Last night, Minister of Information and Media and Chief Government Spokesperson, Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa, MP, appeared on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, providing insights into Zambia’s economic outlook, the energy sector, and the recently enacted Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7.
Minister Mweetwa outlined strong signs of economic recovery in Zambia. Inflation has dropped from approximately 17 percent at the start of 2025 to around 10.9 percent in November, with projections indicating single-digit inflation by year-end. He described the accumulation of over US$5.2 billion in foreign exchange reserves as “historic,” giving the country more than five months of import cover for the first time in its history.
Despite the effects of the 2023–2024 drought, Minister Mweetwa emphasised that Zambia is ending the year on a firm footing, noting improvements in agriculture, including a record super bumper harvest. He highlighted positive trends in fuel prices, mealie meal prices, and exchange rates, attributing these gains to disciplined leadership by President Hakainde Hichilema. Zambia has also strengthened its position globally as a key producer of copper and critical minerals, supporting the global clean energy transition.
On the energy front, Minister Mweetwa acknowledged that load shedding has remained a significant challenge for citizens. He confirmed that recent improvements in power supply, with up to 10 hours of electricity, are largely due to imports from Mozambique and utilisation of regional transmission infrastructure, following high-level engagements by President Hichilema with neighbouring leaders. He assured Zambians that these improvements are sustainable and highlighted ongoing investments in alternative energy, including solar and thermal power. He cited progress at Maamba Collieries’ Phase Two thermal power plant, which is about 60 percent complete, as evidence of expanding generation capacity.
Minister Mweetwa described the enactment of Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 as a significant milestone for Zambia’s democratic development. He disclosed that President Hichilema has instructed all Members of Parliament, across political lines, to return to their constituencies and explain the amendments clause by clause. Key provisions include constituency delimitation to enhance representation, and measures aimed at increasing participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in governance. The amendments have been welcomed by women’s organisations, youth groups, labour movements, and disability rights organisations.
Addressing reports of the alleged expulsion of Patriotic Front Members of Parliament who supported the bill, Minister Mweetwa dismissed these claims as illegal and politically motivated. He clarified that there will be no by-elections arising from the alleged expulsions and cited Article 76 of the Constitution and the Parliamentary Privileges and Immunities Act, which protect Members of Parliament from external interference. He emphasised that his role as Chief Government Spokesperson is to defend Parliament whenever it faces unlawful attacks, stressing that this does not interfere in party affairs but safeguards constitutional order.
Minister Mweetwa’s interview underscored Zambia’s progress on multiple fronts, highlighting economic stability, improvements in the energy sector, and key democratic reforms as the country positions itself for continued growth and inclusive governance.