President Hakainde Hichilema says his government is working on a programme that will focus on an expansionary mode following the achievement of many of the economic fundamentals.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema said Zambia is now enjoying an economic environment that can support buoyancy and further growth in the economy.
He said this during a bilateral meeting with United Nations Development Programme Assistance Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia.
The Head of State said the government would continue expanding critical sectors such as mining and energy to achieve its expansion programme.
The President reiterated that reforms to open access for independent power, generators, traders and removing monopolies will act as a springboard in the economic expansion programmes.
Mr Hichilema noted that programmes and reforms which his administration has designed and implemented have put Zambia on a stable economic trajectory.
President Hichilema said since assuming office in 2021, his administration embarked on deliberate reforms that would move Zambia out of the economic doldrums.
The President disclosed that going forward, the government is working on expanding the economic gains which Zambia has achieved so far in order to develop the country further.
He told Ms Eziakonwa that the government is resolved to sustain the economic achievements it has recorded as a result of his administration’s strict adherence to reforms and plans.
“It is these reforms upon which we were elected into public office and were religiously stuck to and religiously taking the lead ourselves rather than being pushed, as a consequence of that, growth has come through,” he explained.
President Hichilema has since asked the UNDP to support the government’s programmes by working with it.
He also requested the UNDP to help Zambia with market linkages and find a market for surplus agricultural produce.
The President noted that it is not okay for the United Nations to buy relief food overseas for regions rocked by conflict and natural disasters when it can be purchased nearby.
And the UNDP has noted that Zambia’s achievements should be published to the outside world.
United Nations Development Programme Assistance Administrator and Regional Director for Africa, Ahunna Eziakonwa, said it is important to consolidate the economic gains which Zambia has achieved.
