“Zambia Needs Higher Economic Growth”
By Musonda Mwewa
The government says Zambia’s 3.5 percent population growth requires a higher economic growth to meet the increasing demand for social amenities such as health and education, among others.
Zambia’s population has now reached 19.7 million.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane notes that the population growth is predominantly youthful, with individuals below the ages of 15 and 35 estimated at 42 percent and 77.9 percent, respectively.
Dr. Musokotwane says there is a need to invest in young people to achieve the human capital required to drive economic growth.
In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Ministry of Finance Director of Population Development, Charles Banda, Dr. Musokotwane stated that population growth should focus on the quality of life of people, not just the numbers.
Meanwhile, UNFPA Country Representative Seth Broekman said Zambia will assume a global leadership role in promoting sustainable financing for future generations.
United Nations Zambia Resident Coordinator Beatrice Mutali also highlighted the importance of ensuring no one is left behind in sustainable development, which requires data collection, analysis, and a deep understanding of systemic barriers and structural inequalities.
