By Angela Moonga
The Ministry of Finance spent K6.6 billion from the K17.8 billion released last month on public service wage bill, representing over 33 percent of the expenditure.
In a media release by the Office of Secretary to Treasury, MoH stated that K17.8 billion was released in April 2026 to finance public service delivery, sustain economic recovery efforts, support vulnerable households, and continue implementation of critical infrastructure and development programmes across the country.
”Of the total amount released during the month, K6.6 billion was allocated to the Public Service Wage Bill,” the statement read in part. “K2.4 billion went toward debt service and dismantling of arrears, K4 billion was released for transfers, subsidies and social benefits, K3.1 billion supported Government programmes and operations, while K1.7 billion financed capital expenditure and infrastructure development.”
Under debt and other liabilities, MoH stated that from the K2.4 billion released, K2 billion went towards domestic debt service, K153 million on external debt service and K300 million toward dismantling domestic arrears owed to suppliers and service providers.
”These payments remain critical to preserving fiscal credibility, supporting private sector liquidity, and sustaining the gains achieved under Zambia’s debt restructuring programme,” read the statement in part. “In support of social protection and inclusive development, the Treasury released K4 billion under Transfers, Subsidies and Social Benefits. Key releases under this category included K1.4 billion for the Social Cash Transfer Programme to support vulnerable households, K1 billion for the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), K700 million to dismantle arrears owed to suppliers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), K570 million for grant-aided institutions including universities, and K100 million for pension obligations under the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund.”
MoF stated that K3.1 billion was released for general operations and implementation of various programmes.
”This included K1.2 billion for operational requirements across ministries, K350 million for procurement of drugs and medical supplies, and K95 million to support the Electoral Commission of Zambia’s delimitation exercise and settlement of voter registration arrears,” read the statement in part. “Meanwhile, K1.7 billion was released toward capital expenditure and infrastructure development. Of this amount, K758.6 million was allocated to road infrastructure projects, K298.3 million to the Rural Electrification Authority (REA), K200 million for water infrastructure projects, K150 million for education infrastructure, K50 million for provincial aerodromes, while K236.4 million supported various infrastructure projects across ministries and public institutions.”
Commenting on the release, Finance minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane was quotes as having said,
“We have journeyed from the stormy depths of uncharacteristic and carefree borrowing, which by 2020 had weakened fiscal space, strained public finances, and disrupted the Government’s capacity to service debt, and consistently support development programmes and public service delivery.”
