Public Service Mobilises for 2026 Budget with Performance-Driven Focus
The Zambian Government has emphasised that the success of the 2026 National Budget will depend on disciplined execution rather than policy intent, following the 8th Senior Public Service Management Meeting held on Thursday at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The high-level meeting brought together Deputy Secretaries to the Cabinet, the Secretary to the Treasury, Heads of the Public Service, Service Commission Chairpersons, Permanent Secretaries, National Coordinators, and other senior officials. The session was chaired by Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr Patrick Kangwa.
In his address, Mr Kangwa highlighted that public value is achieved through accountable implementation rather than mere policy pronouncements. He highlighted the importance of peace and unity as foundational to effective execution, echoing the 8th National Development Plan’s assertion that stable governance is essential for socio-economic transformation.
The 2026 Budget prioritises tangible delivery, including increasing the Constituency Development Fund to K40 million, strengthening social protection, expanding recruitment for teachers and health workers, recapitalising Zambia Railways Limited, advancing the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, and allocating funds for climate resilience and economic diversification.
The Secretary to the Cabinet’s guidance aligns with Treasury principles, emphasising that the strength of any budget lies not in the size of allocations but in disciplined execution and measurable results. The fiscal framework for 2026 focuses on consolidation, domestic revenue mobilisation, and limiting domestic financing, requiring strict adherence to the Public Finance Management Act, procurement regulations, and ZPPA guidelines.
Mr Kangwa also stressed the importance of expedited implementation of Cabinet decisions, improved institutional coordination, enhanced monitoring systems, and clear accountability for leadership. The Public Service Transformation Framework is already generating reform momentum, with over 142 change agents trained and more than 1,250 staff engaged in competency development programmes, fostering a results-oriented culture.
“Budget execution will serve as a key performance metric across Ministries, Provinces, and Agencies,” the Secretary to the Treasury, Felix Nkulukusa, noted. “Fiscal prudence, continuous monitoring, and leadership accountability will ensure public value and translate policy ambitions into citizen-centred outcomes.”
As Zambia prepares for the start of the 2026 Budget cycle on 1 January, the meeting serves as a critical alignment point for the Public Service, ensuring operational readiness to deliver on the Government’s development goals.
