By Mubanga Mubanga
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released K16 billion to finance public service delivery, support infrastructure development, protect vulnerable citizens, and reinforce the country’s broader economic transformation agenda for the month of May.
In a statement issued by the office of the Secretary to the Treasury yesterday, the ministry stated that the release by the government reflected its continued commitment to prudent fiscal management, debt sustainability, service delivery continuity, and implementation of the 2026 National Budget which was in line with development priorities.
“Of the total amount released in May 2026, K3.7 billion was allocated to the Public Service Wage Bill, K4.7 billion was directed towards debt service and dismantling of arrears, K3.6 billion supported transfers, subsidies and social benefits, K2.2 billion financed Government programmes and operational requirements, while K1.8 billion was invested in capital expenditure and infrastructure development,” MoF stated.
“In line with the Government’s commitment to restoring and maintaining debt sustainability, K4.7 billion was released under Debt and Other Liabilities. Of this amount, K3 billion went towards domestic debt service, K1.5 billion was allocated to external debt service obligations, while K200.2 million was used to dismantle domestic arrears. These payments remain critical in strengthening fiscal credibility, supporting liquidity within the private sector, preserving the gains attained under Zambia’s debt restructuring process, and ensuring continued confidence in the country’s public financial management framework.”
The Ministry stated that K3.6 billion went towards support for key sectors and protection of vulnerable citizens. MoF stated that K1.5 billion was released for grant aided institutions, which included hospitals.
“To sustain service delivery across the health sector; K799.7 million for school grants in support of the free education policy; and K100 million for the Food Security Pack Programme aimed at strengthening food security and supporting vulnerable but viable households across the country.The Treasury further released K2.2 billion towards the implementation of Government programmes and operational requirements to ensure continuity in public administration and uninterrupted public service delivery,” MoF stated. “Of this amount, K1.6 billion supported operational requirements across Ministries, Provinces and Spending Agencies to facilitate implementation of Government programmes and delivery of essential public services. Additionally, K256 million was released for the procurement of drugs and medical supplies to sustain healthcare delivery across the country, while K300 million was allocated to the Electoral Commission of Zambia to facilitate ongoing preparatory activities for the forthcoming General Elections.”
With regard to capital expenditure, MoF stated that the government released K1.8 billion towards infrastructure development projects, particularly in the roads and education sectors. They stated that the investment was intended to improve national connectivity, facilitate movement of goods and services, strengthen economic productivity and improve access to quality learning infrastructure.
“The Government also released K3.7 billion for the Public Service Wage Bill to meet obligations relating to Personal Emoluments for public service workers, including personnel in the health, education, and security sectors, as well as diplomats serving in foreign missions abroad,” Office of the Secretary to the Treasury stated. “The releases ensured continuity in public service delivery and the uninterrupted functioning of critical Government institutions.”
Commenting on the May 2026 Budget Releases, Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, said the release by the treasury reflected more than expenditure.
He stated that the release reflected continuity in governance, predictability in fiscal management.
“Economic transformation is rarely built in moments of comfort. It is often built during periods of discipline, resilience, and difficult but necessary reforms. Like a nation rebuilding after heavy storms, Zambia has had to repair foundations, strengthen fiscal management, restore credibility, and carefully reposition the economy towards stability and long-term growth,” stated Nkulukusa. “The May 2026 Treasury releases reflect more than expenditure execution. They reflect continuity in governance, predictability in fiscal management, and the determination to ensure that stability gradually translates into expanded opportunity, higher productivity, infrastructure development, private sector growth, and jobs for our people.”
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Further, the Office of the Secretary to the Treasury stated that Nkulukusa said the government clearly understood that sustainable prosperity required strong institutions, prudent debt management, credible reforms and a business environment that was capable of crowding-in domestic and international investment.
“The journey from stabilization to growth requires patience, discipline, and collective responsibility. The direction of our development is now clear and Zambia is steadily laying stronger economic foundations capable of supporting inclusive growth, competitiveness, infrastructure expansion, and greater opportunities for citizens and the private sector alike. Going forward, the Government remains committed to strengthening fiscal discipline, enhancing transparency and accountability in public financial management, and ensuring that public resources continue to support high-impact developmental priorities,” Office of the Secretary to the Treasury stated.
“Through sustained reforms, prudent debt management, responsible budget execution, and continued support to productive sectors, Zambia will safeguard macroeconomic stability, preserve investor confidence, crowd-in private investment, expand productivity, and create jobs and opportunities for citizens across the country while sustaining inclusive and resilient economic growth.”
