President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration is determined to grow and diversify Zambia’s economy, with the ambition of more than doubling its size since 2021. President Hichilema states that despite the government setting growth targets through the Grow Zambia Agenda, it…

 President Hakainde Hichilema says his administration is determined to grow and diversify Zambia’s economy, with the ambition of more than doubling its size since 2021.

President Hichilema states that despite the government setting growth targets through the Grow Zambia Agenda, it will not overlook other important sectors such as housing and health among others, saying they are ecosystem drivers that will stimulate growth in more sectors across the economy.

Speaking when he opened the first session of the 14th National Assembly in Lusaka today, the Head of State indicated that a larger and more resilient economy will enable the government to deliver better public services, protect the vulnerable, create opportunities and improve the living standards of citizens.

Mr Hichilema said to strengthen social services, government is in the process of developing a healthcare city that will have an anchor state-of-the-art hospital, specialist facilities, clinics, accommodation, a shopping complex and support facilities.

He noted that the healthcare city will make Zambia a centre of excellence in healthcare on the continent and a destination for the region’s healthcare needs.

The President noted that the government will continue to expand access to health services by constructing more health infrastructure across the country, recruiting additional health workers, and ensuring the consistent availability of essential medicines, equipment, and medical supplies.

“We will also accelerate measures to further reduce maternal, neonatal and infant mortality. Our focus now will be to work with the private sector to build a stronger and more efficient and resilient health system,” said President Hichilema.

He assured that his administration will pursue sustainable financing for the health sector and enhance accountability, transparency and efficiency in the procurement, distribution and management of medicines and medical supplies.

President Hichilema added that the government will further recruit more teachers and construct additional school infrastructure.

He highlighted that in order to deliver the Grow Zambia Agenda, government will ensure that every district has a skills training centre, adding that the government will further transform technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training into key drivers of employment, innovation and enterprise development.

“Our goal is to equip graduates and non-graduates with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship that respond to the evolving needs of the labour market,” the President said.

He added that Government will also establish public universities in provinces that currently have none for inclusive and equitable access to higher education.

With a target to earn 1 billion U.S. dollars annually from beef exports and more than double the national cattle population to 11 million animals, the Head of State said government will establish additional livestock disease-free compartments and strengthen quality assurance and traceability systems.

He noted that his administration will develop beef marketing centres across the country and enhance extension services to improve animal husbandry practices and the quality of livestock.

“We will intensify disease control, including surveillance and vaccination programmes, as well as construct and rehabilitate regional veterinary laboratories across the country. We will promote the production of small livestock, poultry, and dairy cattle among small-scale farmers,” he added.

And the President noted that, working in partnership with the private sector, government will strengthen agricultural extension services, expand access to affordable financing, and accelerate the development of farm blocks and agro-processing hubs without delay.

Among other initiatives, President Hichilema revealed that government is putting up 500, 000 hectares of land under irrigation to strengthen resilience to the negative effects of climate change.

“We are determined to improve access to modern storage facilities and markets for our farmers,” he added.

On housing, the Head of State expressed concern with access to decent and affordable housing, saying it remains a significant national challenge.

The President said the government will leverage private sector partnerships and encourage home ownership schemes, especially for young families.

He noted that his administration will facilitate the construction of more affordable housing and promote the development of well-planned, safe, resilient and inclusive cities, towns and human settlements.

Meanwhile, the President noted that government will pursue targeted reforms to expand access to clean and safe water, especially for vulnerable communities, while attracting private sector investment to strengthen and extend water infrastructure.