Central Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Godfrey Chitambala has reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that the Ninth National Development Plan (9thNDP) is result oriented and focused on improving the quality of life of every Zambian.
Mr Chitambala says achieving this objective requires strong coordination across sectors and institutions coupled with enhanced collaboration with cooperating partners, civil society and other non-state actors.
Speaking during a Provincial Consultative Meeting on Priority Identification for the Ninth National Development Plan, Mr Chitambala stressed the need to focus on identifying strategic priorities that will unlock inclusive economic growth, create decent jobs, strengthen social protection, improve public service delivery, promote environmental sustainability and enhance good governance.
“As we identify developmental priorities, we must also recognize the importance of maintaining fiscal sustainability, improving public sector efficiency and strengthening implementation capacity”, he said.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary called for strategic, realistic and affordable priorities that are capable of delivering measurable and lasting development outcomes.
He said the 9thNDP should position the country to harness opportunities that strengthen resilience to emerging shocks and accelerate economic transformation.
Mr Chitambala also called on stakeholders to take stock of both the progress achieved and the challenges that remain.
“While notable gains have been recorded across various sectors, persistent challenges including poverty, unemployment, inequalities, climate change, food insecurity and energy insecurity continue to constrain inclusive and sustainable development,” he added.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary said these challenges require renewed focus, innovative policy response and stronger implementation mechanisms.
Meanwhile Ministry of Finance and National Planning Acting Director for Development Operation, Wapu Akapelwa said the consultative meeting has been convened to collectively identify and validate priority development issues that will inform the formulation of the Ninth National Development Plan.
Mr Akapelwa pointed out that the discussions should be guided by credible evidence, lessons learnt from the previous implementation of the Eighth National Development Plan, emerging national and global development trends as well as the evolving socio-economic landscape.
“This meeting marks a significant milestone in the formulation of the Ninth National Development Plan(9NDP) which will succeed the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and provide the country’s medium term development framework for the period 2027 to 2031,” he said.
