FIA Zambia Calls for Rejection of Austerity Ahead of IMF Talks

Fight Inequality Alliance (FIA) Zambia has asked the Minister of Finance and National Planning for a meeting to discuss what it describes as harsh International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions, calling for an alternative economic approach that puts citizens’ welfare first.

In a letter received by the ministry, FIA Zambia National Coordinator Mputa Ngalande outlined the organisation’s demands ahead of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings.

Ngalande argues that Zambia’s current economic policies are placing growing pressure on households, pointing to rising mealie meal prices, higher fuel and electricity costs, and families struggling to afford basic necessities.

He also questioned the distribution of the country’s economic gains, arguing that multinational copper mining companies continue to make substantial profits while benefiting from tax incentives.

FIA Zambia says debt repayments are consuming a significant share of government revenue that could otherwise support public services such as healthcare and education. The organisation is calling for meaningful debt cancellation involving all creditors through a fair process under the United Nations.

Among its other proposals are a progressive wealth tax and a review of tax incentives for mining companies to ensure Zambia benefits more from its copper resources.

Ngalande argues that the economic pressures facing citizens are the result of policy choices and can be addressed through different decisions. FIA Zambia says the protection of economic and social rights should be central to those decisions.

The organisation has also requested meetings with the minister before its representatives depart for the IMF and World Bank annual meetings and after they return, to discuss the outcomes of the talks.

The position was outlined in a statement issued by FIA Zambia Communication and Mobilisation Officer Farai Kadyamoto.