Socialist Party (SP) President Dr. Fred M’membe has called on President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND government to reassess the country’s mining concessions and tax waivers in a bid to improve Zambia’s economic standing. Dr. M’membe believes that revising these measures could significantly increase dollar inflows into the national treasury, providing a much-needed boost to the Zambian economy.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. M’membe emphasized that tax waivers, which currently total about $2 billion annually, represent a major missed opportunity for national growth. He proposed that these funds could be redirected to create employment, particularly in the agriculture sector, where up to 3 million farm workers could be employed. “Redirecting these funds could lead to massive job creation and stimulate economic growth across various sectors,” Dr. M’membe stated.
The SP leader also criticized the UPND administration for what he sees as its failure to improve the living standards of ordinary Zambians. He highlighted the lack of progress in key areas such as wage increases, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and social amenities. According to Dr. M’membe, these shortcomings indicate that the government’s current policies are not effectively addressing the needs of the population.
“The government needs to act on the solutions that have been suggested by various stakeholders,” Dr. M’membe urged. He believes that concrete action on issues like tax waivers and mining concessions could significantly improve the economic landscape and improve the lives of Zambians across the country.
His call for a review of the mining sector and tax policies comes at a critical time, as Zambia faces ongoing challenges in utilizing its natural resource wealth to foster long-term, sustainable development. Dr. M’membe’s proposal suggests that a more balanced approach could unlock the potential for economic growth and job creation while addressing the needs of the wider population.
