By Staff Reporter
The government says it released K4.8 billion in August for public service wage-bill while K4.9 billion went to arrears and debt service (both domestic and external).
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Finance stated that in August 2025, K13 billion was released to finance key national priorities, proving that commitments made in the budget were being delivered consistently and transparently.
“Of the total for the month, K1.1 billion went to transfers, subsidies and social benefits, K1.5 billion programme implementation and operations, K740 million capital expenditure, K4.8 billion public service wage-bill, and K4.9 billion to arrears and debt service (both domestic and external),” read the statement in part. Of the K1.1 billion dedicated to transfers, subsidies, and social benefits, the Treasury disbursed:1) K620 million for the Social Cash Transfer programme, ensuring that households in need continue to receive support. 2) K119.6 million for the Food Security Pack, providing vulnerable families and smallholder farmers with essential inputs to guarantee food on the table. 3) K100 million for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), channelled towards bursaries, grants, loans, and community infrastructure—empowering youth, women, SMEs, and cooperatives; and4) K100 million to cover the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (LASF) financing gap, thereby protecting retirees and their dependents.”
Nkulukusa stated that beyond that direct social investments, the Treasury also disbursed K1.5 billion for programme implementation and operations in strategic areas such as geological mapping and mobile voter registration – supporting both resource management and democratic participation.
The ministry stated that in addition, K740 million went to capital expenditure in roads, health, water, and education-further reinforcing inclusive development and providing evidence of a government that was not only planning but also building.
It stated that in the month under review, K4.8 billion was released for the Public Service Wage Bill, ensuring that teachers, health workers, and other public officials received their pay on time, safeguarding service delivery and reinforcing public trust.
Reflecting on the August 2025, budget releases, Finance minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane stated that the government had once again demonstrated that a credible budget was not just about numbers on paper but about timely action that transformed lives.
Dr Musokotwane stated that with each consistent release, the government under President
Hichilema was steering Zambia towards a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive future without leaving anyone behind.
“The August 2025 budget releases reaffirm one truth: Zambia’s budget is not just a paper promise—it is a living tool for development. For the ordinary citizen, every timely release means enhancement of livelihood, protection of the vulnerable, jobs for households, and infrastructure that lifts communities,” Dr Musokotwane stated. “No one is being left behind. For the business community, consistent funding signals stability, credibility, and confidence. It assures the private sector that the environment for growth, innovation, and investment is stable and strengthening.”
Dr Musokotwane stated that for investors and development partners, this consistency was the hallmark of a government that was serious about reforms, accountability, and long-term transformation.
He stated that each Kwacha released dismantled arrears, sustained macroeconomic stability, and created the certainty needed to attract capital and support.
“Budget credibility is about action, not promises. Every kwacha released is a step towards restoring confidence, protecting livelihoods, and building the Zambia we aspire to,” he stated.“This New Dawn Administration is a government in action—where fiscal discipline meets social protection, and where promises are translated into progress in communities. The message is clear:1) To citizens, your government is walking the talk;2) To businesses, the foundation for growth is firming; and, 3) To partners, Zambia is open, ready, and credible.”
