Gov’t Releases K14.5 Billion for February 2025 Budget Implementation

Zambia’s Ministry of Finance and National Planning has released K14.5 billion in February 2025 to support public service delivery and budget implementation. Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that public resources are efficiently utilized through strengthened internal controls and monitoring mechanisms.

Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that transparency, accountability, and efficiency in procurement systems remain a priority to achieve value for money in public expenditure. 

K2.8 billion was allocated to debt servicing and arrears clearance. Of this, K2.5 billion went towards domestic debt service, K209.1 million for external debt service, and K100.9 million for dismantling arrears. 

K3.5 billion was disbursed, with key allocations including:

• K1.4 billion for bi-monthly Social Cash Transfer (SCT) payments targeting 2.3 million beneficiaries, including those affected by the 2023/2024 drought.
• K1.1 billion to settle outstanding payments to agro-dealers under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
• K432.9 million for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) community projects and bursaries for skills development.
• K252.3 million for university operations, student loans, and scholarships.
• K120.8 million for the Local Government Equalization Fund.
• K96.7 million for public hospitals and Grant Aided Institutions.
• K209.1 million for Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) operations to enhance tax compliance and revenue collection. 

K2.1 billion was allocated to developmental programmes and government operations, including K117 million for drugs and medical supplies. 

K1.1 billion was spent on infrastructure development, including K478.1 million for road projects, K552 million for general infrastructure, and K70.8 million for rural electrification. The Rural Electrification Authority continues to bridge the urban-rural electricity gap, enhancing productivity and livelihoods. 

K5 billion was allocated to salaries for public service workers, including healthcare professionals, teachers, security personnel, and overseas allowances for Zambian diplomats.

The Minister assured the public that the government remains committed to prudent financial management and ensuring that every Kwacha spent contributes to national development goals.