In a historic development, Parliament has successfully passed the Access to Information (ATI) Bill, marking a crucial stride towards transparency and accountability in the nation. The bill, a fulfillment of President Hakainde Hichilema’s campaign promise, now awaits the President’s assent to officially become law.

The ATI Bill, which went through its third reading in Parliament this afternoon, seeks to empower the public by providing wider access to information held by government officials. Information and Media Minister and Chief Government Spokesperson Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, underscored the government’s commitment to fostering public access to information during a press briefing.

Minister Mweetwa highlighted that the legislation is designed to ensure that public resources genuinely benefit citizens. He emphasized that the new law would compel public officers to share information widely, moving away from previous practices of limited disclosure.

“The law will compel public officers to give public information to the broadest audience possible. For example, instead of an officer who is employing staff or procuring goods for a public body only disclosing the information to personal contacts, he or she will be required by law to publicize the information beyond friends and relatives,” explained Minister Mweetwa.

During the parliamentary proceedings, Minister of Justice Mulambo Haimbe stressed that the ATI Bill reflects the government’s commitment to Constitutionalism and the rule of law. He further noted that exemptions, such as information deemed sensitive to national security, were justified in the interest of safeguarding the country’s well-being.

Minister Mweetwa acknowledged the challenges faced in the past regarding the enactment of such legislation, citing concerns over government procedures, privacy invasion, and exposure of corrupt practices by public officials. However, he reassured the public that the new administration had revived the process with enhanced stakeholder consultation and benchmarking against international best practices.

“The New Dawn Government is committed to transparency and accountability as premised among the hallmarks of good governance. And in keeping with the electoral commitment made during the campaigns, we have brought this law to the House just as desired by the people of Zambia,” affirmed Minister Mweetwa.

Following successful debates and considerations, the ATI Bill underwent the second reading and committee stages without amendments before being read for the third time. Once President Hakainde Hichilema assents to the bill, Zambia will join the ranks of other African nations, including Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Tanzania, Angola, and Zimbabwe, where ATI laws are already in place. This landmark legislation is anticipated to strengthen democratic practices and empower Zambian citizens with valuable information for active participation in governance.

President Hakainde Hichilema addressed delegates at the second Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) during the Private Sector Day held at Ciela Resort in Chongwe. The President emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors for the economic development of Zambia and outlined key highlights and initiatives.

President Hichilema commended the PPDF as the primary avenue for public and private dialogue, fostering an efficient economy. He urged all sectors to support local businesses, particularly those in manufacturing, emphasizing that this is crucial for job creation and retention within Zambia. The President encouraged the exchange of ideas between established and emerging businesses, emphasizing that the knowledge of longstanding enterprises is invaluable to newer ventures.

Addressing the issue of the exchange rate, President Hichilema stressed the importance of Zambia becoming a net exporter. He shared that producing for both local consumption and export markets is essential for achieving a stable exchange rate. The President called on Zambians to contribute to this vision by producing for both local and international markets.

In a significant announcement, President Hichilema shared details of the country’s debt restructuring efforts. Before restructuring, Zambia was projected to pay US$7.5 billion over ten years. Following restructuring, this amount has been revised to US$750 million over the same period. The President also highlighted the commitment of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, to co-chair Zambian debt restructuring alongside China.

The President outlined several initiatives aimed at revitalizing various sectors of the economy. He expressed the government’s commitment to redirecting funds from wasteful expenditure to the Agriculture Credit Window, which will be managed by the private sector. Adequate financing will be created for agriculture and other sectors to stimulate growth.

President Hichilema encouraged collaboration between old and new businesses, both local and foreign. He highlighted the need for professionals from the private sector to be involved in government transactions and projects, emphasizing that foreign specialists should not be feared but engaged to contribute to the country’s development.

The President emphasized the importance of PPDF in addressing challenges and creating a conducive business environment. He assured that the government is finding lasting solutions to issues such as theft without damaging businesses post the removal of roadblocks. President Hichilema also touched upon the significance of PPDF in promoting domestic transactions, reducing foreign exchange pressure, and eliminating illegal imports that distort the Zambian economy.

The President concluded his address by directing efforts towards producing for export and implementing measures to boost foreign exchange earnings. He assured that the government will practice positive discrimination by buying local products, including Compound D fertilizer, as long as quality and pricing are satisfactory. The President also emphasized the need for all pharmaceutical procurement to be done locally henceforth.