“WE ARE GROWING POORER” – ARCHBISHOP BANDA SAYS ZAMBIANS ARE SUFFERING UNDER RISING POVERTY
Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda has painted a sobering picture of Zambia’s economic reality, saying many citizens continue to sink deeper into poverty as they struggle with worsening economic hardships.
Delivering his homily during the opening of the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) Plenary Assembly at the Catholic Secretariat Chapel, Archbishop Banda said the daily experiences of ordinary Zambians reflect growing hardship, with many families yearning for a future marked by dignity, justice and freedom.
The Archbishop observed that many citizens are living under difficult socio-economic conditions, while freedoms and liberties have continued to diminish, leaving people longing for what he described as a true day of liberation.
Despite the challenges, Archbishop Banda urged Zambians not to surrender to despair, saying lasting liberation comes through faith in God, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to justice.
He said the Church would continue standing with the people by proclaiming the Gospel, defending human dignity and promoting national unity founded on justice, truth and mutual respect.
Archbishop Banda called on citizens to remain united in supporting the oppressed and marginalized while working towards a society where every Zambian can live with dignity and hope.
“In the midst of our socio-economic and political storms, let us seek refuge in Jesus, who walks with us in our trials, offering rest to our weary souls. Let us stand united in the pursuit of justice, advocating for the oppressed and marginalized, and working towards a society where the cry for liberation is heard,” he said.
He added that Christians should become vessels of hope, bringing light to people facing hardship and helping build a nation where justice, freedom and lasting peace become a reality for all.
The Archbishop’s remarks come at a time when many households across Zambia continue to grapple with the high cost of living, unemployment and reduced purchasing power, with poverty remaining one of the country’s most pressing concerns.
©️ Kumwesu | July 18, 2026
Where is the evidence? High cost of living must be taken in context. More Zambians, 100,000 were employed. This means that the mouths that were sitting as large grain borers at home, now have an income and pay tax to the the treasury. No one can say that the cost of living is high when Shoprite has never closed a single outlet. More Hungry Lions have opened up in the country. PACRA has registered more businesses than ever before. The famers have produced bumper harvests in spite of the worst drought the country has ever seen. Zambia did not receive any aid from the World Food Programme. No Zambian died of hunger. So, ba Archbishop Banda, you are just decampaigning the government because of your personal hatred of the man who defeated your ATM. The man who grabbed the vehicle you stole from ZRA. THAT is the problem.
A bad man,with God on his tongue but bad deeds,greedy clerics.,Modern day pharasee