Ministry of Finance and National Planning, #mofnp, Lusaka-Zambia

09/10/2025

"AFRICA NEEDS A DIGITAL REVOLUTION" — Hakainde Hichilema , REPUBLICAN PRESIDENT, ZAMBIA.

08/10/2025

AFDB PRESIDENT CALLS FOR RENEWED AMBITION AND INVESTMENT-LED PARTNERSHIPS

The Government of the Republic of Zambia is honoured to host the Third Consultation Meeting of the Seventeenth Replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF-17), taking place in Lusaka from 7th to 9th October 2025. The meeting brings together development partners, recipient countries, and senior leadership of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, to chart a renewed path for inclusive growth, climate resilience, regional integration, private-sector development, and governance reforms across the African continent.

The ADF is the concessional financing window of the African Development Bank Group, providing vital resources to 37 low-income and fragile African countries. The Lusaka consultations mark a pivotal moment in advancing the priorities and financing framework of ADF-17, with delegates also undertaking field visits to ADF-supported projects in Zambia to witness firsthand the impact of the Fund’s investments.

The meeting is the first ADF-17 engagement attended by the new President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. SIDI OULD TAH, underscoring a renewed spirit of partnership and shared commitment to Africa’s sustainable development.

In his opening remarks, Dr. SIDI OULD TAH, President of the African Development Bank Group, expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Zambia for their hospitality and commitment to a successful replenishment process.

“On behalf of the African Development Bank Group, I wish to thank our host, the Government of Zambia, for their warm welcome, hospitality, commitment, and support to a successful 17th Replenishment of the African Development Fund,” said Dr. TAH. “This replenishment is not about aid; it is about investment with measurable returns. Each donor dollar to the ADF unlocks over $2.50 in co-financing and private-sector participation, multiplying our collective impact.”

Dr. TAH emphasized that the Lusaka meeting marks a critical juncture in shaping policy commitments and resource allocations for the 2026–2028 financing cycle. He noted that Africa’s financing needs to meet the Sustainable Development Goals amount to $1.3 trillion, with an external financing gap of nearly half that amount.

“To many low-income and fragile states, the ADF is essential for building resilience against climate shocks, tackling humanitarian crises, and maintaining debt sustainability while investing in growth and peace,” Dr. TAH observed.

He reaffirmed the Bank’s alignment with the two-pillar framework endorsed by ADF Deputies — focusing on sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure and regional integration, and sound governance, domestic resource mobilization, and the fight against illicit financial flows.

The AFDB President also outlined four cardinal priorities for the Bank Group: 1) Mobilizing resources at scale, including innovative tools such as the Market Borrowing Option; 2) Reforming Africa’s financial architecture for greater coherence and transparency; 3) Transforming Africa’s demographic dividend through job creation, SME support, and youth empowerment; and, 4) Building resilient, climate-ready infrastructure, unlocking opportunities through regional corridors such as Lobito and Nacala.

Dr. TAH concluded by urging development partners to ratify the ADF Charter change before 31st December 2025, to enable the Fund to cross the 85 percent market borrowing threshold — a key milestone for expanding its reach and sustainability.

Speaking on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. CHARLES MILUPI, MP, Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Planning and Acting Minister of Finance and National Planning, welcomed delegates and reaffirmed Zambia’s strong partnership with the AFDB Group.

“Hosting this important meeting is both timely and significant for Zambia and indeed for the African continent,” said Mr. MILUPI. “For over five decades, the African Development Fund has stood as a beacon of hope and solidarity—providing critical concessional resources to low-income and fragile African countries. Its impact continues to be felt through improved livelihoods, expanded opportunities, and enhanced resilience across our continent.”

He extended Zambia’s congratulations to Dr. TAH on his election as President of the AfDB, expressing confidence that under his leadership the Bank will steer Africa toward “a stronger, more resilient, and prosperous future.”

Mr. MILUPI also commended the Fund’s continued support to Zambia, particularly in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure, noting that these interventions have contributed significantly to national development efforts.

He further urged development partners and African governments to leverage complementary financing mechanisms, including the Green Climate Fund and Global Environment Facility, to broaden the scope and impact of ADF-supported initiatives and accelerate Africa’s transition toward low-carbon, climate-resilient growth.

“The projects you will visit during this meeting stand as visible evidence of the transformative impact this collaboration has had on the lives of our people,” he added. “Behind every figure, every project, and every policy are real people whose lives are being changed through our shared commitment to sustainable development.”

The Lusaka consultations will pave the way for the final ADF-17 Replenishment and Pledging Session in December 2025, during which partners will affirm their commitments to the next cycle of concessional financing. About 150 delegates from AFDB-AFD member states and institutions are attending the talks.

The Government of Zambia reiterates its gratitude to the African Development Bank Group and development partners for their enduring partnership and shared vision of “Financing Africa’s Future Together.”

Mr. MILUPI was accompanied during the official opening by Agriculture Minister Mr. REUBEN MTOLO, MP, Secretary to the Treasury Mr. FELIX NKULUKUSA, Permanent Secretary to Economic Management and Finance MULELE MULELE, and Permanent Secretary for Budget and Economic Affairs Mrs. MWAKA MUKUBESA.

CAPTIONS

1. Minister of Agriculture Mutolo Phiri welcomes African Development Bank Group President Dr.Sidi Ould Tah while acting Minister of Finance Charles Milupi looks on before the official opening of the Seventeenth General Replenishment of the Resources of the African Development Fund in Lusaka.

2. African Development Bank Group President Dr.Sidi Ould Tah confer with acting Minister of Finance Charles Milupi during the official opening of the Seventeenth General Replenishment of the Resources of the African Development Fund in Lusaka.

3. African Development Bank Group President Dr.Sidi Ould Tah with acting Minister of Finance Charles Milupi pose for a group photo with the delegates after the official opening of the Seventeenth General Replenishment of the Resources of the African Development Fund in Lusaka.

4. African Development Bank Group President Dr.Sidi Ould Tah confer with acting Minister of Finance Charles Milupi after the official opening of the Seventeenth General Replenishment of the Resources of the African Development Fund in Lusaka.

PICTURES BY KACHA MIYOBA/ZANIS

08/10/2025

ADF — FINANCING AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT

The African Development Fund is a crucial financing instrument for 37 Low Income Countries. Providing major investments in regional integration - like trade ...

07/10/2025

DIGITAL GOVERNMENT AFRICA SUMMIT

(c) Zambia News and Information Services

04/10/2025

COPPERBELT SYMPOSIUM ON THE 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET

04/10/2025

COPPERBELT SYMPOSIUM ON THE 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET

04/10/2025

COPPEBELT SYMPOSIUM ON THE 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET

29/09/2025

BUILDING ZAMBIA TOGETHER: TAXES AS A PATHWAY TO SHARED PROSPERITY

(ZRA Commissioner General Dingani Banda, today at the Symposium on the 2026 Budget, presented an explainer of the tax measures next year).

Below is the presentation, re-packaged.

1. The Big Picture

“My Tax, Your Tax, Our Destiny” – Why Every Business Must Play Its Part.” The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has been tasked with raising K185 billion in 2026, equivalent to 20% of our national economy (GDP). This is not just about numbers – it’s about securing resources to fund free education, bursaries, health care, social cash transfers, and the increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF), now at K40 million per constituency.

Every kwacha collected in taxes helps government invest in infrastructure, create jobs, and support businesses through better roads, stable electricity, and improved public services.

2. What’s New in the 2026 Tax Framework?

The 2026 budget introduces reliefs, incentives, and compliance measures that directly affect businesses:

• Relief for SMEs: Higher turnover and rental income tax thresholds (up to K2,500/month) mean more breathing space for small players.

• Support for industry: Removal of duty on motor vehicle assembly kits and reduced excise duty on hybrids to encourage manufacturing and green technology.

• Boost for agriculture: Higher customs duty on imported dairy and processed meat to promote local producers.

• Fair play: Expansion of Advance Income Tax on remittances and stricter compliance requirements to reduce tax evasion and illicit financial flows.

This mix ensures that responsible businesses are rewarded, while those hiding from the tax net are brought on board.

3. Shared Responsibilities in the Tax Ecosystem

The Commissioner General reminded us that taxation is a shared responsibility. Here’s what’s expected from each player:

Businesses & Employers

• Comply faithfully: File returns and pay taxes on time to help hit the national target.

• Leverage incentives: Use available reliefs to expand operations, hire more people, and innovate.

• Employ inclusively: Benefit from increased tax deductions for hiring persons with disabilities.

• Demand transparency: Always ask for and issue a Smart Invoice to fight VAT fraud

Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA)

• Provide simpler systems and support for compliance.

• Implement the Tax Administration Bill and Medium-Term Revenue Strategy to streamline the framework.

• Enforce fairly, ensuring the burden is shared across all sectors, including the informal economy
Citizens & Consumers

• Support compliance by insisting on proper receipts.

• Recognise that every tax kwacha funds schools, bursaries, health services, and social protection.

4. Why This Matters for Business

A well-funded government is good for business. Taxes pay for the very foundations that companies depend on:

• Better infrastructure → smoother logistics and reduced costs.

• Educated workforce → skilled employees for growth.

• Stable economy → predictable inflation and exchange rates.

• Public trust → a level playing field where all businesses contribute fairly.

Call to Action

Zambia’s 2026 budget is about consolidation and partnership. For businesses, this is the time to:

1. Stay compliant – file, pay, and engage with ZRA early.

2. Take advantage of incentives – grow and innovate using the relief measures.

3. Be a partner in nation-building – taxes are not just obligations, they are investments into the business environment itself.

Together, by each of us playing our part, we move closer to the shared destiny of a prosperous, resilient, and equitable Zambia.

Would you like me to restructure this into a 2-page briefing note with a table of key tax measures and “actions for businesses”—something you can circulate directly to business associations and chambers of commerce?






Zambia Revenue Authority

29/09/2025

THE 2026 BUDGET THEME ~ LOOK AT IT THIS WAY

“Consolidating Economic and Social Gains Towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia”

1. What Does the Theme Mean?

The 2026 Budget is about building on progress already made since 2021—from stabilizing the economy and restructuring debt, to increasing investment in jobs, health, education, and agriculture.

• Consolidating gains & Making sure that the hard-won economic stability (lower inflation, stable Kwacha, debt restructuring progress) benefits citizens.

• Prosperous Zambia →Growing the economy at 6.4% in 2026, creating jobs, and expanding opportunities in mining, farming, tourism, and SMEs.

• Resilient Zambia → Preparing the country to withstand shocks like drought, electricity shortages, or global economic changes.

• Equitable Zambia → Ensuring benefits reach everyone, especially youths, women, rural citizens, and vulnerable households

2. Key Numbers

• Budget Size: K253.1 billion (up from 2025).

• Growth: Economy expected to grow by 6.4% in 2026, driven by copper, agriculture, and private sector growth.

• Inflation: Target to fall into 6–8% range by early 2026 (down from double digits).

• Reserves: To remain above 4 months of import cover, giving Zambia a safety net.

• Revenue Mobilisation: K185 billion in tax revenue expected – meaning more reliance on our own taxes rather than borrowing.

3. Where the Money Will Go

• Education (23%) → More desks, teachers, bursaries, and skills training.

• Health (13%) → Medicines, health posts, hospitals, and maternity wings.

• Economic Affairs (37%) → Farming, mining, infrastructure, and job creation.

• Social Protection (10%) → Cash transfers, food security, and livelihood schemes.

• Defence & Public Safety (9%) → Security, policing, and defence readiness.

This allocation reflects a people-first budget, prioritising daily needs and long-term human capital.

4. Empowering Citizens Directly

The 2026 Budget increases empowerment funding by 24% compared to 2025:

• Youth & Women via CDF → K1.13 billion;

• CEEC funds for SMEs → K516 million;

• Livelihood schemes → K326 million;

• Youth empowerment (sports & innovation) → K73 million; and,

• These funds will help create jobs, boost SMEs, and support vulnerable households.

5. Keeping Our House in Order

The Budget is also about living within our means:

• Reducing the deficit to 2.1% of GDP (spending only what we can afford);

• Limiting domestic borrowing to 2.3% of GDP, so banks can lend more to businesses and farmers; and,

• Continuing debt restructuring to free resources for development instead of repayments.

6. Why It Matters to You

• For citizens: Cheaper food and stable prices as inflation comes down.

• For students & parents: More funding for free education and bursaries.

• For farmers: Increased agriculture budget (towards 10% target under the Maputo Declaration).

• For SMEs: Access to credit, tax relief, and direct empowerment funds.

• For communities: Bigger CDF allocations, more clinics, and better water supply.

7. The Risks We Must Watch

• Electricity shortages due to drought and heavy reliance on hydropower.

• Debt payments may still pressure spending despite restructuring progress.
• External shocks like global oil prices or trade disruptions.

But Government and the Bank of Zambia are working on solutions—such as investing in renewable energy, improving reserves, and maintaining a stable Kwacha.

The Takeaway

The 2026 Budget is a budget of hope and discipline. It says:

• Let’s grow the economy;

• Let’s share the benefits fairly; and,

• Let’s keep our finances stable so Zambia becomes prosperous, resilient, and equitable for all.

29/09/2025

BA , THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR COMING TO THE NATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON THE 2026 NATIONAL BUDGET.

Go & spread the good news!

At the close of the National Symposium on the 2026 Budget today, the Minister of Finance and National Planning thanked University of Zambia students for their exemplary service—performing the National Anthem and supporting ushering duties.

“The energy and professionalism of the University of Zambia students—who led us in the National Anthem and assisted with ushering—made today’s National Symposium on the 2026 Budget truly special. Thank you for your patriotism and service,” said Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, Finance & National Planning Minister.

The Secretary to the Treasury Mr. Felix Nkulukusa had this to say about the youths and UNZA students whom participated in the Symposium: “A big thank you to the University of Zambia students who performed our National Anthem and helped with ushering at today’s National Symposium on the 2026 Budget. Your patriotism, discipline, and service made the event a success.”

The Ministry extends sincere appreciation to the University of Zambia students for their outstanding support—leading the Zambia National Anthem and providing professional ushering services during the National Symposium on the 2026 Budget. Their contribution elevated the event and inspired all in attendance.

29/09/2025

THE FUTURE MEETS LEADERSHIP!

At the close of todays National Symposium On The , Finance & National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, shared a joyful moment with UNZA students—thanking them for their services during the event and even playing the violin they brought to the event.

A true celebration of talent, unity, and collective national resolve of not leaving anyone behind!