Madam Speaker: Hon. Members, I have to inform the House that the Deputy Speakers and I presented ourselves to His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia for approbation on Friday, 3rdSeptember, 2021. I also represented the House in asking the President to make himself accessible to all hon. Members of the House, and the President has acceded to my representation.

The Vice-President (Mrs Nalumango): Madam Speaker, I wish to inform the House that the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, will arrive at 1025hours to address the House.

 

I thank you.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

Madam Speaker: Order!

 

Business was suspended from1005hours until 1039hours

The President (Mr Hakainde Hichilema): Madam Speaker, it is a great honour for me to be here today to address this august House on the Official Opening of the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. This Session marks the beginning of my first five-year mandate as President of the Republic of Zambia, and I am honoured to be the first President to address this august House in the presence of its first female Speaker.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: I thank the almighty God for giving me and the United Party for National Development (UPND) the opportunity to serve the people of this great country. My profound gratitude goes to the people of Zambia for the overwhelming election victory and trust in me as their President. I am truly humbled by the responsibility that you, the Zambian people, have placed in our hands. We, in turn, shall serve you diligently and in accordance with your aspirations.

 

Madam Speaker, on Thursday, 17thJune, this year, a dark cloud befell our country; we lost our gallant Founding Father and First President of this great nation, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda. We are grateful for his immense contribution to the liberation struggle of not only our country, but also other countries in the region and beyond. We, as a people, miss him and shall forever be grateful to the almighty God for giving us such a great son of Africa. Barely three days after the death of our Founding Father, we lost yet another gallant Zambian, our former Chief Justice, Her Ladyship Mrs. Irene Chirwa Mambilima, who passed away on 20thJune, 2021. We remember her valuable contribution to the Judiciary and service to the nation. Our country endured further despair resulting from the Corona virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, in which many of our loved ones passed away. It is, therefore, important that this august House observes a minute of silence in honour of our late luminaries and the citizens who succumbed to COVID-19.

 

Hon. Members of Parliament stood in silence for one minute.

 

The President: May their souls rest in eternal peace.

 

Madam Speaker, allow me, on this auspicious occasion, to congratulate you and the two Deputy Speakers on your respective elections to superintend over the affairs of this august House. The responsibility placed on your shoulders is enormous, and our people expect you to discharge your duties with impartiality, dignity and honour. I am confident that you will execute your duties diligently and maintain the decorum of this House.

 

I also congratulate all of you.I mean all of you, …

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President:…the re-elected and newly elected Members of Parliament, on your election to represent the people of Zambia, the people of Zambia, all of the people of Zambia, are the ones you should represent without exception. That is to emphasise. I equally congratulate you hon. Members who have been nominated to this august House. All of you who have been nominated to this august House, you, too, are congratulated. 

 

The people of Zambia have placed great confidence in you; the people of Zambia voted for change. The people of Zambia voted for change.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Our people must begin to enjoy the fruits of this change. Your presence in this House should, therefore, not be for personal gain. We must all preoccupy ourselves with the call to duty and selfless service for the betterment of our country. You are expected to represent them effectively in order to contribute towards improving their livelihoods. Let us work hard and deliver to our people’s expectations all the time.

 

Mr Lusambo: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to pay tribute to the immediate past Speaker, Dr. Patrick Matibini, SC, and the two former Deputy Speakers, Madam Catherine Namugala and Mr Mwiimba Malama, for presiding over the business of the House during their tenure. I also commend the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mrs. Cecilia Nsenduluka Mbewe, and, indeed, her staff for the support rendered to the House during the Twelfth National Assembly. As a nation, we were happy that, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic during the Fourth and Fifth Sessions of the Twelfth National Assembly, the leadership at Parliament was innovative and worked tirelessly to ensure that the business of the House was conducted in an effective and efficient manner. I thank you.

 

Madam Speaker, let me also pay special tribute to the former Vice-President of the Republic of Zambia and Leader of Government Business in the House, Her Honour Mrs Inonge Mutukwa Wina. Her contribution to the successful conduct of Business of the House will always be appreciated.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: I am confident that the new Vice-President, Her Honour Mrs Mutale Nalumango, will be equal to the task as Leader of Government Business in the House.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, I am happy to note that the August, 2021, General Elections were held successfully. Despite isolated incidences of violence recorded before, during and after voting, the elections were generally peaceful. The overwhelming support of the Zambian people carried the UPND to victory in the midst of enormous efforts to suppress our freedom of movement and other democratic rights.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! 

 

The President: We pledge to foster democracy and allow all the rights and liberties that will be essential for it to thrive. We recognise with gratitude the smooth transition of leadership from the Patriotic Front (PF) Government to our Government.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: I thank my predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, for facilitating a smooth transition.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: The African continent and the world at large hold Zambia in high esteem for the maturity of our democracy. As Zambians, we should be proud.

 

I commend the electorates who exercised their civic duty to vote for leaders of their choice in a peaceful manner. Their decision ought to be respected. My special appreciation goes to the youth, who turned out in large numbers to vote and bring about the change they so much desired. I also commend all political parties and independent candidates for participating in the elections. Allow me to also extend my commendations to the Electoral Commission of Zambia(ECZ) for ensuring that the elections were held in a conducive environment, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. I further commend the election observers, the church, traditional leaders and other stakeholders for the distinct roles they played during and after the elections.

 

Madam Speaker, now that the 2021 elections are behind us, it is time for us to unite as a nation and focus our energies on developing our country. It is time for all of us to work together and take Zambia forward. It is time to focus on addressing our common challenges as a people.

 

Madam Speaker, the UPND Government has a huge task ahead to turn around the economic fortunes of our country. Rebuilding our economy is top on our agenda. Let me repeatthat: Rebuilding our economy is top on our agenda, as this is what will deliver jobs and better livelihoods for all our people. We have, indeed, inherited an economy that is in dire straits, and requires bold and decisive action to be taken to ensure recovery is achieved. We need the support of every citizen to achieve our development agenda. Our administration will, therefore, create an environment in which every citizen will have the opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, the economic activities of our country.

 

As we begin our first term in office, our administration will embark on a national development agenda to ensure accelerated economic recovery. Our vision is to have a united and prosperous Zambia that will provide equal opportunities for all our people. We are determined to meet the basic needs of every Zambian and create a conducive environment for Zambia to become a prosperous middle-income country. We will implement policies to address the fiscal deficit while ensuring that confidence is restored in the markets; all the markets, that is, trading, the financial markets and all of them. I am sure you have seen the changes already in the trading sector.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam, it is important to bring stability to our economy and accelerate growth. As we embark on this journey, it is cardinal that there is equality and enhanced provision of equitable access to economic opportunities to all our citizens, especially the youth. We will also enhance the provision of adequate social services. Indeed, we will further enhance the provision of social protection to the poor and vulnerable in our society. It is in this regard that the theme of my address is “Creating a United, Prosperous and Equitable Zambia: Restoring Economic Growth and Safeguarding Livelihoods.” I repeat, “Creating a United, Prosperous and Equitable Zambia: Restoring Economic Growth and Safeguarding Livelihoods.”

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear! 

 

The President: Madam Speaker, the theme calls on all of us to unite regardless of our political affiliations, ethnicity, religion and, indeed, gender. We need to focus our attention on strengthening unity in our country; we need to focus on what unites us, not what divides us, as a people. We are determined to usher in an era in which politics are used to strengthen, rather than weaken, our unity; we are determined to make our National Motto of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ a reality, not just a mere slogan. We all desire a prosperous and equitable society.

 

Madam, the levels of poverty in our country are unacceptably high. We must end the vicious cycle of poverty and bring prosperity to all our people. We will work to reduce various forms of inequality and create a more equitable society. We will safeguard the livelihoods of our people, especially the poor and vulnerable in our society. We will provide equal opportunities for development to all our citizens across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, the theme also reflects our desire to reverse the current economic down-turn, as indicated. We will accelerate economic growth and create opportunities emphatically for all our people. We will increase access to quality education and healthcare as well as water and sanitation services. In addition, we must sustain livelihoods, ensure affordable cost of living as well as food and nutrition security for our people.

 

Madam Speaker, the theme sets the tone and direction for our development agenda over the next five years. Our administration is determined to create a united and prosperous Zambia with equal opportunities across ethnic, religious and gender considerations– I repeat: Across ethnic, religious and gender considerations; living in harmony in a free, but democratic, society.

 

Madam Speaker, our administration will develop a robust national development action plan for the period 2022 to 2026, of course, anchored on our manifesto. The Eighth National Development Plan (ENDP) will reflect our economic transformational agenda to deliver on the national vision and the aspirations of our citizens. The focus of the transformational agenda will be on attaining outcomes beyond economic growth to include greater inclusion and poverty reduction.

 

Madam Speaker, I will now proceed to outline the broad policy direction of my Government for the next five years. I will do so under the following thematic areas:

Madam Speaker, economic transformation will be the overarching framework that will bring together interventions in the various sectors of the economy to create jobs and reduce poverty. To this end, the Government will implement policy measures to promote economic transformation at all times, particularly in the job-rich sectors of agriculture, mining, tourism, energy, commerce and industry, green economy, transport as well as information and communication technology(ICT).

 

Our commitment to technological advancement in our country is evidenced by the proposed formation of the new Ministry of Technology and Science. This will allow policy development and implementation to spur development in the cross-cutting sectors and be a catalyst for economic growth and transformation. Additionally, the proposed Ministry of Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Development is poised to foster the development, support and growth of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).Very innovative!

 

Madam Speaker, the agricultural sector is critical in driving growth, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the prosperity of our country. Our country has in excess of 40,000,000 ha of arable land. I repeat: Our country has in excess 40,000,000 ha of arable land; we have abundant surface and underground water resources; we have favourable weather conditions; we have readily available domestic, regional and international markets for our agricultural commodities; and most of our people derive their livelihood from agriculture. The sector is, however, characterised by low productivity levels, insufficient support infrastructure, inadequate delivery of extension services and poor land husbandry practices. In addition, there are inadequate value addition, high cost of finance and high dependency on one crop, specifically maize. Investing in this sector, therefore, guarantees significant improvements in the lives of the majority of our people. To this end, the Government will implement a comprehensive agricultural transformation programme with the aim of making the sector a viable commercial undertaking. It is only through agricultural transformation that we will end hunger and improve nutrition while accelerating economic growth. This will ultimately make our country food-secure, and a breadbasket for this region and beyond.

 

Madam Speaker, we will restructure the agricultural sector to focus on activities and interventions that raise production and productivity in crops, livestock and fisheries. We will create a conducive and stable environment, which is a critical pre-condition for agricultural transformation.

 

Madam Speaker, to improve agricultural production and productivity, the Government will ensure access to affordable agricultural inputs, such as fertiliser, chemicals and pesticides. This will be achieved through the re-designing of the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP)to transform it into a more cost-effective and sustainable intervention. This will promote cost efficiency and enhance private sector participation. We will partner with the private sector to establish manufacturing industries to produce agro inputs for our farmers. This will promote a strong agro-dealer network across the country. We will create opportunities for small and large businesses in the production of agro inputs.

 

Madam Speaker, our administration will also promote crop diversification away from maize by supporting the production of a wide range of cereal crops, legumes, fruit trees, roots and tubers, oil crops as well as fibre crops. This will be achieved through improved extension services, mechanisation, irrigation, value addition and market access as said already. This will result in enhanced national food and nutrition security as well as increased income for all our farmers across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, to promote and increase livestock production, the Government will focus on stocking and restocking, artificial insemination as well as enhanced disease surveillance and control programmes. The Government will also facilitate research in animal breeding, disease prevention and nutrition. Further, livestock market promotion and value addition will be given priority. We will also support the construction and rehabilitation of livestock infrastructure, such as laboratories, service centres and breeding centres across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, aquaculture is another area with great potential to provide opportunities for our people to venture in and improve their livelihoods in Luapula and other areas.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, aquaculture is credible. In this regard, we will promote the expansion and intensification of fish farming across the country, especially among women and our youths. We will also promote the production of fingerlings as well as the establishment of hatcheries in the country to facilitate the growth of the industry. This will not only improve the livelihoods of our people, but also meet the growing demand for fish in our country.

 

Madam Speaker, to ensure a transformed agricultural sector, which will effectively contribute to restoration of economic growth and job creation, the Government will review the existing agricultural policies. We want to enhance production and productivity– the two are different – production and productivity, value addition, marketing as well as transparency and predictability of the export regime in the sector, not frequent changes, but stability and predictability, which are very important for business. Farming is a business. I, therefore, urge our people to seize the opportunities that exist in the sector so that, as a country, we are not only food-sufficient, but also the breadbasket of the region and beyond. We have the capacity to do so. Let us, therefore, do it as a country and as a people.

 

Madam Speaker, the mining sector will continue to play a key role in accelerating economic growth. Despite our long mining history and large mineral resource endowment, Zambia still faces a number of challenges in the mining sector. These include low levels of local participation and ownership in this sector, lack of transparency and accountability as well as inconsistent fiscal policies. Mining is a long-term business. You do not change fiscal policies every other year. Otherwise, investments will run away. So, we shall stabilise this. We will make it attractive, stable and consistent and, for the rest, you will see what will happen positively.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, our administration is determined to ensure increased local participation and ownership in the sector, more jobs being created as well as increased investments in the mining sector. Too many of our people depend on this sector, and we shall support them. 

 

Madam, harnessing the opportunities available in the mining sector will be crucial to our economic revival. So, we will ensure increased the production of copper and other mineral as well as maximise the benefits from various minerals, such as gold – I repeat: Such as gold – cobalt and manganese. We will also promote further exploration as well as value addition. In this regard, we will offer appropriate incentives in this sector. We want to position the country to be a leading manufacturer of mineral value-added products, such as electrical cables –some of you remember the Metal Fabricators of Zambia (ZAMEFA) – and copper-based accessories, to meet the growing demand of such products. Very important! This will translate into more employment opportunities for our people, especially the youth. We will also increase earnings from exports of value-added products and, ultimately, enhance the provision of public services to our people.

 

Madam Speaker, to ensure predictability and sustained investment in the mining sector, the Government, in consultation with stakeholders, will review the mining tax policy framework, as indicated. This is aimed at introducing the stable mining tax regime necessary to increase investment in the sector. We will ensure that our people receive their fair share from our mineral wealth; they will not be symbolic observers. Further, to enhance operations in the sector, the Government will review the existing institutional framework. With these measures in place and increased participation of our people, the sector is poised to contribute more to the restoration of economic growth and improvement of the livelihoods of our people across the country.

 

Madam Speaker, our country is endowed with abundant natural beauty, coupled with a rich cultural heritage. We have unique and pristine tourism sites that must be harnessed to benefit all our people. To this effect, our Government will prioritise tourism as one of the key sectors for restoring economic growth, creating jobs and reducing poverty. The potential of the tourism sector has not been fully exploited. We all know that the sector is characterised by fewer foreign visitors; shorter length-of-stay, in the industry, we call it shorter bed nights; and a low number of domestic tourists. Further, in the recent past, the sector has been severely affected, negatively of course, by the COVID-19 pandemic. To reposition it amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our administration will put in place a robust programme to facilitate its quick recovery. In the next five years, our administration will focus on attracting international tourists while promoting domestic tourism for enhanced sector resilience. This is very important! We will put in place a robust tourism marketing strategy that will package a diversified range of tourism products, such as traditional ceremonies, visual arts, culture and heritage sites. We will also reduce the cost of doing business and some negative perceptions in the sector.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: I repeat: We will also reduce the cost of doing business and some negative perceptions in the sector, such as being perceived to be a yellow fever country when we have no yellow fever. We shall remove that perception.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, further, we will open up areas of great potential, such as the Northern Circuit, to enhance tourist inflows.

 

Hon. PF Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: We will construct and upgrade roads to tourism sites as well as airstrips and airports to improve accessibility. Very important! These interventions, among others, will not only make Zambia a tourism destination of choice, but also contribute to restoring economic growth in the country. I, therefore, urge players in the sector to continue being creative and innovative in designing and packaging tourism products. I also call upon Zambians to take advantage of the numerous tourism sites across the country and participate in local tourism.

 

Madam Speaker, energy is an important driving force of development, and a key enabler of productivity and industrial growth in our economy. Despite this, investment in the sector has not grown in tandem with the sector’s potential. Our administration will ensure that the sector has an appropriate policy framework that will deliver affordable and clean energy from alternative and renewable green-economy sources, and there are plenty of them. This will ensure sufficient capacity to power the economy and cushion the country from the negative effects of climate change on our current hydroelectricity generation.

 

Madam Speaker, to attract more investments in the electricity sub-sector, our administration will put in place cost-reflective tariffs. We want more of our people to have access to electricity by scaling up investments in off-grid green energy solutions. This is key to agriculture, tourism and mining. We want to transform our country into an electricity hub for the region. We will, therefore, continue to invest in the expansion of electricity generation, minimise transmission and distribution losses as well as develop power interconnectors with other countries. Our aim is to create the excess capacity needed to effectively end load-shedding. We must end load-shedding and have surplus power for export.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, Madam Speaker, our aim is to create excess capacity needed to effectively end load shedding with surplus power for export.

 

Madam Speaker, to improve operations, efficiency and financial sustainability of the national power utility company, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) Limited, our administration will implement structural and financial reforms in the company. For emphasis, I repeat: to improve operations, efficiency and financial sustainability of the national power utility company, ZESCO, our administration will implement structural and financial reforms in the company. With regard to the petroleum sub-sector, we will guarantee security of supply of petroleum products. In addition, the Government will undertake reforms in the fuel supply chain to reduce the landed cost of petroleum products. It shall be done. Our administration will progressively increase private sector participation in the procurement and supply of petroleum products.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, our administration recognises that trade and industry plays a key role in economic development, as it is the bridge that connects producers of goods and services and the consumers. The sector has a huge potential for job and wealth creation, poverty reduction and revenue generation for our country. To this end, we will pursue an export-led trade strategy that will focus on continuous improvement in the competitiveness and quality of our exports. The Government will place the private sector at the centre of production and trade as an engine of growth. We are committed to improving the relationship with the private sector and increasing the participation of Zambian businesses in regional and global value chains. This will enhance the contribution of trade and industry to job creation and economic growth. We will also harmonise the trade policy with other relevant policies to effectively facilitate the flow of trade and investment in our country, and put in place export financing support mechanisms to support Zambian businesses in their export agenda. I will be the chief salesman for all of you, Zambians.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: In addition, we will work closely with the private sector in exploiting the opportunities available in the regional and international markets. Time has come for us to increase the share of Zambian businesses and products on the regional and global markets. To ensure acceptance of Zambian products locally, regionally and globally, the Government will strengthen the operations of the Zambia Bureau of Standards and related bodies to enable the institutions to appropriately certify products for quality. We will also promote industrial innovation and creativity as well as support generation of intellectual property assets.

 

Madam Speaker, to enhance the competitiveness of our local enterprises, we will reduce transaction costs of doing business by streamlining the number of licenses and permits required to operate a business in the country as well as the time it takes to obtain these licences. We shall shorten the time; no tolerance for delays in job creation and economic growth. That is our mission. We will also promote the use of electronic registration and payment systems. In addition, we will facilitate Zambian-owned businesses’ access to affordable credit and finance in this country. 

 

To keep the wheels of the economy constantly running, we will promote e-Commerce, which will facilitate a productive and efficient economy. This will create more employment opportunities for our people and provide convenience in accessing goods and services.

 

Madam Speaker, with the above measures in place, we will be able to fully exploit the various trade opportunities available in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA),the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Continental Free Trade Area, (ACFTA),the European Union(EU) and China, among other regions. This will not only create job opportunities for our people, but also increase the revenue base for individuals, households, businesses and, ultimately, the national economy. That is how the economy works.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government will focus on the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) .We believe that this category of entrepreneurship is the main engine for job creation and, indeed, wealth amongst our people. We must support our people to be wealthy. Then, they can support the weak in society. Very important! This will be supported by broad-based education and skills development. We want to create a critical mass of entrepreneurs, especially among the youth and women. Very important!

 

Madam Speaker, transport is the backbone of economic activities, trade and development; it is a catalyst for economic development. Despite its importance, however, investment in transport infrastructure has been lopsided, focusing on road transport at the expense of other options, such as rail. Road infrastructure requires considerably high-cost maintenance relative to railway infrastructure, which carries heavier loads, anyway. Our administration will, therefore, focus on balanced and integrated transport infrastructure development, not skewed, but balanced development. We will invest in road transport infrastructure, of course; we will invest in railway infrastructure; and, indeed, we will invest in air transport infrastructure. That is very important! To achieve all this, we will leverage public-private partnerships (PPPs).

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, the Government will maintain, rehabilitate and upgrade road infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, to open access.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: This will open up the country and link our farmers to markets, employees to their places of work, students to schools and colleges, and the sick to hospitals, among other groups and services. We will be very well coordinated and very organised.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, recognising the importance of the railway sub-sector to economic development, as said already, the Government is committed to developing the sub-sector to provide a cost-effective and efficient means of transportation of bulk cargo. This is particularly important in view of our country’s position as a land-linked, not landlocked, country. It is a matter of different perceptions.

 

Madam Speaker, with regard to the air transport sub-sector, we will facilitate the modernisation, integration and commercialisation of airports to maximise returns on investment while always implementing projects at the right cost and right value, and ensuring timely delivery. There will be no corruption in this sector. Zero!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: These measures will transform Zambia into a regional hub for road, rail and air transport. We are capable, and we will do it.

 

Madam Speaker, the Government recognises the critical role that the digital and knowledge economy plays in enhancing productivity across all sectors of our economy. Digital transformation affects every aspect of human, social, political and economic activities. It also presents huge opportunities for developing countries, especially those, like our own country, Zambia, that seek to industrialise. To harness this potential, we will mainstream the digital revolution in our national programmes in order to tap into the talents and creativity of Zambians, especially the young Zambians, the youth. We can all see the transformation brought about by the digital revolution in the provision of goods and services. This is particularly the case in sectors like finance, agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, information, and wholesale and retail trade. We will exploit the increased use of digital platforms and delivery channels, such as automated teller machines (ATMs), points of sale and mobile money services, which have also enhanced financial inclusion, that is, bringing the unbanked into the banking system. This is very important!

 

Most of our people are now enjoying the benefits of ICT in their daily lives. This is particularly important under the COVID-19 pandemic environment, which has restricted physical interaction and changed the way we do things. We will, therefore, support innovation and creativity that offer home-grown solutions across all sectors of the economy.

 

Madam Speaker, to support these and other innovations, we will provide relevant infrastructure to enhance connectivity and support investments in optic fibre and telecommunication facilities for enhanced service delivery. We will also promote PPPs in the ICT sector. Further, we will work towards managing telecommunication costs and improving the quality of services. I repeat because this is very important: Further, we will work towards managing telecommunication costs and improving the quality of services by creating an enabling environment for Zambian entrepreneurs in this sector.

 

Human and Social Development

 

Madam Speaker, human and social development is essential to maintaining a healthy and skilled population. This demands that we improve the wellbeing of our citizens so that they can reach their full potential. To this end, improving access to education –

 

 

The President: I repeat: To this end, improving access to education, health, social protection as well as water and sanitation services will be a preoccupation of our Government in the next five years. To realise this aspiration, the Government will foster accelerated social transformation through the empowerment of our citizens. We will invest in the social sector so that our citizenry is skilled, healthy and empowered to participate in the socio-economic transformation agenda for the Zambia that we desire.

 

Madam Speaker, education, science and skills development are cardinal to the attainment of our socio-economic development agenda. In the case of our country, Zambia, our education system at all levels of learning has deteriorated over the years. This calls for immediate action to restore our education system to international standards and best practices. 

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Our administration considers education, science and skills development as equalisers for all our members of society. We will, therefore, realign the sector to ensure that it contributes to job creation and economic development.

 

Madam Speaker, our administration will provide quality– I repeat: Quality–and equitable access to education for all. We will also ensure that the girl child has an equal opportunity to access education by addressing the challenges faced by female learners, and there are many challenges. We are aware of this. Further, the education curriculum will be reviewed to ensure that it is in line with the required artisan skills, and the development aspirations and goals of our country. Emphasis will be placed on entrepreneurship, which will be aligned with the current socio-economic requirements in the country. We want to produce graduates with the ability to contribute to innovation, industry, and job and wealth creation. We want people who can work for themselves, not those who will always depend on a salary until they retire.

 

Mr Mubika: Tell them!

 

The President: Our administration will also reform the higher education loans and bursaries scheme. Very important! I repeat: Our administration will also reform the higher education loans and bursaries scheme. The reform is aimed at ensuring that learners who have the potential to excel, but are unable to afford to pay school or university fees, especially girl children, are supported. 

 

UPND Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

Hon. Opposition Members: Free education!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, I am using English. 

 

 

The President: Thank you very much. I am using English. 

 

Children like mine do not need taxpayers’ education support, ...

 

Mr Lusambo: Question! 

 

The President: … but the children of the poor need that support. That is the English I am using.

 

UPND Hon. Members: Bally!

 

Interruptions

 

The President: Madam Speaker, we will bring order in the way we manage this country. This will be a departure from the prevailing situation in which well-to-do and undeserving students are the ones who are benefiting from the bursaries system. 

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Under the new system, every deserving student will be offered an opportunity to access education, even when they may be from low financial communities or families. 

 

To further improve the quality of education, we will recruit and deploy teachers equitably to all schools across the country.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, in our endeavour to develop new technologies appropriate for our country, the Government will facilitate investment in research and development (R&D). We will also place a premium on science and technology to promote innovation and contribute to sustainable development. We will increase investment in science, research and technology, of course. The Government will also encourage investments from the private sector in science, research and technology.

 

Madam Speaker, let me challenge our scientists and engineers, and there some in this House; research institutions; and universities to rise to the occasion and begin to explore possibilities of developing vaccines, medicines and appropriate technologies for responding to current and emerging issues in our country. We should not sit idly and merely wait for solutions from developed countries when we have the capacity to develop our own solutions. Let us make a difference.

 

Madam Speaker, investment in health is key to attaining a healthy and productive population. Health is not only a social determinant, but also an economic commodity to enhance human development. Very important! There are, however, inequalities in health service delivery in our country, especially between rural and urban areas. This calls for institutional and systems strengthening to ensure that health security is achieved for all our people in the nation. Our administration will enhance healthcare financing to improve the quality of health service delivery to our people. We will also ensure that rural and urban communities are involved in the planning and delivery of health services as closer to our people as possible. This will be achieved through the adoption of a balanced approach between preventive community public health and primary health care, on one hand, and secondary-level health care, on the other. In addition, we will secure the supply chain for medicines and medical supplies. We will also undertake recruitment and deployment of skilled human resources for all our health facilities across the country. Further, we will provide health facilities with modern equipment and adopt a systematic approach to health infrastructure. There is no point in building a clinic when there is no nurse and doctor there.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: It does not deliver health services. So, we will address all of those inadequacies. 

 

Our administration will equally pay particular attention to addressing non-communicable diseases through health promotion and the adoption of healthier lifestyles amongst our population.

 

Madam Speaker, poverty levels among our people remain unacceptably high. Income, gender as well as rural and urban inequalities continue to exist, notwithstanding the numerous existing social protection programmes implemented by previous administrations. The programmes have been marred with several challenges, which include poor targeting of beneficiaries, political interference and shortcomings in delivery mechanisms.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Going forward, our administration will streamline the delivery of the existing social protection programmes to ensure that they are effective, efficient and work for the people, not for the administrators. This will entail scaling up and broadening the scope of coverage of the programmes to ensure that more of our vulnerable people are protected from poverty and destitution. A premium will also be placed on empowering our women and young people through empowerment and livelihood programmes in this area. We will also devote our efforts to providing skills training for self-employment as well as increasing access to credit, coupled with financial literacy. Financial literacy is very important. To this end, women empowerment will be an important strategy for overcoming poverty, marginalisation and other social ills in our communities. The Government will, therefore, accelerate the implementation of programmes aimed at promoting the participation of women in economic programmes. Livelihood interventions will be important. Further, women representation in political leadership, commerce and decision making will be enhanced.

 

That is why we have the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly. 

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: To harness the potential of our youthful population towards national development, the Government will create opportunities for job and wealth creation. This will be complemented by measures to change the mindset and culture of our young people so that they appreciate their value and attain their fullest potential. We want our youths to refrain from engaging in unproductive activities. We will also up-scale resource mobilisation to sustain youth empowerment programmes. The programmes will be in continuity, not sporadic. In addition, we will create specific preferential public procurement programmes targeting the purchase of goods and services from our youth and women enterprises.

 

Madam Speaker, to reduce the socio-economic disparities between the urban and rural regions of our country, this administration will ensure that resources and opportunities are provided equitably across the country, not in a lopsided manner, and based on need and economic potential of all the regions in our country. This will guarantee that all parts and regions of the country benefit from the economic and natural resource endowment at our disposal. To achieve this, our administration will implement deliberate policies to exploit the resource endowment of each and all of our regions.

 

Madam Speaker, our administration recognises that the water and sanitation sector is key in the development agenda of this country. We are committed to improving water resource management as well as water supply and sanitation for socio-economic development. To this effect, the Government will accelerate the construction of dams, water schemes and boreholes to facilitate economic activities in various sectors of our economy and across the country, as well as provide clean water and adequate sanitation services for households in both urban and rural areas. The Government will, therefore, progressively increase budgetary allocation and disbursement to water and sanitation programmes. The Government will also facilitate private sector investment in water supply and sanitation.

 

Environmental Sustainability

 

Madam Speaker, our Government is committed to fostering environmental sustainability and promoting the green economy. A well-managed environment is critical for achieving economic recovery, sustained growth and improved livelihoods for all our people. It is for this reason that we have placed a premium on dealing with the serious threats posed by climate change. High variability, with frequent droughts, seasonal and flash floods, extreme temperatures and dry spells are expected to intensify with climate change. These have already adversely affected or impacted on food, water and energy security as well as the general livelihoods of our people. To address climate change, our Government is committed to strengthening the institutional framework for implementing climate change interventions. The Government will also ensure that low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways are pursued. I repeat deliberately: The Government will ensure that low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways are pursued. With the proposed Ministry of Green Economy and the Environment, we will champion environmental sustainability and implement policies that will yield benevolent dividends for generations to come, not just us. We will also implement international agreements and protocols to strengthen programming on climate change.

 

Madam Speaker, we will safeguard our natural resources, which constitute our natural capital and a source of enduring wealth. Very important! The vast majority of our people depend on natural resources for fuel, income, raw materials and medicines. These resources, unfortunately, face growing threats ranging, from habitat transformation, encroachment, uncontrolled fires, climate change negative effects, unsustainable utilisation and pollution to invasive species that are distorting our environment. Further, the value of ecosystems and their biodiversity are neither fully appreciated nor translated into monetary terms. As such, we need to appreciate these resources by utilising them sustainably so as not to deprive future generations of their use. Our administration will, therefore, embark on promoting the conservation of biodiversity, including of ecosystems, to ensure our natural resource capital is not eroded. In this regard, conservation plans for critical wetlands will be implemented to preserve these ecosystems.

 

Madam Speaker, we shall make Zambia a global beacon for environmental sustainability and, indeed, a champion of the green economy. We must safeguard ecosystems, protect natural habitats and keep carbon out of the atmosphere at all times.

 

Good Governance

 

Madam Speaker, a conducive governance environment is imperative for our country’s political stability, security, economic growth and sustainable development. Very important! It entails enhanced transparency, accountability, consultation and dialogue on the way. To achieve this, our administration will strengthen oversight on governance institutions, ensure the independence and autonomy of the Judiciary, and guarantee a free press and an active civil society.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: We will also ensure an improved policy environment, strengthened public financial management as well as improved service delivery and productivity. Further, we will restore the rule of law.

 

Madam Speaker, we shall restore the rule of law, and protect human rights and property.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: No more savage behaviour.

 

Madam Speaker, we will restore the rule of law. We will protect human rights and property.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, our administration abhors corruption. We have a zero-tolerance policy on corruption in all its forms. We will wage war on corruption and not spare any expense in ensuring that perpetrators are made to account for their improper conduct. There will be no sacred cows in the fight against corruption, whether past, present or future. 

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

 

The President: Madam Speaker, we will increase the benefits of being honest rather than being dishonest. I repeat: We will increase the benefits of being honest rather than being dishonest, as observed in the past, and the cost of being corrupt will be made high.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: To enhance transparency and accountability in our national affairs, we will review the policy and legal framework for oversight institutions to enable them to effectively fight corruption and economic crimes.

 

Mr Tayali: Fix it Bally! Hammer!

 

The President: I hope there will be no misunderstanding after today’s speech. 

 

We will increase funding and enhance the operational independence of our oversight institutions. For clarity, we will not use our political hand in the fight against corruption, but a professional fight anchored on the legal mandates given to oversight institutions. So, there should be no complaints, going forward.

 

 

The President: Yes, yes, yes!

 

Madam Speaker, we will increase funding and enhance operational independence of oversight institutions. Further, we will introduce specialised fast-track stolen assets recovery mechanisms.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

 

The President: Madam Speaker, we will introduce specialised fast-track stolen assets recovery mechanisms and courts for corruption and economic crimes. We will also enact legislation, where it is weak, on ethics and integrity for improved transparency and accountability.

 

Madam Speaker, part of our progressive transformation agenda will be to include decentralisation and devolution of various Central Government functions to the provinces, districts and constituencies.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: That will be supported with resource allocation to these areas. This will include public procurement, resource allocation and management that will be better managed at the local level with appreciation for local opportunities, priorities and challenges.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, a conducive policy and legal environment is critical to achieving the speedy recovery and stability of our economy as well as ensuring debt sustainability. It is not, at the moment. To this effect, our administration will implement tax revenue administration reforms to facilitate a predictable tax environment and enhance revenue collection at all levels of the Government, including local government. We will broaden the tax base for revenue collection and lower the individual tax burden.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, to address the existing challenges in our pension system, we will undertake comprehensive reforms in pension fund management and administration. This will resolve the plight of pensioners and secure their rights to their hard-earned money over the years.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: To enhance the provision of financial services to our people and attract investment in the economy, we will introduce legislation to widen the scope and lower the cost of financial services. English! In addition, we will create an enabling environment that will facilitate the development of the financial sector and an evolution towards a digital financial economy. To further improve the governance environment, we will enhance media freedom and access to information by facilitating the establishment of a media self-regulatory framework and enacting legislation on access to information.

 

Madam Speaker, over the years, the Government has accumulated massive debts to finance widening fiscal deficits. These debts have accumulated to unsustainable levels, gobbling every resource available for development. Our administration commits itself to immediately stop excessive public expenditure as a well as halting any further accumulation of debt, especially expensive debt and debt for consumption, not for revenue generation. That will come to an end.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, we will engage our creditors on debt restructuring to restore credibility in the market and ensure sustainability of the debt. Further, accelerated growth will also improve our debt-carrying capacity. Let me read this English again: Further, accelerated growth will also improve our debt-carrying capacity. Sustainability is what we are talking about. To enhance debt management and transparency, the Government will streamline reporting of debt to ensure full disclosure and strengthen public investment management. We will repeal and replace the Loans and Guarantees (Authorisation) Act, Cap 366 of the Laws of Zambia, to bring it in line with constitutional provisions. Currently, it is misaligned.

 

The President: Madam Speaker, to improve productivity and service delivery, our administration will ensure that we have a dedicated and professional Public Service. To this effect, we will depoliticise appointments and promotions, and improve leadership and management competences in the public sector.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, the public sector is open to all Zambians, not to a few Zambians. We will implement changes in management programmes in the Public Service to ensure an optimal service delivery system is brought back in both the Central Government and the local government. In addition, we will reform the service commissions to enhance their independence and professionalism. We want the commissions to protect the Public Service from unwarranted political interference in line with their mandates. We will also ensure that the merit principle is strictly adhered to in the appointment and placement of staff in the sectors, knowing that we are all Zambians. We have an equal stake in this country. We are all Zambians. God placed us in this society equally and equitably.  No one is senior to another. 

 

Mr Nkombo: Tell them!

 

Mr Muchima: Mverani!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, we must get back to a situation in which our public service institutions are strong. We must regain public confidence, which we have lost over the years.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: We are also committed to actualising our national aspirations for a decentralised government system as enshrined in our Constitution. The Government will, therefore, accelerate the decentralisation of functions from the Central Government to the local government authorities with matching resources, but also with emphasis on accountability. We will strengthen the capacity of our local authorities to enable them to collect their revenues and deliver public services to our people in an effective and efficient manner. No cadre will collect revenue that should be collected by the Government.

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, no cadre from any political party will be allowed, as it was in the past, to collect revenue that must be collected by the local authorities or the Central Government.

 

Interruptions

 

The President: Madam Speaker, our Government will, therefore, accelerate all of those measures that enhance revenue collection, accountability and application of those resources to benefit the people of Zambia, not individuals. 

 

Hon Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: I repeat: We will strengthen the capacity of our local authorities to enable them to collect their revenues and deliver services to our people in an effective and efficient manner. There should be clean toilets in the markets, water, garbage collection, paid salaries and trading licences awarded on time. That is where jobs will come from.

 

Madam Speaker, our administration will enhance access to justice, strict adherence to the rule of law, as I said already, and uphold human rights. This is very important for development. A free mind is an effective mind. I repeat: We will safeguard the rights of our people and protect their property. To this effect, we will strengthen and modernise our institutions of governance to guarantee security, fundamental human rights, civil liberties and the quick dispensation of justice.

 

Madam Speaker, the separation of powers among the three arms of the Government is essential to the upholding of the Constitution and the rule of law. In this regard, our administration will strengthen and preserve the integrity of the principle of the separation of powers among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary, as provided for in our Constitution.

 

With respect to constitutional reforms, your Government will complete the constitutional reform agenda, anchored on a broad-based consensus among all our people; not a section of our people, but all our people. Further, we will revive the process of expanding the Bill of Rights to integrate economic, social and cultural rights.

 

Madam Speaker, our democracy has become a shining example on the continent and the world at large, as evidenced by the just-ended general elections, which were held under difficult conditions, and peaceful transition.

 

Madam Speaker, I will stick to my text: I do not believe in petitions and wasting money on by-elections. 

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

 

The President: Madam Speaker, I beg to move. 

 

I say so because that is my belief. I am a believer in prudence, but I am a believer in the rule of law as well.

 

UPND Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President:  Madam Speaker, our democracy has become a shining example, and I have already said this. Our administration will, therefore, continue to promote and entrench the tenets of democracy at all times. To further strengthen our democracy, we will implement electoral reforms to strengthen the independence of the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ). We will also reform the Public Order Act to facilitate its fair application and prevent the abuses that we saw in the past.

 

Madam Speaker, with respect to international co-operation and foreign relations, Zambia will effectively engage in bilateral, regional and international levels to maximise the benefits that accrue to our people and our country in the process of engagement. To this effect, our Government will pursue economic diplomacy in trade and investment. That is the road we shall walk on. I emphasise: To this effect, the Government will pursue economic diplomacy. We will promote regional economic integration of our continent with this in mind. We will also promote peaceful resolution of conflicts and ensure effective participation and representation of our citizens and other African nationals in multilateral agencies. This is important. I am well-travelled, and I find no Zambians in those institutions. So, we will ensure effective participation and representation of our citizens and other African nationals in multilateral agencies.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: We will create a professional foreign service to ensure effective representation of the country’s interests by all our foreign missions. Even the quality of staff who will be going there will reflect this principle.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, adherence to the National Values and Principles does not only promote nationalism and patriotism, but also peace, unity and mutual respect among our people here, at home. Very important!

 

Madam Speaker, I work to your instructions. Ethnic degradation, which we experienced and children observed in this House in the last Parliament should not happen again. 

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Madam Speaker, I am talking about national unity, mutual respect and avoiding the degradation of one by another based on God’s choices on who was born where. We saw it in this House, and it became normal. That will not be the case. We have no oversight over Parliament, but this is an appeal to the people of Zambia, especially Members of Parliament, to be examples of mutual respect.

 

Mr Lusambo: One Zambia, One Nation. Hear, hear!

 

Laughter

 

The President: Madam Speaker, we should adhere to the National Values and Principles. We must be nationalistic and patriotic, we must have mutual respect, promote peace and unity among our people and create a positive influence on work ethics and productivity. In addition, adherence to our National Values and Principles will create a conducive environment to attract investments that lead to higher growth and more employment opportunities for all our citizens. The efforts towards the entrenchment of our National Values and Principles will, therefore, continue, going forward. We want every Zambian to be an embodiment of our National Values and Principles, and we will make the National Motto of “One Zambia, One Nation” a reality once more.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Not symbolism, but reality.

 

Madam Speaker, we recognise the important role that our traditional leaders, the church and civil society play in the governance and development of our nation. To this effect, we will undertake policy and legislative reforms to enhance their contribution to national development.

 

Madam Speaker, to begin to actualise the policy measures I have outlined above under the thematic areas of economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability and good governance environment, the hon. Minister of Finance will soon present the 2022 National Budget to this august House. I, therefore, urge, in advance, the hon. Members of this august House to support the Budget when it comes to the Floor.

 

Mr Mutale: Question!

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Indeed, in advance. That is the frame of mind or philosophical mindset. Positive, not negative, support.

 

Madam Speaker, on 12th August, 2021,our people sounded the trumpet of change ...

 

Hon. Government Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President:… summoning all of us to national duty; a duty to restore our economy and safeguard the livelihoods of all our people, attain a truly united, equitable and prosperous country, and to stand for and uphold the rule of law. We must all act in harmony to move our country forward and achieve the much-needed economic transformation. Indeed, our best years as a nation are truly within our reach. I repeat that: Indeed, our best years as a nation are truly within our reach. The will, courage, energy and faith we garner for our transformation will secure us the success we desire to achieve. Hard work, discipline and perseverance must be our bedrock. Indeed, the classical Greek writer, Euripides, was right when he said, “Much effort, much prosperity.” I repeat that: “Much effort, much prosperity”. This is the only way we will move forward as a country.

 

Madam Speaker, we must put service above self and the interest of the country before our own interests. Let us take individual responsibility for the common good of our people. We must promote peaceful co-existence and put an end to violence against one another. It is only in peace and unity that we can plan and actualise personal and national development. It is only in peace and unity that our children can enjoy their childhood and grow up into responsible citizens. It is only in peace and unity that we can build meaningful relations with nature, fellow human beings and the almighty God.

 

Hon. Members: Hear, hear!

 

The President: Let the rivers and waters of peace and unity wash away all forms of violence, especially those of the past, from our land. This is what our Founding Father, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, overwhelmingly demonstrated over the years. When we work to the best of our abilities, our dreams become a reality.

 

The President: Equally, when we work together as a people, nothing can stop us from achieving our dreams. When we live a life of service to the nation, our legacy lives on. I said, “When we live a life of service to the nation, our legacy lives on”. If we do not, our legacy dies very quickly. Let us emulate Dr Kaunda and work hard to make Zambia a better place for all. That is possible and, together, we will make Zambia a better place for all. Let us create a united, prosperous and equitable Zambia. The future of our country lies in our hands, all of us.

 

Madam Speaker, it is now my singular honour and privilege to declare the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly officially opened.

 

Madam Speaker, I beg to move that God blesses us all and continues to keep us safe.

Madam Speaker, the President was very clear. The speech was centred on economic development; the fight against poverty, disease and corruption; and, indeed, national healing and building after the elections. These issues necessitate the House’s engagement in serious introspection and analysis. Consequently, I am of the view that the House should rise now so that hon. Members are allowed ample time to read the speech and reflect on the important issues that the President has raised. In this way, hon. Members will be able to make intelligent and constructive contributions during the debate on the Motion of Thanks to His Excellency the President’s Speech, starting on Tuesday, 14th September, 2021.

 Mr Kamondo(Mufumbwe): Madam Speaker, allow me to put on record my profound gratitude for this rare opportunity accorded to me to speak on this important Motion moved by Her Honour the Vice-President on the occasion of the Official Opening of the First Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly.

 

Madam Speaker, I am in agreement with the Leader of Government Business in the House that hon. Members need time to carefully study and digest the message that has just been delivered by His Excellency the President, Mr Hakainde Hichilema. The adjournment is necessary because most of the issues that were raised in the President’s Speech are related to the many concerns and problems prevailing in our country, and hon. Members need time to critically analyse the speech and be able to raise particular challenges and present them to the Executive in the quest to see tangible responses. The people out there are eagerly waiting to see how the new Government intends to proceed in addressing the numerous challenges affecting them.

Mr Kamondo: It is, therefore, necessary that hon. Members are given ample time to carefully study the issues contained in the President’s Speech to this august House. Adjourning today will enable us to come back next week fully prepared and be able to contribute to the debate meaningfully. In this regard, I fully support the Motion and urge all my hon. Colleagues to do the same.