……….as it helps in the planning and fostering development
Ministry of Finance and National Planning says the post budget analysis will help the ministry and government to better understand the potential impacts on various sectors will undoubtedly assist in shaping informed decision making going forward.
Ministry of Finance and National Planning permanent secretary for Budget Economic analysis Mr. Mulele Mulele said this during The Zambia Institute for policy Analysis and Research ZIPAR 2025 National budget analysis
Mr. Mulele said the in-depth assessment of the budget’s implications has provided valuable clarity and perspective on key issues at hand .
He appreciated ZIPAR’s commitment to providing high quality research and to providing high quality research and contributing to the broader dialogue on fiscal policy.
Melele added that government collaboration with other partners,it has made significant strides in addressing the drought, poverty alleviation and sustainable development which has empowered to tackle challenges more effectively with greater reach.
On the 27 the of September minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane presented the 2025 National Budget projected at $2,17 Billion under the theme Building Resilience for Inclusive Growth and Improved Livelihoods
ZIPAR interim Executive Director Zali Chikuba in his welcoming remarks said the budget is a bold statement by the government, aiming to increase economic growth to 6.6% in 2025 and strengthen social safety nets for the most vulnerable in society.
Chikuba cited that inflation remains a thorn in the flesh for many households rising prices of food, and a business environment under strain with the growth projections for 2024 have been revised downward to 2.3%.
He added that one of the key areas of focus in the budget is domestic resource mobilization— while external financing will continue to play a role in zambia’s development, people must learn to walk with own two feet by broadening tax base and improving revenue collection mechanisms.
the introduction of a smart invoicing system to improve vat compliance which is a welcome step.
Meanwhile, United Nations Resident Coordinator James Wakiaga Said the 2025 National Budget has coincided with the effects of drought on the economy which calls for urgently address the needs of the most vulnerable members of society who have borne the biggest brunt of the disaster.
Wakiaga noted that the presentation of the 2025 national budget is, therefore, an opportunity to refine the path to a brighter future for all the people in Zambia, especially those living in poverty and vulnerable situations.
