IMF bailout package is based on locally designed economic recovery programme – HH
By Masauso Mkwayaya
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says the approved US$1.3 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package is based on a locally designed economic recovery programme anchored on the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP.
President HICHILEMA says the IMF deal is NOT a foreign programme as perceived by some sections because Zambia is the one that laid out a plan to the global institution.
He says people should take time to familiarise themselves with the details of the deal so that they avoid offering criticism out of context.
The Head of State said this in a keynote speech during the launch of the Eighth National Development Plan in Lusaka today.
And President HICHILEMA said the 8NDP is meant to set the country on a high growth trajectory feeding into the Vision 2030 which seeks to develop Zambia into a prosperous middle income country.
The Eighth National Development Plan has four strategic development areas namely, Economic Transformation and Job Creation, Human and Social Development, Environmental Sustainability and Good Governance Environment.
The plan which will run from 2022 to 2026 is themed ,” Socio-Economic Transformation for Improved Livelihoods.
And speaking earlier, Finance Minister, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE reiterated that the plan has been put on paper and now it is time to work for every Zambian.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE explained that his Ministry will ensure resources are channelled towards activities in the plan.
He said the 8 years remaining before 2030, in which the 8NDP falls are critical, to actualising the Vision 2030.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE however stated that the country’s other biggest challenge is youth unemployment, which should be urgently addressed.