For a long time now, Zambia has not had a budget where 23 percent of it is centered on economic development-CSPR

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) has commended the government for heightening measures targeted at ensuring sustained economic growth and development in the country.

CSPR Board Chairperson, Partner Siabutuba, has described efforts by the government such as the increased national budgetary allocation for 2026 as a step in the right direction towards growing the economy.

Mr Siabutuba has noted that the 2026 national budget is standing on strong policy framework and macro-economic fundamentals such as policies targeted at reducing inflation and the growth of GDP, which if achieved, will have a direct impact at improving the livelihoods of citizens.

“For a long time now, we have not had a budget where 23 percent of it is centered on economic development. This shows that the government is deliberate in ensuring sustainable economic development is achieved,” he explained.

Mr Siabutuba has also commended the government for its decision to finance 80 percent of the 2026 national budget through domestic financing initiatives.

He noted that this is an important step towards weaning the country from depending on external funding such as loans and donor funding.

He added that this will further reduce the economy’s susceptibility to internal and external shocks.

“The decision by the government to fund a significant part of the 2026 budget is communicating a message that the country is seeking to break new grounds towards sustaining our own developmental initiatives. This is important especially that for a long time now, the development of this country has been anchored on external funding which threatens the sustainability of development initiatives,” he explained.

Mr Siabutuba has since urged citizens across the country to take an interest in funding the national budget by ensuring they meet their tax obligations.

“The call by the minister of finance for everyone to participate in funding the national budget is crucial and should be adhered to, especially that the country has various viable income streams where funds can be collected and ploughed back into the economy,” Mr Siabutuba explained.

He observed that returns will be huge if all landlords in the country pay their landlord tax.

“This money can be used in funding parts of the budget, ultimately impacting the development of the country,” he added.