Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has shared its expectations ahead of the 2024 National Budget presentation by the Minister of Finance and National Planning today.
TI-Z Advocacy, Policy & Research Manager Bright Chizonde notes that the National Budget is the most important short-term public policy tool that is used to measure government policy commitments and direction and TI-Z expects to see a budget crafted around a relevant theme which takes into account the current macroeconomic and socioeconomic context.
Mr. Chizonde states that with Zambians complaining daily about the rising cost of living, the 2024 National Budget theme should resonate with this critical issue, in order to accord government the opportunity to remedy the situation.
And as a further recommendation, TI-Z has cautioned the government against significantly increasing the allocation towards the Constituency Development Fund, noting that there is need for comprehensive audits to establish the value for money before increasing its allocation as there are escalating cases of abuse of CDF funds and government should maintain the current CDF allocation of K4.4 billion, pending audits and investigations of reported abuses.
And the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) says it expects an increase in government funding allocation to the mining industry in the 2024 National Budget.
CTPD Programmes Coordinator Natalie Kaunda says the Ministry of Mines has received low funding for operations, which has undermined the growth of the mining sector in the country.
Ms. Kaunda says there is need for an adjustment to ensure a more substantial financial commitment, specifically for geological mapping, adding that the Geological Survey Department (GSD) remains underfunded.
She states that is hindering the ability to understand the extent of the mineral wealth in the country, adding that the mining sector has potential to significantly contribute to Zambia’s prosperity if properly resourced.
CTPD further expects clear initiatives and strategies to support artisanal and small-scale miners, stating that the formalisation of the ASM sub-sector remains imperative.
