The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a clarification regarding recent remarks by Minister Mulambo Haimbe, stating that Zambia has no arrears with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The minister’s comments, delivered during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, sparked public debate after being widely interpreted as meaning Zambia had no outstanding debt with the IMF.
However, in a statement released by Principal Public Relations Officer Eva Hatontola, the government clarified that the remarks referred specifically to arrears—meaning overdue payments—not the total debt owed.
According to the ministry, Zambia remains up to date on all its repayment obligations and has not missed any scheduled payments or defaulted under its agreement with the IMF. The country has maintained this record since the start of its debt restructuring process and successfully completed its Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme in January 2026.
Despite this progress, Zambia still has an outstanding balance of approximately US$1.8 billion owed to the IMF. The government emphasized that this amount is being serviced in full compliance with agreed terms and conditions.
Hatontola explained that the minister’s remarks were made within the broader context of Zambia’s debt restructuring journey, its previous default status, and the IMF-supported reform programme that has contributed to stabilizing the economy.
She further noted that while Zambia does not have arrears with the IMF or other multilateral institutions, it continues to hold active financial obligations resulting from past financing arrangements.
The government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining sound economic policies, ensuring debt sustainability, and implementing reforms aimed at promoting growth, attracting investment, and advancing national development.
Smoke and mirrors once again
Very encouraging that normal people are paying back Kaloba.Others were just eating through fake tenders claiming development.Most of the money went into their pockets without a plan to pay back.Zambia was the first country to default.Thieves tried to approach IMF second round without shame,they were chased away like baboons in a maize field. Today they want to come back
Bunch of tribal liars. Fuseke!!
Xulu you are Baki ku sambia. Welekamu boyi
I never left.
Iwe Zulu stop troubling us. We are all over the world looking for you and you’re in Zambia?
Where exactly, because boss Mwimbu and boss Musamba have covered all the drinking places and brothels and they can’t see anything resembling you going after our informer girls.
Please man I need a promotion b4 the elections
Drop a hint on LT
Tell them to come to my home in ibex if they have the balls. I will shoot all of you. Zp cant touch me because they still support me
Govt officials lies and sugar coat language always being blamed on pipo as poor understanding.
You speak rubbish and blame the listeners.
Gaslighting the people again?
Hey man I dunno but it’s the Chinese man. They do wrong tings. Fuseke
Hey man I dunno but it’s the Chinese man. They do wrong tings. Fuseke