By Jane Chanda
Former Parliamentarians Association of Zambia (FPAZ) president Yizukanji Siwanzi has urged the government to prioritise energy resilience, agricultural adaptation, manufacturing, domestic revenue mobilization, and community development in the 2025 National Budget being presented today.
In a statement yesterday signed by Siwanzi and secretary general Ponde Mecha, FPAZ cited Zambia’s downward-revised economic growth rate from 5.3 percent to 2.7 percent as a pressing concern.
He stated that Zambia’s downward-revised economic growth rate underscored the need for targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of energy shortages, drought, and food insecurity on the economy.
He also expressed hope for a balanced budget that addressed both short-term citizen concerns and long-term economic sustainability.
Siwanzi stated that the national budget should prioritise investments in renewable energy sources to improve electricity supply reliability for domestic and industrial needs.
The association president also advocated for increased allocation to agricultural research and extension services, including training for extension personnel, to promote climate-smart agriculture and support farmers in adopting drought-resistant crops.
Siwanzi stated that developing agro-processing industries was crucial for Zambia’s economic growth.
“We must leverage our agricultural sector to produce goods for both local consumption and export,” he stated.
He further talked about the need for enhancing tax collection systems and expanding the tax base.
“We cannot achieve sustainable growth by over-relying on external borrowing; we must strengthen our domestic revenue mobilisation,” Siwanzi said
The FPAZ president also called for the reformation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to ensure funds were allocated to high-impact projects in healthcare, education, and local infrastructure development.
“This is a time for sound economic planning, and we remain committed to supporting the government in its efforts to build a resilient and inclusive economy for all Zambians,” Siwanzi stated.
He stated that the government must ensure the 2025 budget aligned with Zambia’s medium-term objectives and National Development Plan, stressing that careful planning was essential for overcoming the country’s economic challenges.
He expressed optimism that by prioritising key sectors, Zambia could build a brighter future for its citizens.
As the country awaits the budget presentation by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Siwanzi reaffirmed FPAZ’s commitment to promoting sound economic policies.
“We will continue to support the government in its efforts to drive growth and development, ensuring that Zambia’s economic trajectory benefits all citizens,” he stated.
He also stated the importance of collective responsibility in shaping Zambia’s economic future.
