Mweetwa Defends UPND Economic Record

Mweetwa Defends UPND Economic Record

Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has presented a detailed defence of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s handling of the economy, saying the administration has achieved measurable stability after a series of fiscal and structural reforms.

According to Mweetwa, the government has reduced inflation, secured debt restructuring agreements with major creditors, and restored policy discipline across ministries. The administration’s economic management, he said, has allowed key sectors such as agriculture, education and energy to receive consistent funding despite global financial pressures.

The government’s first major milestone was the successful conclusion of a debt restructuring framework under the G20 Common Framework, which followed months of negotiations with bilateral and commercial lenders. The agreement, together with the US$1.3 billion International Monetary Fund programme, forms the basis for Zambia’s current reform agenda.

Mweetwa said the reforms have centred on controlling expenditure, improving domestic revenue collection, and redirecting resources to communities through the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Each constituency now receives increased allocations for infrastructure and social projects, replacing the centralised funding model used in previous administrations.

He reported that CDF funding has been applied to construction of classroom blocks, rural health posts, staff housing and small bridges, particularly in areas that had been neglected in past national budgets. Local authorities have been instructed to adhere to transparent tendering procedures and community participation in project selection.

The minister outlined that the UPND government inherited a heavy external-debt burden, delayed payments to suppliers, and an overstretched civil-service wage bill. The administration responded by introducing a debt-management framework and a spending control mechanism intended to stop the accumulation of arrears.

In addition, ministries were directed to conduct internal audits and submit quarterly expenditure reports to the Ministry of Finance. These measures are designed to strengthen accountability and improve the credibility of government budgeting.

Mweetwa said inflation has remained within single digits for much of the year, and the exchange rate has shown relative stability. He linked this to consistent monetary policy and prudent fiscal coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia.

The government has also maintained regular dialogue with cooperating partners to support sectors affected by reduced public investment, including energy diversification, education reform, and youth empowerment programmes. Under the current framework, development assistance is now tied to measurable outcomes and transparent disbursement procedures.

According to the Southern Province Administration, the UPND’s economic policy has prioritised long-term stability over short-term consumption. Funds saved through debt-service relief are being redirected to local projects, social protection programmes, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Mweetwa said the government continues to monitor living costs and commodity prices through the Zambia Statistics Agency and relevant ministries. Efforts to improve food security are ongoing through inputs-support distribution and irrigation projects under the Ministry of Agriculture.

He stated that although households still face high prices, the broader economic environment shows gradual improvement compared to conditions before 2021. The government considers these results as evidence that reforms are taking hold, though it acknowledges that recovery remains incomplete.

Mweetwa reaffirmed that transparency and fiscal discipline remain core principles of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. Provincial and district offices have been directed to enforce compliance with procurement regulations and ensure that public officers follow approved budget guidelines.

He concluded by stating that the success of the current reforms will depend on sustained policy consistency and national cooperation, with government institutions required to prioritise service delivery and measurable development outcomes.