The Government of Zambia has reinforced its commitment to strong economic governance through a message delivered to newly recruited officers in the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. The induction workshop highlighted the importance of professionalism, discipline and high performance in public service. Officials stressed that Zambia’s recent recognition on the continental stage reflects sustained institutional effort rather than individual success. The message focused on the role of public servants in protecting national resources and driving development outcomes. It also emphasized that every officer plays a direct role in shaping economic stability and public trust.
The induction workshop was officially opened at Anina’s Lodge in Chilanga by Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration Ms Prudence Kaoma, an official within the Ministry of Finance and National Planning. She told participants that the Ministry continues to gain regional and international recognition due to the collective work of Government institutions and dedicated staff. She referenced the African Minister of Finance of the Year award presented by the African Banker to former Finance Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, a politician who has been widely associated with Zambia’s economic reforms. She explained that the award reflects the overall performance of the Ministry rather than a single individual. She further encouraged officers to take pride in belonging to a key institution responsible for national budgeting, economic planning, debt management and resource mobilisation.
Ms Kaoma stressed that public service requires strict adherence to values such as integrity, accountability, transparency and professionalism. She reminded officers that the public service functions as the main engine through which Government policies and programmes are implemented. She added that public servants act as custodians of public trust and must always prioritise the interests of citizens. She also encouraged continuous learning, teamwork and innovation to strengthen service delivery across all departments. Officers were urged to understand the legal and administrative frameworks that guide public financial management to ensure compliance and efficiency in all operations. She stated that every decision taken within the Ministry directly affects national development planning and economic stability.
The workshop also highlighted key achievements in Zambia’s economic management, including strong performance in public financial reforms and debt operations. Ms Kaoma pointed to the success of the buyback of Zambia’s 2053 Notes, which recorded a participation rate of 97.91 percent. She said this outcome demonstrates growing confidence in Government policy direction and disciplined economic management. She also noted that such results strengthen investor confidence and improve the country’s credibility in international markets. These achievements were linked to consistent policy implementation and improved coordination within economic institutions. Officials stressed that fiscal discipline remains central to sustaining growth and supporting long-term development goals.
The Ministry of Finance and National Planning reinforced that the culture of excellence must be maintained and strengthened by all new officers entering the public service. Ms Kaoma urged participants to see themselves as part of an institution that directly influences national progress, economic reform and citizen welfare. She emphasized that Zambia’s transformation depends on sustained professionalism, ethical conduct and commitment to public duty. The induction programme was designed to equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to support effective governance and responsible resource management. As the workshop concluded its opening phase, the message remained clear that high standards must not only be maintained but continuously improved to support Zambia’s development agenda.