Grow Zambia Agenda Links Economic Stability to Jobs, Investment and Export Growth

By Pauline Ngozoh

Zambia is seeking to convert recent macroeconomic stabilization into higher production, investment, exports and jobs under the Grow Zambia Agenda, with Government setting measurable output targets across agriculture, mining, energy and tourism through 2031.

The growth and delivery framework was outlined at the National Development Coordinating Committee (NDCC) meeting, where Minister of Finance and National Planning Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, delivered the keynote address and the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) presented implementation priorities.

Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit Kusobile Kamwambi said the next phase will focus on translating stabilization gains into increased productive capacity, investment, exports, employment and improved livelihoods.

In her presentation, Ms. Kamwambi said implementation is anchored on four pillars: economic transformation and job creation, human and social development, environmental sustainability, and good governance. At the centre is Government's 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 production matrix targeting 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 10 gigawatts of installed electricity, 5 million international tourist arrivals, 3 million metric tonnes of copper, 3 million metric tonnes of soybeans, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, US$1 billion in annual beef exports and 1 million metric tonnes of sugar.

Delivery is organized around six Presidential priorities: Agriculture and Food Security, Energy and Infrastructure, Mining and Natural Resources, Digital Economy and Innovation, Regional Economies and Tourism, and Human Capital Development. The agenda calls for expanded irrigation, market access, agro-processing, energy diversification, raising copper to 3 million tonnes, formalizing artisanal mining, expanding digital services, mobilizing private capital and skills development.

The framework seeks to move from broad objectives to trackable sector targets, with Government noting the test will be whether stabilization translates into higher investment, production, exports, jobs and household incomes.