaged over national matters, causing the President to be stuck? He cannot find somebody to put at the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development. This is painful. These friends of mine need to know that the President can only find –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member, you are now debating the point of order.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, –

Hon. PF Members: You cannot have vacancies.

Mr Kafwaya: Madam Speaker, I really seek your ruling on the matter, so that my friends here can become serious with work and help the President to fish from among them. We cannot have vacancies in two ministries.

I seek your serious ruling, Madam Speaker.

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: Order!

Hon. Member for Lunte, how does one assess the interest of any particular person in any subject? All that is internal. You are just making an assumption. If you are declaring interest that you available, then, please –

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

Laughter

Madam Speaker: How else would we know who is interested and who is not? These things happened just yesterday. So, let us give the President time to pick, if there will be need for anybody to be picked. Otherwise, hon. Member for Lunte, you are also invited; you can come along. The point of order is not admitted. It is speculative.

The hon. Member for Kamfinsa may continue.

Mr Kang’ombe: Madam Speaker, as indicated earlier by the hon. Minister and many other speakers, the project has taken quite a lot of time. The model that has been adopted is for a private developer to develop the hydro-power plant. Is the hon. Minister able to indicate to the members of the public who are following this discussion, the shareholding model? Does ZESCO Limited retain some equity in the shares owned by the developer? Is there an amount of shares allocated to ZESCO Limited? I am assuming this is a registered company, and when a company is registered, shares are allocated. What is the value of the shares for ZESCO Limited?

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question.

Madam Speaker, indeed, the project has taken time to be implemented. Due to financial challenges, ZESCO Limited decided to give the project to a private developer, Lunzua Power Authority Limited, which has indicated that it will engage an equity partner before the implementation agreement is signed. So, we are yet to see which equity partner the private developer is going to select. That is when we will be in a position to know the shareholding of the company.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: The question was: Does ZESCO Limited have an interest in the private company? I think, that is what the hon. Member wanted to find out.

Mr Chikote: Madam Speaker, because the sites were handed over to private players, there is no indication yet that ZESCO Limited has an interest in the project. We are waiting to see how the private player is going to engage the equity partner, and then the shares will be known at that point.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

CONTRACTOR TO REHABILITATE THE CHAMA/MUYOMBE ROAD

206. Mr Mtayachalo (Chama North) asked the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development when the Government will engage a new contractor to rehabilitate the Chama/Muyombe Road, which is in a deplorable state.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe) (on behalf of the Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development (Eng. Milupi)): Madam Speaker, the Government is very aware of the poor state of the Chama/Muyombe Road, and it will engage a new contractor to rehabilitate the road once the designs are finalised.

Madam Speaker, the Government has engaged a consultant to undertake consultancy services for the design, review and tender document preparation for the supervision of upgrading the road to bituminous standard. The services are expected to commence in the second quarter of 2026.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Minister for that response. I think that this question was asked two years ago, and similar assurances were given. Now, the hon. Minister is saying that implementation will commence after the designs have been completed. This road is in a very deplorable state, to the point that during the rainy season, our people from Muyombwe and Kanyelele going to Chama have to go through Malawi. The road was last graded, I think, in 1998, which is more than twenty-seven years ago, yet it has high economic value as it relates to agriculture.

Madam Speaker, the hon. Minister has said that implementation will be after the designs are completed. I know that implementation might not even take place this year, looking at the Government bureaucracy. Chama Town Council procured earth-moving equipment for both Chama North and Chama South constituencies. I want to find out if the Government can work with Chama Town Council to grade the road in the interim, while we wait for the Government to find a contractor to develop the road to bituminous standard.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, I thank the hon. Member for the question. I think, as I have said on the Floor, we have already engaged a consultant. That shows seriousness. By the second quarter, the report will come and then other processes will follow.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker: Hon. Member for Chama North, do you have another question?

Interruptions

Madam Speaker: You may proceed, hon. Member for Chama North.

Mr Mtayachalo: The hon. Minister has not answered my question –

Madam Speaker: Order!

Business was suspended from 1640 hours until 1700 hours.

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

Mr Mtayachalo: Madam Speaker, when business was suspended, I was posing a question to the hon. Acting hon. Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development.

Madam Speaker, we appreciate that plans are underway, and the hon. Minister said that the designs will be completed in the second quarter of this year.

Madam Speaker, I know that this project has been on the drawing board for a long time. Two years ago, this matter came on the Floor of the House. So, I know that even when the designs are completed, I do not see the Government implementing this project to develop the road to bituminous standard this year. Now, since the road is in a deplorable state, why can the Government not engage the Road Development Agency (RDA) to undertake emergency works on the road while we await the contractor to develop the road to bituminous standards.

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, first and foremost, I wish to say that the hon. Member should not equate this Government to past Governments that failed to work. This Government is implementing what it planned. So, we are saying that we are doing the work.  It is a lot of progress to engage a consultant to design and do all the necessary requirements because that comes with a cost. So, we cannot just throw away the money and forget about it. So, that is your assurance, hon. Member.

Madam Speaker, we are at the first step of road construction.  We are also saying that the designs will be completed in the second quarter. However, if the road is in a deplorable state, the answer lies in what the hon. Member said. He is a leader there as hon. Member of Parliament and he can engage the RDA. As a Member of Parliament, he has got access to the RDA and also, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) equipment that can help to mend some patches.

Mr Nkandu: Yes!

Mr Kabuswe: Madam Speaker, it is important that sometimes as leaders, we create answers on our own rather than just asking questions on the Floor of the House.

I submit, Madam Speaker.

Hon. UPND Members: Hear, hear!

PLANS TO PROMOTE MINING ACTIVITIES IN CHINSALI DISTRICT

207. Mr Mukosa (Chinsali) asked the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development:

1. whether the Government has any plans to promote mining activities in Chinsali District;
2. if so, which minerals the Government plans to promote for mining; and
3. if there are no such plans, why.

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development (Mr Kabuswe): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans to promote mining activities in Chinsali District. The House may wish to note that the Government is already promoting mining activities in the area and will be intensifying these activities especially with the mapping exercise that is taking place, countrywide. The exercise will also help us to enhance, or inyance …

Mr Nkandu: Inyance!

Mr Kabuswe: … mining activities in Chinsali.

Madam Speaker, the Government plans to promote mining of minerals whose occurrences have been identified within the area that include copper, gold, phosphate and limestone.

Madam Speaker, the third question is not applicable because the Government has plans to promote mining activities in Chinsali.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

UPGRADE OF LUMEZI MISSION HOSPITAL IN LUMEZI DISTRICT

208. Mr Ngoma (Lumezi) asked the Minister of Health:

1. whether the Government has any plans to upgrade Lumezi Mission Hospital in Lumezi District to a Level II hospital;
2. if so, when the plans will be implemented; and
3. if there are no such plans, why

The Minister of Information and Media, and Acting Minister of Health (Mr Mweetwa): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the Government has plans in principle to upgrade Lumezi Mission Hospital in Lumezi District to a Class A, Level II hospital subject to availability of resources and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Madam Speaker, in 2023, the Ministry of Health tasked the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) as a statutory regulatory authority to ascertain the suitability of Lumezi Mission Hospital for upgrade to Level II status. This assessment was necessary to objectively identify the gaps requiring attention and to guide evidence-based planning. The assessment therefore, focused on identifying requirements relating to infrastructure expansion, diagnostic and clinical equipment, capacity, specialised diagnostic services, human resource capacity, health systems strengthening and the corresponding staff establishment upgrade that accompany a Level II hospital.

Madam Speaker, the findings indicate that while the hospital met several requirements, notable infrastructure limitations, diagnostic equipment capacity deficiencies and gaps in specialist human resources must be addressed to meet level II standards. These findings informed the ministry’s planning department, which has since developed a definitive costed upgrade plan, which is currently awaiting funding for implementation.

Madam Speaker, the Government has plans, therefore, part (c) of the question falls off.

I thank you, Madam Speaker.

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the Acting hon. Minister for his positive response to the question on Lumezi Mission Hospital.

Madam Speaker, Lumezi Mission Hospital has been operating since 2010, and it has been providing services to over 100,000 people. It is the only referral hospital in the region along the Chipata/Lundazi Road. Upgrading the hospital would help the people of Lumezi and the surrounding areas such that referrals to Chipata General Hospital would reduce. The hospital requires computed tomography (CT) scan, ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, which would reduce the transfer of patients from Chipata General Hospital and, of course, it would reduce the depreciation of motor vehicles and costs that the hospital is incurring currently.

Madam Speaker, I am very grateful for the positive answer. I It shows –

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Hon. Member for Lumezi, do not debate the question. You can summarise whatever information you have and then ask the question.

Mr Ngoma: Madam Speaker, I am grateful that the Acting hon. Minister has given a positive response and that plans are underway to upgrade Lumezi Mission Hospital.

Hon. Government Member: Mwaiche!

Madam First Deputy Speaker: That was a comment.

Mr Mweetwa: Madam Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. Member for recognising the positive steps that the Government is taking. Notable is the fact that, in addressing these gaps hitherto elucidated and ventilated upon, the ministry, through its relevant departments, has been supporting the facility in meeting the requisite standards. Once the measures are implemented, Lumezi Mission Hospital in Lumezi District will be upgraded to a level 1 hospital by December 2026.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

_______

MOTION

ESTABLISH A NATIONAL YOUTH AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGY (AGRITECH) FUND

 Mr Chanda (Kanchibiya): Madam Speaker, I will be meeting the agripreneurs. So, I seek the indulgence of the House to defer the Motion.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

Madam First Deputy Speaker:  The mover seeks the permission of the House to defer debate on the Motion.

Question put and agreed to. Leave granted.

Motion by leave, accordingly deferred.

_______

BILLS

SECOND READING

THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING BILL, 2025

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr Mtolo): Madam Speaker, I beg to move that the Bill be read a second time.

Madam Speaker, allow me to thank the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources for the well-articulated report, which has brought out important issues from the stakeholders. I also wish to thank the other hon. Members of the House and, indeed, other stakeholders for their valuable input in shaping this Bill.

Madam Speaker, the Agricultural Marketing Bill, 2025, reflects a collaborative effort in building a resilient marketing eco-system that aligns with our national priorities under the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which emphasises agricultural transformation as well as regional commitments, such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Bill further aims to create a level playing field where innovation thrives, risks are mitigated and benefits are equitably shared by promoting private sector leadership while providing targeted Government support.

Madam Speaker, the objects of this Bill are clear and transformative. Primarily, it seeks to:

1. establish the Zambian Agricultural Marketing Council and define its function;
2. regulate and support agricultural markets;
3. promote an efficient private sector-driven agricultural marketing system;
4. establish the Agricultural Marketing Observatory Unit to manage data and information on agricultural products and markets;
5. facilitate access to agricultural markets;
6.  promote the competitiveness of agricultural products and services on domestic, regional and international markets; and
7. establish a framework for intervention measures relating to an agricultural product.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Mr Michelo (Bweengwa): Madam Speaker, the Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources was tasked to scrutinise the Agricultural Marketing Bill No.35 of 2025, referred to it on 25^th November, 2025.

Madam Speaker, in executing the task, the Committee consulted various stakeholders who made both written and oral submissions. Let me hasten to say that all the witnesses who interacted with the Committee were in support of the Bill. A summary of the stakeholders’ submissions is recorded in the Committee’s report for the consideration of this august House. The Committee is also in support of the Bill.

Madam Speaker, allow me to highlight some of the pertinent issues contained in the Committee’s report. The Bill before the House seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework to regulate agricultural markets. This arises from the lack of a legal framework to regulate the market, which has led to constraints such as price volatility, reduced competitiveness, limited private sector investment, low sector growth and inefficiencies. This has been buttressed by a fragmented and unstructured marketing system, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to reliable market information, among others.

Madam Speaker, let me now comment on a few concerns highlighted by the stakeholders. The stakeholders support the creation of the Zambian Agricultural Marketing Council, whose mandate, among others, will be to determine the size of the national strategic food reserve based on factors such as consumption needs, climate risks, importation periods and industrial or livestock demands. However, stakeholders were greatly concerned that national data-driven multi-sectoral processes did not define the threshold for determining the size of the National Strategic Food Reserve. In this regard, the Committee agrees with the stakeholders that there is a need for efficiency in the operations of the council in order to prevent any delays or postponement of procurement by the Food Reserve Agency (FRA). This will guarantee the National Strategic Food Reserve.

Madam Speaker, the enactment of the Bill will provide mandatory registration and regulation of persons engaged in agricultural marketing and market players, moving the system towards more formal, traceable value chains. However, stakeholders bemoaned the requirement for mandatory registration and the attendant fees for all market actors, without differentiation between large traders and small informal ones. They are of the view that this imposes disproportionate burdens on rural actors or small-scale farmers. In this regard, it was recommended that small-scale rural traders be exempted from such rigorous requirements. Further, the registration requirements should be simplified for small rural grain traders who currently provide liquidity, aggregation, competition and market access for the farmers in remote areas.

Madam Speaker, in this same vein, the Committee bemoans the steep penalty for non-registration as a market player as the Bill imposes a fine not exceeding 200,000 penalty units or a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both. In this regard, the Committee is of the view that the two years imprisonment for non-registration in agricultural marketing is excessive, especially for small-scale farmers in rural areas, for what essentially is an administrative interruption. If left unaddressed, this may affect compliance and the smooth implementation of provisions of the Bill. The Committee, therefore, recommends that imprisonment for non-registration under Part 4 of the Bill be replaced with administrative penalties or costs only.

Madam Speaker, lastly, the Committee observes with concern the omission of the representative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on the board of the council. In this regard, the Committee recommends that a representative of the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock be included on the board. This will ensure the inclusiveness of all relevant sector players and enhance the co-ordination and collaboration of market players.

Madam Speaker, as I wind up, the Committee urges the House to support the Bill, taking into account the concerns raised in its report. The Committee is also grateful to the stakeholders who tendered both written and oral submissions. This greatly assisted the Committee in its work. The Committee also wishes to thank you, Madam Speaker, for according it the opportunity to scrutinise the Agricultural Marketing Bill No. 35 of 2025. Further, appreciation is extended to the Clerk of the National Assembly for the support and guidance rendered throughout the Committee’s deliberations.

Madam Speaker, I thank you.

Madam First Deputy Speaker: Thank you.

Any further debate?

Silence

Madam First Deputy Speaker: I see none. I call upon the hon. Minister of Agriculture to wind up debate.

Hon. UPND Member: Hear, hear!

Mr Mtolo: Madam Speaker, I wish to thank the House for the overwhelming support that has been rendered, as shown by the positive silence. I also wish to take very serious note of the issues raised by the Committee and assure the chairperson that matters will be taken into consideration.

Madam Speaker, the Agricultural Marketing Bill is a progressive piece of legislation. It moves us towards a modern, competitive and climate-resilient marketing system that protects the producers while serving the consumer. It provides the tools to manage our strategic reserves with precision and ensures that Zambia remains a competitive player in the regional agricultural market. I, therefore, urge this House to support this Bill, as it is a vital step towards securing the prosperity of our farmers and the food security of our nation.

 Madam Speaker, I thank you. 

Question put and agreed to and the Bill read a second time.

Committed to a committee of the Whole House.

Committee Stage, later.

HOUSE IN COMMITTEE

[ THE DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON OF COMMITTEES in the

Chair]

THE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES BILL, 2025

 Clause 1 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 2 – (Interpretation)

The Minister of Finance and National Planning (Dr Musokotwane): Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 2:

 

1. on page 9, in lines 1 to 7 by the deletion of the definition of “direct ownership” and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

“direct ownership” means:

 

(a)     the sole ownership of shares, or the ownership of more than fifty percent of the share capital, by the Government in a state-owned enterprise; or

 

(b)     the ownership by the Government of a state-owned enterprise without shares;

 

1. on page 11, in line 1 by the deletion of the word “sole”;

 

1. on page 12; and

 

1. in line 18 by the insertion of the words “or State institution” immediately after the words “state-owned enterprise”;
2. after line 30 by the insertion of the following new paragraph:

 

parent company; and

 

1. in lines 31 to 32 by the renumbering of paragraphs (c) and (d) as paragraphs (d) and (e), respectively.

 

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 2, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 3 and 4 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 5 – (Government Investment Department)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 5, on page 14:

 

1. in line 13 by the deletion of words “The functions of the Department are to-” and the substitution therefore of the words “Despite the generality of subsection (1), the functions of the department are to-; and 

 

1. in lines 23 to 25 by the deletion of paragraph (e) and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

(e)     review shareholder agreements, transfer agreements or any other agreements relating to the sale or transfer of shares, where applicable;.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordindly.

Clause 5, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 6, 7, 8 and 9 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 10 – (Rights of shareholder in state-owned enterprise)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 10, on page 19, in line 4 by the insertion of the words “and sections 8 and 9” immediately after the words “Companies Act”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 10, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 11 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 12 – (Shareholding and ownership of state-owned enterprise)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in clause 12,

 

1. on page 20, in lines 28 to 30, by the deletion of subclause (2); and

 

1. on page 20, in lines 31 to 35 and page 212, in lines 1 to 4 by the renumbering of subclauses (3), (4) and (5) as subclauses (2), (3) and (4), respectively.

 

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 12, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 13 – (Holding company)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 13:

 

1. on page 21, in line 18, by the insertion of the words “over its subsidiary” immediately after the word “oversight”; and

 

1. on page 22

 

1. after line 8 by the insertion of the following new paragraph:

 

(h) determining minimum standards and policies on human resource

management, remuneration, corporate governance, information     technologies, risk management and audit in line with best practices, and policies developed under section 5 and any other written law;; and

 

1. in lines 9 to 13 by the renumbering of paragraphs (h) and (i) as paragraphs (i) and (j), respectively.    

 

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 13, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 14 ordered to stand of the Bill. 

CLAUSE 15 – (Board of state-owned enterprise)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 15:

 

1. on page 22

 

1. in line 28 by the deletion of the word “nine” and the substitution

therefor of the word “eleven”; and

  

1. in lines 31 to 32 by the deletion of subclause (3) and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

                                      (3) The chairperson and vice-chairperson of a

                                      board shall be appointed from among the independent directors.;

 

1. on page 23, in line 28 by the deletion of paragraph (k); and

 

1. on page 23, in lines 29 to 33 and on page 24, in lines 1 to 3 by the renumbering of paragraphs (l), (m), (n) and (o) as paragraphs (k), (l), (m) and (n), respectively.

 

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 15, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 16 – (Functions of board)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 16, on page 25, in lines 8 to 10 by the deletion of paragraph (i) and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

1. develop and submit an investment plan of a state-owned enterprise to the

          shareholders or the Minister, where the Minister has ownership powers;.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 16, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 17 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 18 – (Chief executive officer)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 18, on page 27, in line 3 by the insertion of the word “recognised” immediately after the word “equivalent”.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 18, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 19, 20, 21 and 22 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 23 – (Financial reporting)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 23, on page 30, in line 20 by the deletion of paragraph (a) and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

1. an audited financial statement;.

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 23, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clauses 24 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 25 – (Publication of information)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 25, on page 32 in line 10 by the deletion of paragraph (d) and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

1. major investment to be undertaken by the state-owned enterprise.  

 

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 25, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

         

Clauses 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41 and 42 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

CLAUSE 43 – (Exemption from provision of Act)

Dr Musokotwane: Mr Chairperson, I beg to move an amendment in Clause 43, on page 42, in lines 26 to 32 by the deletion of Clause 43 and the substitution therefor of the following:

 

43. The Minister may, where there is inconsistency between a provision of this Act and a provision of the Banking and Financial Services Act, 2025, the Insurance Act, 2021 and    the Securities Act, by statutory instrument, exempt a state-owned enterprise from a provision of this Act if that state-owned enterprise is regulated under the–

 

(a) Banking and Financial Services Act;

(b) Insurance Act; or

(c) Securities Act.

 

Amendment agreed to. Clause amended accordingly.

Clause 43, as amended, is ordered to stand part of the Bill

Clauses 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50 and 51 ordered to stand part of the Bill

First, Second, third and fourth Schedules ordered to stand part of the Bill

Title agreed to.

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HOUSE RESUMED

[MADAM FIRST DEPUTY SPEAKER in the Chair]

The following Bill was reported to the House as having passed the Committee with amendments:

The State-Owned Enterprise (Amendment) Bill 2025.

Report Stage on Tuesday, 24^th February, 2026.

REPORT STAGE

The National Payment System Bill, 2025

Report adopted.

Third reading on Tuesday, 24^th February, 2026

THIRD READING

The following Bill was read the third time and passed:

The Immigration Control Bill, 2025                                         

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MOTION

ADJOURNMENT

The Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security and Acting Leader of Government Business in the House (Mr Mwiimbu, SC.): Mr Speaker, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn.

Question put and agreed to.

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The House adjourned at 1748 hours until 0900 hours on Friday, 19^th February, 2026.

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