By Staff Reporter
Finance minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane says the private sector is expected to take advantage of various economic opportunities, to deliver inclusive development, jobs and improved livelihoods of people.
In a speech delivered at the first National Development Coordinating Committee meeting for 2024, Dr. Musokotwane said the continued commitment by cooperating partners would result in the improvement of the lives the Zambian people through enhanced programme implementation.
He said the efforts of the civil society and faith-based organisations would equally result in a better society for all.
“Therefore, allow me to state that the role that partnerships play can never be underestimated. I implore you to continue your support to improving the lives of the Zambian people,” Dr. Musokotwane said.
He said he was delighted that cooperating partners had been given a platform to highlight their partnerships to Zambia’s development aspirations in 2024.
“In the same vain we also had remarks on developmental matters from the civil society organization representative,” he said.
Dr. Musokotwane also urged partners to use the platform provided by the NDCC to, not only, give their perspective on the environment, but also highlight their contributions to promoting the sustainable development of Zambia.
He said the current drought which was declared a disaster should take priority in the programming of 2024.
“A clarion call to action to all stakeholders including the government, his private sector, cooperating partners, Churches, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and framers’ unions, to take action to mitigate the potential devastating consequences on critical sectors across the country,” Dr. Musokotwane said.
He said sector such as agriculture, water and energy would be negatively affected while national food security and livelihood of millions Zambians was also at risk.
The Finance minister said this would impact negatively on the country’s economic development programme.
He said all stakeholders must comprehensively and effectively respond to the disaster and emergency through short term and long term measures.
Dr. Musokotwane said the measures would include realignment of the budgets, avoiding wastage, water harvesting and building back better among others.
He said the government was committed to providing a conducive environment for all players to contribute to the social-economic development of the country.
“We are also committed to providing the resources allocated through our budgets, as evidenced from the year 2023, when we were able to disburse all the budgeted funds. We remain committed to supporting the social sectors for improved livelihoods of the people of Zambia,” said Dr. Musokotwane.
And secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa and chairperson of the NDCC emphasized that stakeholder participation was a critical aspect of Zambia’s development agenda.
Kangwa reminded everyone that the forum was more than just an opportunity to present plans.
