WE ARE ON COURSE WITH THE COUNTRY’S PEOPLE CENTERED POVERTY REDUCTION PROGRAMS

FOR IMEMDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Cheelo Katambo
Deputy Media Director – UPND
Email: info@upnd.co.zm

WE ARE ON COURSE WITH THE COUNTRY’S PEOPLE CENTERED POVERTY REDUCTION PROGRAMS
October 19th, 2024

LUSAKA – The just released AFRO BAROMETER report to mark the International day for the eradication of poverty that places Zambia as the highest ranked African country whose efforts aimed at improving people’s living standards are gaining ground qualifies our long held position that Zambia under the leadership of the UPND and President Hakainde Hichilema is on course with its people centred development agenda.
The report which covers the period between 2021 and 2023 and covers a total of 39 African countries gives Zambia the highest score at 54 percent followed by Tanzania at 51 percent has not been achieved by chance but serious planning in line with our manifesto as a party contrary to insinuations from some sections of society.

Despite inheriting an economy reeling under heavy debt and mismanagement, the UPND led administration has demonstrated an impressive capacity for managing its resources wisely in the face of adversity. By reducing domestic financing needs and implementing proactive spending reprioritization, Zambia has been able to contain fiscal pressures that could have further exacerbated economic challenges.

This disciplined approach has allowed the government to maintain essential services and sustain critical developmental projects despite the economic slowdown. Initiatives such as the Social Cash transfer, Emergency Social Cash transfer, Constituency development funds and now the newly launched Cash for Work are some of the initiatives that places this government above the rest in terms of people centred policies that have a common person at the core of its planning and implementation.

The introduction of free education and skills training initiatives under the Constituency Development Fund have led to a reduction in household and community poverty levels as families no longer worry about the cost of educating their children as government has taken over that burden as part of its community poverty reduction strategies and as a party, we are excited to note that our manifesto which has been translated into the 8th National Development Plan is being carefully implemented for the benefit of the country’s citizens.

We wish to assure the nation that despite the challenges being faced currently, the Zambian economy shall continue to offer significant opportunities for growth, particularly in sectors like agriculture, mining, and renewable energy because the government’s proactive policy measures are key to ensuring future stability and resilience. By managing short-term risks effectively, Zambia is laying the groundwork for a stronger and more diversified economy. We call on Zambians not to be derailed by prophets of doom but rally behind President Hichilema and the UPND as they address the challenges being experienced.

It is further exciting to note that the AFRO BAROMETER survey report places Zambia above some of the continent’s stronger economies in terms of poverty reduction efforts, an assurance that the country’s development trajectory is on course. Our agriculture policies that have placed the rural small scale farmer at the centre of national food production and security through timely distribution of inputs as well as payments for the crops supplied, have greatly helped in placing enough disposable income among our people.
The increase in CDF allocations and creation of a Ministry specifically for rural development has further placed greater emphasis on the development of critical poverty alleviation infrastructure in rural areas such as feeder roads leading to productive areas, schools, health facilities and safe and clean water points further goes to show the UPND’s resolve to ensure that imbalances in national economic growth between rural and urban areas are addressed equitably in line with our 2021 campaign message. The diversification and increase in budgetary allocations for key sectors such as agriculture and livestock as well as aquaculture are all aimed at improving the livelihood of its citizens especially those in rural areas.
The UPND is glad to note that the fundamentals of Zambia’s economy remain strong despite the drought and resultant electricity shortages which are but temporal shocks, and with efforts being made to diversify Zambia’s energy mix, including investments in renewable energy and more efficient grid management, the country is poised to address its energy challenges in the medium to long term.

UPND MEDIA TEAM