HH opens 4th Session of the 13th National Assembly
By Masauso Mkwayaya
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has opened the 4th Session of the 13th National Assembly.
Delivering his Speech in Parliament this morning, President HICHILEMA announced the increase of the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility from 400 million Kwacha in the 2023-2024 farming season to K1.2 billion for the 2024-2025 farming season.
President HICHILEMA says the increase is aimed at expanding support to farmers, covering additional crops, livestock, and aquaculture, as part of broader efforts to grow the agricultural sector.
The President also highlighted plans to support irrigation and mechanization, enabling all year-round crop production.
In the Mining sector, President HICHILEMA said government has attracted significant investments, including the 600-million U.S Dollars Kitumba Mine project in Mumbwa and the two-billion U.S Dollars Kobold Metals and ZCCM-IH joint development of the Mingomba Mine in Chililabombwe.
He said that government has also resolved issues surrounding Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines -KCM-, leading to new investments on the Copperbelt.
Addressing Power Challenges in the Country, the President acknowledged the current long hours of load-shedding, expressing regret for the difficulties faced by citizens.
He said to address the power shortages; government is promoting alternative energy sources.
President HICHILEMA said this includes the construction of a 300 Mega Watts thermal power plant in Maamba, expected to be operational by mid-2026.
He said ZESCO has also secured other projects, including partnerships from China, aimed at reducing the country’s reliance on hydropower.
On the economy, President HICHILEMA said the Country has recorded positive growth over the past three years, with GDP averaging five-percent.
He however said the effects of drought have caused a downward revision of the 2024 growth forecast from 4.7 percent to 2.3.
President HICHILEMA said the impact of climate change has also necessitated a realignment of the 2024 National Budget, with an additional expenditure of 41.9 billion Kwacha to address drought-related challenges.
