By Mubanga Mubanga
The ruling UPND says Zambia continues to navigate a difficult global economic environment shaped by persistent external shocks, while maintaining reform measures aimed at strengthening long-term stability.
UPND media director Mark Simuuwe when he featured on Phoenix yesterday that the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema inherited significant fiscal and debt challenges that required urgent restructuring and policy adjustments.
He said Zambia went through a comprehensive debt restructuring process under international frameworks involving multilateral partners and global financial institutions, a step that restored fiscal space and supported economic stabilization.
Following this progress, Simuuwe noted that the country was hit by a severe regional drought that affected agricultural production and food security across parts of Southern Africa.
He said the party supported government mitigation measures implemented through the Disaster Management & Mitigation Unit – DMMU, including expanded Social Cash Transfers and labour-based community programmes designed to cushion vulnerable households.
He further explained that while economic indicators have shown gradual improvement such as exchange rate stability trends, inflation moderation and renewed investor confidence the country remains exposed to global pressures.
These include geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions and commodity price volatility linked to conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and instability in parts of the Middle East.
Simuuwe stressed that these shocks are global in nature, affecting both developing and developed economies, and require continuous policy adjustment.
He highlighted bulk fuel procurement as a key stabilizing intervention aimed at reducing exposure to short-term international fuel price fluctuations.
He also pointed to regional energy cooperation with Angola and Mozambique as part of long-term efforts to strengthen fuel supply systems and energy security.
On social and economic empowerment, he cited expanded programmes including Social Cash Transfers, youth skills development initiatives, Constituency Development Fund (CDF) programmes, free education and increased bursary support.
He said these interventions are designed to broaden economic participation and strengthen household resilience over time.
Simuuwe acknowledged that implementation pressures remain, particularly due to high demand for social programmes relative to available fiscal space, but said scaling up continues in a structured and sustainable manner.
He concluded that Zambia’s economic trajectory reflects ongoing reform efforts under global pressure, and should be assessed within the broader international context rather than in isolation.
He added that the focus remains on stability, institutional strengthening and long-term recovery.
