Press Statement – The Midyear Economic Brief

On 19th July 2018, the Minister of Finance,Honourable Margaret D. Mwanakatwe, MP, provided the midyear economic brief to update the nation on the following subject matters:

  1. Recent Economic Development
  2. Policy and Structural Reforms Measures
  3. Implications of Austerity Measures
  4. IMF Programme

RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Minister indicated that projected annual economic growth of above 4 percent remained feasible because of the increased economic activities in the country.  The growth was going to be in the range of 4-5 percent in the medium term and was driven by mining, tourism and construction which had been supported by stable power supply and stable global developments. The downside risks to the projected economic growth included among others volatility in copper prices, high lending rates and adverse weather conditions. On Government expenditure (including amortization) for the first half of 2018, the Minister stated that expenditure amounted to K39.6 billion, against the budgeted K34.19 billion. The major components which were above target were interest payments by 43.2 percent and capital expenditure by 65 percent.

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The 7th China – Africa Think Tank Forum “Strengthening dialogue for a shared future”

The role of Think-Tanks  in society  is  to   engage  in  the  battle  of  ideas  by  providing  research-based   advocacy  and  evidence-based  commentary  on  pertinent   public  affairs. Think Tanks play a vital role in the development of the economy at both local and national levels.  The role further extends to compliment Government in making informed policy decisions through public policy research and analysis while at the same time aid the public to understand government policy decisions. In view of the increasing influence of Think-Tanks worldwide, there is need for our networks to be established among several like-minded institutions to promote a shared approach to development.

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Improved Livelihoods Through Inclusive Social Security – Leaving No One Behind

The past 3- 5 years have seen a robust and vibrant approach to improved social protection as a tool for better welfare of various members of the Zambian population. The Government of the Republic of Zambia has recognised, reaffirmed and practically committed to uplifting the welfare of the vulnerable in society through the implementation and improvement of various social protection interventions as part of their efforts to lift people out of the vicious poverty cycle and ensure that individuals lead decent livelihoods with dignity, the Government has adopted inclusive and sustainable social protection intervention practices.

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Press Statement – Electricity Subsidies help rich Zambians five times more than the poor – but removing Subsidies needs to be done with care

Electricity subsidies benefit the rich more than the poor. The richest Zambians currently receive nearly five times more in subsidies than the poor, according to a new research commissioned by Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC). Given how unfair the current subsidy is, the government’s aim of reforming subsidies by the end of 2017 is the right move. But care also needs to be taken to protect the poorest when subsidies are cut.

These conclusions are based on rigorous distributional analysis that will form part of PMRC’s forthcoming report considering the impact of removing electricity subsidies on individuals and businesses. This analysis has revealed stark findings that demonstrate the regressive nature of energy subsidies and the consequences of removing them.

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Press Statement/E-Voucher – Towards A Climate Change Responsive E-Voucher Programme

On Thursday 3rd May, 2018 the Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) launched its findings on a study focusing on the implementation of e-Voucher Programme in the 2017/2018 farming season. The key changes to the program included the establishment of a consolidated and harmonized National Database of Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) beneficiaries which enhanced beneficiary verification and tracking resulting in the elimination of non-existent and duplicate farmers.

Further, there is change allowed for the tracking of all FISP transactions including payments in real-time. Key findings of the study relating to challenges experienced during the implementation of the programme included; Late commencement of the programme, Inadequate funds for programme sensitization, monitoring and implementation, delayed activations and uploading of farmers cards, lack of physical presence by contracted banks in some districts and the failure by Agro dealers to transact through the newly introduced system.

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Press Statement – Seizing The Opportunity On Africa Freedom Day

As Zambia commemorates Africa Freedom Day and reflects on the dawn of freedom, the onward progress of the liberation movement, and the determination of the people of Africa to free themselves from foreign domination and exploitation, it is important we do not forget Africa’s prolonged development challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Despite the recent remarkable development gains by some sub-Saharan African countries — driven by a combination of factors like increasing democratization and transparency, strengthening and reform of governance institutions, surge in commodity prices, and the adoption and implementation of more effective macro-economic policies, the region still faces daunting sustainable development challenges.

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Press Statement Towards Addressing Fiscal and Debt Challenges for Sustained Macroeconomic Stability and Growth

On the 14th of June, 2018 the Honourable Minister of Finance Mrs. Margaret Mwanakatwe, MP released a statement addressing fiscal and debt challenges for sustained macroeconomic stability and growth. The measures announced by the Ministry of Finance are consistent with PMRC’s recommendations made to Parliament and Government ministries over the last three years. The proposed measures include; strategies to curb the debt stock and the pace of debt accumulation, Government arrears, unsustainable Government expenditure, revenue measures and communication on economic and financial matters.

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Public Statement – Government intensifies working ties with PMRC through Cabinet Office

PMRC this morning met The Reform Coordination Division, a division under Cabinet Office in charge of coordinating the implementation of all Government reforms and innovations. The division focuses on coordinating the implementation of high impact reforms and innovations as outlined in the Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) and other key strategic documents like the Industrialization and Job Creation Strategy (IJCS). The division also ensures that reforms undertaken by Government are communicated within and outside Government.

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Cholera Outbreak – PMRC Press Statement

On the 6th of October, 2017 a Cholera Outbreak was declared in Lusaka. Since then sporadic cases have been recorded across the country with only three fatalities recorded outside Lusaka. Cholera is an infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. It is caused by eating food or drinking water contaminated with a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae.

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The Spread of Tsetse Flies and its effects on the Agricultural Sector – PMRC Press Statement

 

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