Zambia’s Economic Hardship: A Test of Reforms Amidst Copper Wealth

Zambia’s general elections on August 13 are a pivotal moment for the country’s economic future. Voters are not just deciding on a president – they’re also evaluating the success of years’ worth of economic reforms. The question is whether these reforms have translated into tangible improvements in everyday life.

The numbers suggest some progress: inflation has dipped to 6.8 percent, and the government points to debt restructuring and an IMF-supported program as successes. However, scratch beneath the surface, and it becomes clear that macroeconomic stability hasn’t necessarily trickled down to ordinary citizens. High food, fuel, and electricity costs continue to weigh heavily on households.

For many Zambians, the economy is a personal issue – one exacerbated by years of economic hardship. “The central question coming from voters is increasingly whether the economic reforms of Hichilema’s first term have translated into tangible improvements in household incomes and living conditions,” says Joan Chirwa, a human rights defender and veteran journalist based in Zambia.

The government has touted its achievements in debt restructuring as significant, but even this progress may not be enough to win over voters. As Wellington Muzengeza, an independent political risk analyst, notes: “While the administration can point to macroeconomic recovery, ordinary citizens are more likely to judge its record by food and transport costs, employment prospects, electricity reliability, and the quality of public services.”

Zambia’s reliance on copper exports is another concern – one that has been exacerbated by the government’s ambitious target of raising annual production to 3 million tonnes. The debate isn’t just about increasing output; it’s also about how much of the revenue generated actually reaches Zambians. “We can increase copper production, but how much of the revenue we generate is reaching the wider economy and making a difference in people’s lives?” Chirwa asks.

This election is not just about economic reforms – it’s also about who gets to benefit from Zambia’s natural resources. The mining sector has been a major source of foreign exchange and government revenue, but concerns abound over how revenues are shared and regulated. Leaders should provide proper regulatory frameworks to prevent the exploitation of copper and ensure that Zambians benefit from their natural wealth.

Zambia’s economic record is complex – marked by both progress and stagnation. While Hichilema’s government has made strides in debt restructuring, it’s unclear whether these efforts have translated into tangible improvements for ordinary citizens. As Muzengeza notes: “Sound economic management must ultimately win broad public support.”

The election on August 13 will be a test of the government’s ability to deliver on its promises – not just in terms of economic growth, but also in terms of tangible improvements in people’s lives. Politicians and leaders should bring a message that has the potential to bring change and hope to the Zambian people.

The outcome of this election will have far-reaching implications for Zambia’s economic future – and not just in terms of copper production or debt restructuring. It will also set a precedent for how governments engage with citizens and respond to their needs. As voters head to the polls, one thing is clear: the next government must prioritize the concerns of ordinary Zambians – from food and transport costs to employment prospects and public services.

The real test won’t be in the polls themselves – but in what comes after. Will Hichilema’s government be able to deliver on its promises? Or will Zambia’s economic hardship continue to weigh heavily on households, fueling frustration and disappointment among citizens?