Gov’t Releases K21.1bn to Support Communities and Key Services

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to people-centred fiscal management, releasing K21.1 billion in October 2025 to sustain essential public services, support communities, and invest in long-term national development.

The Ministry of Finance and National Planning announced that the funds were allocated to key social and economic sectors, highlighting Government’s pledge to ensure that public resources directly improve the lives of citizens. 

The Ministry said the releases reflected a “human face” to economic management, demonstrating that responsible budgeting is not only about balancing figures, but also about protecting livelihoods.

Of the total funds released:

• K7.2 billion went towards transfers, subsidies and social benefits.
  • K1.6 billion supported the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
  • K1.5 billion was disbursed through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
  • K1.4 billion facilitated Social Cash Transfers.
  • K1 billion supported Grant-Aided Institutions including hospitals and universities.
  • A further K750 million went to school grants under the free education policy, K664.6 million to pension payments, K200 million to the Food Security Pack, and K120.4 million to Local Authorities.
• K3.9 billion funded government operations and national programmes, including youth and women empowerment through CEEC and digital transformation initiatives under the Smart Villages programme.
• K1.1 billion funded capital projects such as rural electrification and road works.
• K4.3 billion was spent on salaries for public service workers and diplomats.
• K4.5 billion was used for debt service and arrears, maintaining fiscal credibility and honouring Government commitments.

A highlight of this month’s expenditure is the Smart Villages initiative, designed to connect rural communities to digital services such as e-learning, e-health, e-agriculture and online entrepreneurship. The programme aims to ensure rural Zambia is not left behind as the country accelerates towards a modern digital economy. 

Minister of Finance and National Planning, Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, stressed that fiscal discipline must go hand in hand with compassion.

“Our monthly releases are not just figures — they represent hope and opportunity,” he said. “Every kwacha invested in education, social protection or empowerment is a deliberate step towards restoring dignity and building livelihoods.”

He encouraged young Zambians to take advantage of empowerment funds, CDF and digital programmes designed to support enterprise and job creation.

“Fiscal credibility is not about balancing books — it’s about balancing lives,” Dr Musokotwane said.

What It Means for the Country

• Communities are encouraged to actively monitor and participate in development projects.
• Local authorities are urged to speed up delivery and communicate progress.
• The private sector is encouraged to reinvest and expand in a stable fiscal environment.
• Civil society, churches and the media are asked to help track progress and share success stories.
• Development partners are encouraged to align their efforts with Zambia’s reform and growth priorities.

Government says the October funding is part of a broader commitment to ensuring that national resources translate into real change — especially for vulnerable groups and unemployed youth.

“With responsible management and collective effort, the national budget becomes a bridge to opportunity,” the Ministry said.