PSYCHOLOGICAL LOADSHEDDING, WHEN POWER IS BACK, ZAMBIANS CANNOT AFFORD TO SWITCH IT ON
The most dangerous form of governance failure is not always found in outright collapse. Sometimes, it hides behind impressive statistics, polished economic presentations, and carefully crafted narratives of success.
The government of Mr Hakainde Hichilema appears to have perfected this art through what can only be described as psychological load shading, a situation where the burden of economic hardship is not removed but merely repackaged and redistributed in ways that quietly suffocate citizens and businesses alike.
This government of Mr Hichilema has consistently celebrated macroeconomic indicators as evidence of economic recovery. Inflation has shown signs of moderation compared to the peak levels witnessed in previous years. The stability of the Kwacha has been cited as another achievement.
However, these statistics are increasingly detached from the lived reality of ordinary Zambians. Citizens do not buy inflation percentages in the market. They buy mealie meal, fuel, electricity, and basic commodities whose prices continue to escalate despite the government’s optimistic projections.
Electricity supply remains one of the clearest examples of this psychological load shading. The government and energy authorities have frequently attempted to present improvements in power availability as proof of progress.
Yet, this increased availability has been accompanied by steep tariff adjustments that have significantly increased the cost of electricity consumption for households and businesses. The result is a paradox where power may be available more frequently, but its affordability has drastically declined. Availability without affordability is not progress. *It is merely the transfer of economic pressure from supply shortages to financial suffocation.*
Furthermore, there is growing concern among citizens and businesses that energy consumption rates have quietly accelerated through tariff structures and consumption thresholds that punish users faster than before.
Small-scale businesses, which form the backbone of Zambia’s informal and SME driven economy, are particularly vulnerable. These enterprises operate on thin margins and rely heavily on stable and affordable electricity to remain viable. The sudden escalation in power costs is forcing many to either scale down operations or pass the increased costs onto consumers.This inevitably triggers a ripple effect across the economy, pushing commodity prices upwards and eroding purchasing power.
The government has often argued that tariff increases are necessary to sustain investment in energy infrastructure and reduce dependence on subsidies.
While economic sustainability is a legitimate objective, the pace and structure of these adjustments raise serious questions about whether adequate protection mechanisms exist for vulnerable citizens. A responsible government balances fiscal reforms with social cushioning. What Zambia is witnessing appears to be reform driven by financial compliance rather than social stability.
The consequences of this policy direction are becoming increasingly visible. The cost of doing business continues to rise, discouraging investment in small and medium enterprises that are widely recognised as engines of job creation.
Consumers are bearing the ultimate burden through rising commodity prices, stagnant wages, and declining disposable income. The promise that macroeconomic stability would translate into improved household welfare is beginning to ring hollow.
There is also a deeper psychological impact that cannot be ignored. Citizens are being repeatedly told that the economy is improving while their daily survival becomes more difficult.
This disconnect between official narratives and personal experience creates frustration, mistrust, and economic anxiety. When citizens lose confidence in economic leadership, recovery becomes far more difficult regardless of statistical improvements.
Economic policies must be evaluated not only through fiscal discipline but also through their social consequences.
Sustainable economic recovery is not measured solely by inflation graphs or exchange rate performance. It is measured by the ability of ordinary citizens to afford essential services, maintain businesses, and preserve dignity in their daily lives.
Fred M’membe
President of the Socialist Party and People’s Pact 2026 Presidential Candidate
Buchililalila.Always complaining. You were crying about load shedding. Now the government is importing power at a cost. Did you expect to buy units at ZWK 1(One)?
Just yesterday, you were shouting that the government must stop exporting power. They stopped, so now they have to raise money to pay for the imported power.
Ba Mmembe if there one person who is out of touch with reality its you.
Failed to meet your tax obligation and expected to continue having a company? Bailliff follow your post news paper. Failed to pay your loan obligations liquidation followed. Today you want to lecture us about sustainability. How? When you are in no position as you have never done anything sustainable. Tell us…is SP sustainable or you depend on handout from foriegn entities.
Zesco you admit needs to raise its tariffs. You also dont realise that the urban and rural poor who are disabled and vulnerable get social cash transfer…in your mind what is that? Those who dont qualify there is food for work (which didnt start under upnd but instead of food in this government; cash is being electronically paid)
While the post you make is about the mismatch between the power and power. Well isnt the removal of duty a mitigating measure to make solar an option from the grid? Isnt the option to to invest in solar to a point where you can sell back the unsed solar power generated an option that allows one to pay less.
Mmembe no one have ever built from hand out and spoon feeding. The failure rate in the first year taught you that the spoon fed students failed to make it into the second year cause they didnt have nor built a fortitude. Similarly government can only “throw a life line”. We owe it to ourselves to build from that “life line”.
In your own words…whatever government is going doing has to be sustainable”..
Tantanmeni is not. Spoonfeed is not. Otherwise we will never have a reason to grow. During KK we never had that reason. In PF wr never had that reason. The price is the opportunity cost of the future generation. Be objective in your criticism