By Staff Reporter
Finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane says the government is enhancing electricity supply reliability by adding 125 megawatts renewable energy to the national grid.
In a media statement issued today, Musokotwane argued that the country’s economic and social transformation agenda was firmly on track, with tangible progress across all pillars of the 8NDP.
“Investments in renewable energy added 125MW to the national grid, enhancing supply reliability and opening opportunities for green investments – the Chisamba and Mailo solar projects are now live. 19,619 new customers were connected to electricity in the second quarter alone,” Musokotwane stated. “14 new communication towers were installed, plus 525 Starlink units deployed to rural areas nationwide, expanding internet access and digital services.”
He stated that during the recent 2nd Quarter NDCC meeting, available data showed a resilient economy, expanding opportunities for youth and women, and progress towards laying a strong foundation for private sector-led growth and sustained investor interest.
“530 farmers were linked to export markets, smashing the target of 25, thereby opening new doors for Zambian produce in Europe, Mexico, and other destinations,” the statement issued by Secretary to Cabinet Felix Nkulukusa quoted Musokotwane as saying. “In addition, 1,038 farms were allocated in farm blocks and 26 boreholes drilled to support resettlement schemes.
He stated that FISP was fully migrated to the E-Voucher system across all 116 district.
“Against a target of 250 in the quest to promote value-chain development, 56,666 farmers were trained in production, 19,517 in rice and cassava processing, and 17,149 in food packaging,” Musokotwane stated. “13.9 kg of gold were purchased from artisanal miners by the Zambia Gold Company, injecting cash into the local economy. Plans are underway to establish aggregators in all areas with significant gold mining activity.”
He stated that over 1,300 km of access roads were rehabilitated in game parks and tourist zones, far above the target of 840 km.
He stated that the Lusaka–Ndola Road PPP project continued strongly with key sections nearing completion.
Musokotwane stated that 1,453 MSMEs received business development services, including mentorship, market access, and financing support, with five top SMEs each receiving USD 20,000 worth of equipment and training in Japan.
“Over 42,400 students were supported with bursaries and loans, more than double the annual target.Over 3,883 youths were trained in critical skills, far exceeding targets,” Musokotwane stated. “3,048 youths accessed business grants, triple the set target, fuelling entrepreneurship (a large portion of youth businesses operate informally, making them ineligible for formal financing channels).
He stated that 8,626 out-of-school children were re-enrolled, while 83,829 students joined secondary school on account of the free education policy. Musokotwane also stated that more than 3,930 women benefitted from empowerment initiatives, with targeted support to strengthen their role in businesses and cooperatives.
“16,098 women were trained in life and business skills to strengthen household incomes. Women’s clubs and artists received financial and skills support, boosting participation in creative industries. Women-led enterprises participated in public tenders, and expanded access to grants and loans is being rolled out to increase inclusion,” he stated. “3,883 youths were trained in various skills and 23,930 women empowered, exceeding set targets. The Social Cash Transfer reached 1.4 million beneficiaries, while over 2.2 million received emergency cash transfers in response to the 2024 drought. Environmental sustainability efforts led to the raising of 455,000 seedlings, establishment of over 1,000 hectares of forest plantations, and creation of 18 Community Forest Management Groups.”
He stated that 67 percent of corruption cases prosecuted have led to convictions.
