By Mary Kachepa
Government says it is prioritising social protection, empowerment initiatives, and targeted development financing to ensure that no one is left behind in the country’s growth journey.
Finance and National Planning Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE says Government is deeply concerned about the plight of vulnerable but viable citizens who can become productive contributors to the economy with the right support.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE has urged unemployed youths to take advantage of empowerment funds, Constituency Development Fund –CDF- grants, and Smart Village initiatives designed to help them turn their skills, creativity, and ambition into sustainable income and jobs.
Reflecting on the October 2025 budget releases, the Minister said Government continues to demonstrate that fiscal credibility is best proven through consistent action and transparent implementation.
He said the monthly budget releases are not abstract figures, as they represent hope and opportunity for the people.
Meanwhile, Government has released 21.1 billion kwacha to finance public service delivery and dismantle arrears for the month of October as part of the national budget implementation.
Of the total amount, 7.2 billion kwacha was released for transfers, subsidies, and social benefits, while 3.9 billion kwacha was channelled towards the implementation of various government programmes and general operations.
Notable expenditure items included 1.6 billion kwacha for the Farmer Input Support Programme –FISP, 1.5 billion kwacha for the Constituency Development Fund, and One billion kwacha for the Social Cash Transfer programme.
A total of 4.3 billion kwacha was released for the public service wage bill covering various public service workers and overseas allowances for diplomats, while 4.5 billion kwacha went towards domestic and external debt servicing and arrears.
Capital expenditure accounted for 1.1 billion kwacha, of which 691.9 million kwacha was allocated to road infrastructure, 45.1 million kwacha to the Rural Electrification Authority, and 336 million kwacha for infrastructure projects under various ministries.
To facilitate the implementation of programmes and general operations under government institutions, the Treasury released an additional 3.9 billion kwacha.
Notable expenditure under this category included 263.1 million kwacha for Geological Mapping, 191.9 million kwacha for empowerment funds under the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission -CEEC, and 101 million kwacha for the creation of Smart Villages.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by the Office of the Secretary to Treasury, Ministry of Finance and National Planning.
