THE Ministry of Finance and National Planning released K14.6 billion in September to sustain public services, meet debt obligations, protect vulnerable households and fund development programs, the Treasury said. The ministry said the releases reflect fiscal discipline and responsible debt management as Zambia moves from stabilization to higher production, investment, employment and inclusive growth. Of

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THE Ministry of Finance and National Planning released K14.6 billion in September to sustain public services, meet debt obligations, protect vulnerable households and fund development programs, the Treasury said.

The ministry said the releases reflect fiscal discipline and responsible debt management as Zambia moves from stabilization to higher production, investment, employment and inclusive growth.

Of the total, K5.4 billion went to the public service wage bill and related obligations, another K5.4 billion to domestic and external debt service and clearance of domestic arrears, K1.8 billion to transfers, subsidies and social benefits, K1.5 billion to government operations and K526.9 million to capital expenditure.

The K1.8 billion for transfers included:

– K857 million for grant-aided institutions, including hospitals and universities, to support operations and continuity of services.

– K435.8 million for the Social Cash Transfer Programme for vulnerable households.

– K200 million for the Food Security Pack Programme.

– K120.8 million for the Local Authorities Equalization Fund to support councils.

The ministry said the allocations help address household vulnerabilities while sustaining public services.

For debt, K4.1 billion went to domestic debt service, K625.1 million to external debt service and K674.2 million to clearance of domestic arrears, some dating back more than five years.

“Meeting these obligations is important for sustaining fiscal credibility, strengthening confidence in public financial management, and reducing outstanding liabilities,” the ministry said.

For operations, K1.5 billion was released to ministries, provinces and agencies, including K441.2 million for general operations, K101.1 million for expenditure related to the 2026 general elections and K64.4 million for the ongoing Geological Mapping Exercise to support mineral exploration.

Capital releases totaled K526.9 million, with K459.9 million for road infrastructure and K67 million for infrastructure projects in various ministries.

The ministry said sustaining budget credibility requires reliable revenue inflows. It noted the restoration of excise duty on fuel, as outlined in the presidential address to Parliament, will help fund free education, school feeding and Social Cash Transfer, among others.

The principles guided the 2027 national budget hearings for ministries, provinces and agencies, which concluded Thursday, Oct. 8, and public submissions for the 2027-2029 Medium Term Budget Plan and 2027 budget, which closed Friday, Oct. 9.

Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane thanked participants for their proposals, saying government policy direction for next year refers to the Presidential Address to Parliament and the Medium-Term Budget Plan, and that the 2026 budget remains under implementation.

“The detailed revenue and expenditure measures for 2027 will only be announced when the 2027 National Budget is presented to Parliament,” Musokotwane said.

The Treasury said stronger fiscal discipline should translate into better schools and hospitals, reliable public services, improved infrastructure, stronger social protection, more jobs and rising household incomes.

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