SECRETARY to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusu has stressed the need for proper management of public funds, with focus on the limited resources available for programmes that make the biggest difference in people’s lives. He said this when he officially opened the 2027/2029 Medium Term Budget Plan and the 2027 Budget Hearing at Mulungushi International Conference […]

SECRETARY to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusu has stressed the need for proper management of public funds, with focus on the limited resources available for programmes that make the biggest difference in people’s lives.

He said this when he officially opened the 2027/2029 Medium Term Budget Plan and the 2027 Budget Hearing at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Mr Nkulukusu disclosed that the 2027 National Budget is being prepared at an important time for the country, with a focus on maintaining economic stability, supporting inclusive growth and delivering the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr Nkulukusa also highlighted that increasing salaries, funding requirements arising from the expansion of constituencies, payment of maize marketing arrears and the possible impact of the 2026/2027 El Niño are putting pressure on the national budget.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Finance and National Planning Permanent Secretary for Budget and Resource Mobilisation Mwaka Mukubesa disclosed that total resources for 2027 are projected at K271.9 billion, representing an increase of K18.8 billion, or 7.4 percent, from the 2026 approved budget.

Ms Mukubesa said that the domestic revenues are projected to increase to K290.1 billion by 2029 from K206.5 billion in 2026, while concessional borrowing is expected to reduce to K33 billion by 2029 from K44.9 billion 2027.

She further highlighted that the discretionary budget will increase from K67.8 billion in 2026 to K86.8 billion in 2027, with the additional resources supporting key programmes including the Constituency Development Funds (CDF), Free Education Policy, School Feeding Programme, Social Cash Transfer and Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).