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Zambian Cabinet approves 2025 national budget estimates, targets economic stabilization

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The Zambian Cabinet has approved the 2025 National Budget Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure aimed at aligning the budget with the medium-term strategic goals outlined in the 2025–2027 Medium Term Budget Plan.

Cornelius Mweetwa, the Chief Government spokesperson, in a statement on Thursday, said the budget estimates were developed in line with the Green Paper and took into consideration input from various societal stakeholders.

“The 2025 Budget includes crucial revenue and expenditure measures aimed at growing the economy, despite the fiscal challenges,” Mweetwa said in the statement

The government spokesman stated that the 2025 budget would address the economic challenges posed by drought and the resumption of external debt payments, with the overarching goal of stimulating economic growth.

He also announced that the Minister of Finance and National Planning would present the 2025 National Budget to the National Assembly on Friday, September 27, as required by Article 202 (1) of the Zambian Constitution.

“In addition to the budget, Cabinet also approved, in principle, the introduction of a Bill in Parliament to amend the Anti-Corruption Act No. 3 of 2012.

“This amendment seeks to align the Act with the National Policy on Anti-Corruption and the Constitution, strengthening the legal framework for combating corruption and enhancing corporate governance within the Anti-Corruption Commission,” Mweetwa explained.

“The current Anti-Corruption Act has several gaps in preventing, prosecuting and punishing corruption and that the proposed amendments would address these shortcomings by strengthening penalties and enforcement mechanisms.

“The amendments will also improve public finance management, contributing to the national economic transformation agenda by promoting transparency and accountability in both public and private sectors,” Mweetwa added.

Metro

Zambia: President Hichilema urges traditional leaders to invoke rainmaking powers amid drought

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Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has called on traditional leaders to call upon their rainmaking powers by praying for rain as the nation continues to face the menace of drought.

Hichilema, who made the plea while speaking during the Shikaumpa traditional ceremony of the Ila people in Namwala on Sunday, expressed hope for divine intervention and sufficient rains.

“We pray that this year, God will give us rains, sufficient rains, so we can grow more food, so we can take care of the things, the assets that we keep,” the President stated.

He noted that he was informed of certain chiefs known for their rainmaking abilities, including Senior Chief Mwamba of Northern Province, Chief Sailunga of North-Western Province and Mwami Monze from the Southern Province and urged them to use their powers to invoke rain, adding that the chiefs should continue their prayers for rain, believing that “God will hear our cry.”

The President also encouraged not only the chiefs but also the churches and the entire nation to join in prayers for rain.

“All of us, the churches, everybody, we must pray for rains so that we can take care of God’s people properly,” he said.

The head of state further urged farmers to intensify efforts at planting crops and maximizing their harvest for national food security once the rain comes.

The drought in Zambia in recent
seasons have left 84 districts severely impacted, leading to food shortages and a worsening electricity deficit due to low water levels.

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Tiinubu committed to easing hardship Nigerians are going through— Info Min, Idris

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has, once again, reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s dedication and commitment to easing the economic hardship of Nigerians as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and other policies of the government.

Idris, who gave the assurance during a live radio programme on the Hausa service of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) titled, “Hannu Da Yawa,” said fuel subsidies primarily benefited a select few wealthy Nigerians to the detriment of the ordinary Nigerian masses.

The minister, however, emphasized that the Tinubu-led administration was working towards economic stability, even as the president had urged ministers to cut expenses by limiting official vehicles and personnel on assignments.

“President Tinubu is pointing out the need to change from the old ways of doing things in Nigeria,” Idris said.

He noted that the cost-saving measures, though seemingly small, are expected to make a significant impact.

He also stated that the recent renaming of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security reflects Tinubu’s commitment to addressing agricultural issues from multiple angles, particularly to improve food security.

On security, Idris said Tinubu’s administration has continued to acquire resources for security agencies and support personnel welfare, while consultations on establishing state police are ongoing.

Idris also urged Nigerians to responsibly use social media to portray the country positively, emphasizing collective responsibility in shaping Nigeria’s image.

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