2022 Budget: The Jubilation, Hopes and Frustrations

On 29th October 2022 Minister of Finance, Situmbeko Musokotwane, delivered his maiden budget speech. Only slightly over two months from his party’s ascent to power- with much of the election euphoria still in the air- the public’s response was emphatic. The budget was bold, with pronouncements whose sheer scale was unprecedented, giving many Zambians hope. This was rightfully so as it promised jobs, increased investments as well as greater decision making for the people.

The budget outlined plans to hire 11,200 health workers and 30,000 teachers at the same time raising Constituency Development Funds to K25.7 million per constituency. Over 6 months into the year, the picture has not been as plain sailing. Much of the enthusiasm has waned and been replaced by frustration at the seemingly slow pace at which things have been moving. One might infer that actualizing the revolutionary tone set by the budget has proved to be easier said than done. Into the second half of the year and none of the above has been completed, with CDF funds sitting in bank accounts and lists of successful health workers and teachers yet to be released.

The release of CDF funds, particularly, has been fraught with varying challenges and criticisms. The Minister of Local Government has himself weighed in and was quoted acknowledging concerns of the process not being decentralized (News Diggers, 2022). The Minister further admitted the Ministry may have been overly stringent in designing the guidelines owing to a desire to prevent abuse of the funds. The topic has also been contentious in parliament as opposing parliamentarians motioned for the amendment of the CDF guidelines only weeks ago. Kanchibiya Member of parliament, Sunday Chanda, bemoaned the plethora of red tape involved in the disbursement of funds (News Diggers, 2022). In an interview he revealed applications have to move through 3 separate committees before finally winding up at the Ministry for approval; through the wards, districts, provinces and finally the Minister.

The recruitment drive has been similarly frustrating particularly for applicants, with the process having dragged on for nearly 4 months. Unemployed teachers and health workers who were expectant of starting work have had to deal with the anxiety of not knowing the results of their applications. Following endless delays, extensions and vague explanations it is unclear when successful candidates will be announced. Concerns about transparency have also been raised, notably by Southern Province Minister, Cornelius Mweetwa.

In spite of the above, the picture is not completely bleak. Though removal of subsidies in the budget has impacted costs throughout the economy, more funds have been released for social protection and social sectors such as health and education. Indeed education for all has become a reality, arrears for retirees have been dismantled and welfare programmes have been scaled up. Further, positive investor sentiment is being garnered, in crucial sectors such as mining and agriculture.

Therefore, the budget’s performance has been mixed. The delays and inefficiencies have caused many in the public to speculate on the government’s ability to carry out its transformative agenda. However, this being their first year in office, their performance as pertains to the budget can only improve, one would think. Nevertheless, however late, CDF funds will be released and civil servants will be employed. We cannot, however, hide our dismay at the pace of this.