WHEN President Hakainde Hichilema says, “together, with unity, discipline and hard smart work, let us Grow Zambia and build a better future for every citizen,” he is setting out a clear direction for the country. It is a call for Zambians to unite, remain disciplined and commit to the kind of hard and smart work that can move the country forward.
If we are honest with ourselves, this is what Zambia needs at this stage of its development. Zambia has given President Hichilema a renewed mandate, and he has made it clear that the mandate comes with urgency.
It is not enough to talk about economic growth. Growth must translate into jobs, stronger public services and opportunities that reach people in every part of the country. That is the purpose of the Grow Zambia Agenda.
It is about turning economic progress into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens. The President has outlined the direction in which he wants to take the country over the next five years.
The emphasis is on creating jobs, increasing revenue for the Treasury and expanding opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. The composition of the Cabinet has also begun to give shape to this vision. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane at the Ministry of Finance brings considerable experience to economic management.
Mulambo Haimbe at Foreign Affairs places Zambia’s international engagement in the hands of a minister with an understanding of the country’s role as a partner in the global community. Dr Gilbert Siame at Green Economy reflects the growing importance of sustainability to Zambia’s development, while Professor Roma Chilengi at Health brings attention to an equally important aspect of national development, the health and well-being of citizens.
These appointments suggest an administration seeking to align its institutions with its development priorities. The success of that approach, however, will ultimately be measured by results.
Unity is an important foundation for that effort. Zambia cannot afford to allow political differences, personal rivalries and unnecessary disputes to distract the country from the task of development.
Discipline is equally important. Public office is a responsibility entrusted to individuals on behalf of citizens. Public resources must therefore be managed responsibly, and corruption must be rejected at every level.
Government institutions must be focused on delivering services and creating an environment in which the economy can grow, rather than becoming centres of waste and inefficiency. Citizens also have a role to play.
Discipline must be reflected in how we work, how we conduct business, how we use public resources and how we contribute to our communities. The call to work hard and smart is equally relevant.
Hard work without efficiency, innovation and good planning will not be enough. Farmers need access to modern methods and markets that can help them increase production. Entrepreneurs need an environment that allows them to invest, create jobs and develop new products and services.
Workers must strive for professionalism and excellence. Public institutions must also embrace technology and improve the way they deliver services. The President’s call for citizens to embrace faith in God also speaks to the values that many Zambians hold dear.
Zambia’s Christian identity places an important responsibility on individuals and institutions to uphold values such as honesty, compassion, justice and service to others. Faith should encourage us to reject corruption, greed and selfishness while promoting responsibility and concern for the welfare of others.
Ultimately, the Grow Zambia Agenda must be about more than growing economic statistics. It must be about building a society in which economic opportunities are expanded, prosperity is broadly shared and public institutions serve citizens effectively.
The President has set out his priorities for the next five years. Government has the primary responsibility to turn those priorities into policies, programmes and measurable results. But Government cannot do it alone.
Businesses, workers, farmers, professionals, civil society, the media, churches and ordinary citizens all have a role to play. This is the opportunity before us. Let us unite around the things that can move the country forward and work together to Grow Zambia. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
Let’s unite and grow Zambia
WHEN President Hakainde Hichilema says, “together, with unity, discipline and hard smart work, let us Grow Zambia and build a better future for every citizen,” he is setting out a clear direction for the country. It is a call for Zambians to unite, remain disciplined and commit to the kind of hard and smart work that can move the country forward.
If we are honest with ourselves, this is what Zambia needs at this stage of its development. Zambia has given President Hichilema a renewed mandate, and he has made it clear that the mandate comes with urgency.
It is not enough to talk about economic growth. Growth must translate into jobs, stronger public services and opportunities that reach people in every part of the country. That is the purpose of the Grow Zambia Agenda.
It is about turning economic progress into meaningful improvements in the lives of citizens. The President has outlined the direction in which he wants to take the country over the next five years.
The emphasis is on creating jobs, increasing revenue for the Treasury and expanding opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. The composition of the Cabinet has also begun to give shape to this vision. Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane at the Ministry of Finance brings considerable experience to economic management.
Mulambo Haimbe at Foreign Affairs places Zambia’s international engagement in the hands of a minister with an understanding of the country’s role as a partner in the global community. Dr Gilbert Siame at Green Economy reflects the growing importance of sustainability to Zambia’s development, while Professor Roma Chilengi at Health brings attention to an equally important aspect of national development, the health and well-being of citizens.
These appointments suggest an administration seeking to align its institutions with its development priorities. The success of that approach, however, will ultimately be measured by results.
Unity is an important foundation for that effort. Zambia cannot afford to allow political differences, personal rivalries and unnecessary disputes to distract the country from the task of development.
Discipline is equally important. Public office is a responsibility entrusted to individuals on behalf of citizens. Public resources must therefore be managed responsibly, and corruption must be rejected at every level.
Government institutions must be focused on delivering services and creating an environment in which the economy can grow, rather than becoming centres of waste and inefficiency. Citizens also have a role to play.
Discipline must be reflected in how we work, how we conduct business, how we use public resources and how we contribute to our communities. The call to work hard and smart is equally relevant.
Hard work without efficiency, innovation and good planning will not be enough. Farmers need access to modern methods and markets that can help them increase production. Entrepreneurs need an environment that allows them to invest, create jobs and develop new products and services.
Workers must strive for professionalism and excellence. Public institutions must also embrace technology and improve the way they deliver services. The President’s call for citizens to embrace faith in God also speaks to the values that many Zambians hold dear.
Zambia’s Christian identity places an important responsibility on individuals and institutions to uphold values such as honesty, compassion, justice and service to others. Faith should encourage us to reject corruption, greed and selfishness while promoting responsibility and concern for the welfare of others.
Ultimately, the Grow Zambia Agenda must be about more than growing economic statistics. It must be about building a society in which economic opportunities are expanded, prosperity is broadly shared and public institutions serve citizens effectively.
The President has set out his priorities for the next five years. Government has the primary responsibility to turn those priorities into policies, programmes and measurable results. But Government cannot do it alone.
Businesses, workers, farmers, professionals, civil society, the media, churches and ordinary citizens all have a role to play. This is the opportunity before us. Let us unite around the things that can move the country forward and work together to Grow Zambia. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home