Government has announced that Zambia has successfully completed all International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme reviews conducted since the country entered into an IMF-supported arrangement under President Hakainde Hichilema.
Chief Government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa said the positive outcomes of the IMF assessments reflect responsible management of public resources and increasing international confidence in Zambia’s economic reform programme.
According to Mweetwa, Zambia has undergone six IMF reviews over the past four and a half years, passing each one.
He explained that IMF support is designed to complement the national budget rather than replace it. He added that most of the 2026 national budget is financed through locally generated revenue, while IMF resources are directed toward priority areas that require additional support.
Mweetwa stated that IMF-backed funds are being used for infrastructure projects, power generation, water harvesting initiatives, dam construction, expansion of food storage capacity and key social sectors such as education.
He noted that the favourable IMF assessments indicate satisfaction from the international community regarding how Zambia has utilised resources provided under the programme.
Mweetwa also acknowledged that the IMF programme involved difficult policy decisions that affected citizens, but said the measures were necessary due to the economic challenges the UPND administration inherited in 2021.
He said President Hichilema assumed office during a period marked by debt default, economic contraction and failure to meet international debt obligations. Under those circumstances, he said government lacked the fiscal space to maintain subsidies and had to prioritise debt restructuring to restore credibility with creditors.
Mweetwa added that although the reforms required sacrifices, they have helped establish a foundation for economic stability and recovery, with government beginning to see positive outcomes from the decisions taken.
