Gov’t Releases K12.4 Billion in March to Drive Public Service Delivery and Development
The Zambian government has released a total of K12.4 billion in March 2025 to finance key public service delivery functions and developmental programmes, affirming its unwavering commitment to inclusive economic transformation.
Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, said the March disbursements reflect the government’s resolve to support the most vulnerable segments of society through sustained investments in social sector programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer, Cash for Work, Food Security Pack, and School Feeding Initiative.
“Our Republican President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, is very clear on the need for those of us in his administration to ensure that the interest of Zambians takes precedence in our economic transformation and growth agenda,” Dr. Musokotwane said. “This is why at the Treasury, we continue to consistently fund social welfare programmes because we have a duty to mitigate the vulnerability of our fellow citizens.”
The Minister, who recently returned from the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece, made these remarks while reflecting on the March 2025 budget releases report. He also disclosed that the First Quarter Budget and Economic Performance Review will be shared with the nation and the international community at a Townhall Meeting scheduled for April 17, 2025, at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka.
According to the report, the K12.4 billion released in March was allocated as follows: K4.9 billion went toward the public service wage bill, K2.9 billion was spent on domestic and external debt service as well as arrears, and K2.5 billion was channelled into transfers, subsidies, and social benefits. An additional K1.4 billion supported government programmes and general operations, while K735 million was invested in capital expenditure.
In line with efforts to reduce indebtedness, the government allocated K2.2 billion to domestic debt servicing, K387.5 million to external debt obligations, and K292.8 million toward dismantling arrears.
A substantial portion of the K2.5 billion for transfers and subsidies supported vital areas: K869.2 million was released to support grant-aided institutions, K481.9 million for the Social Cash Transfer programme, K333.3 million for the Cash for Work programme, and K312.4 million to the Public Service Pension Fund. Additionally, K252.3 million was allocated to university operations, student loans, and scholarships; K200 million to the Food Security Pack; and K120.8 million to the Local Government Equalization Fund.
The Treasury also released K1.4 billion to support general operations across government institutions. Notable among these were K200 million in empowerment funds under the Citizen Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) and K106.6 million in donor funds allocated to various ministries and agencies.
For capital projects, K735 million was disbursed, including K276.8 million for ongoing road infrastructure works and K458.3 million for other infrastructure development across ministries, provinces, and agencies.
The K4.9 billion wage bill covered costs for public service workers, including those in education, health, and foreign service.
Dr. Musokotwane emphasized that the government remains focused on transparency, accountability, and effective use of public resources as Zambia continues to pursue a resilient and inclusive economic growth path.
