World Bank Country Manager for Zambia, Achim Fock, has described the proposed 2026 National Budget as well thought through. The budget, presented last Friday in Parliament by Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, totals K253.1 billion, representing 27.4 percent of Zambia’s GDP.
A notable feature of the budget is that 81.6 percent will be financed through Domestic Resource Mobilisation, mainly from taxes and levies. Dr. Musokotwane also proposed expanding the Social Cash Transfer programme to 1.5 million households from 1.3 million, benefiting an estimated 8.4 million people.
The minister further allocated K33 billion to the Education sector and K26.2 billion to Health, signaling the government’s focus on social services.
Reacting to the budget, Fock said the measures demonstrate a careful balance between fiscal discipline and social investment. He highlighted the emphasis on domestic revenue generation as a positive step toward sustainable financing and economic stability. Fock also welcomed the planned expansion of social protection programmes, noting that support for vulnerable populations is critical for inclusive growth.
He commended the government for prioritising essential services such as education and health, which he said are key to long-term human capital development. Fock emphasized that continued focus on resource mobilisation, efficient spending, and social programmes will strengthen Zambia’s economic resilience while improving the welfare of citizens.
The World Bank’s positive assessment signals confidence in Zambia’s approach to the 2026 budget, aligning fiscal strategy with social development objectives and sustainable growth goals.