HH: Zambia Must Abandon Reliance on Foreign Aid
President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Zambians to take ownership of their country’s economic growth and reduce dependence on foreign aid, warning that global assistance is becoming increasingly uncertain.
Speaking at the High-Level Development Forum in Lusaka, themed “Enhancing Resilience: Innovative Solutions for Strengthening LDCs Against Systemic Shocks,” President Hichilema stressed the importance of self-reliance, particularly in agriculture, health, and education—three critical sectors that have historically depended on donor support.
“For years, we assumed that donors would always fund our essential services. That era is over,” President Hichilema declared. “If we do not take responsibility for our own development, who will?”
The President pointed to climate change and global economic instability as key reasons why Zambia can no longer afford to rely on external funding. Last year’s devastating drought, which threatened food security across the region, exposed the risks of an aid-dependent approach to development.
“Waiting for foreign aid is no longer a viable strategy. We must take bold steps to ensure that Zambia is self-sufficient in food production, health services, and education. This is not just an option it is a necessity,” he said.
To address these challenges, the government has ramped up investment in irrigation systems, drought-resistant crops, and mechanized farming, aiming to achieve full food security within the next three yearsregardless of unpredictable rainfall patterns.
In the health sector, President Hichilema reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing to reduce reliance on imported medicines. The government is also working to increase domestic revenue for healthcare services, ensuring that essential treatments and medical supplies are readily available without waiting for international aid.
Similarly, the education sector is undergoing reforms, with a focus on technical and vocational training programs to equip young Zambians with skills that drive entrepreneurship and economic growth.
Speaking at the same event, UN Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima acknowledged Zambia’s progress toward self-sufficiency but warned that poverty and economic instability remain significant challenges. She urged a shift from loan-based development financing to grant-based support to prevent excessive debt accumulation.
“Digital tools and timely aid can lift millions from vulnerability,” she noted, citing Ethiopia’s safety net program as an example. “But borrowing to fund crisis response is not sustainable. African nations must find ways to finance development without falling into the debt trap.”
Over the years, Zambia has struggled with high debt levels, particularly from international loans. The government has been working to renegotiate these debts, but critics argue that borrowing remains a challenge in sustaining long-term development.
Despite these concerns, President Hichilema remained resolute in his address, emphasizing that Zambians must embrace self-sufficiency as the foundation of a resilient economy.
“We cannot build a strong future while depending on others. We must take charge, innovate, and secure our own prosperity. The responsibility lies with us, and the time to act is now,” he stated.
The government’s economic diversification agenda includes strengthening local industries, modernizing agriculture, and promoting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). By focusing on value addition and industrialization, Zambia aims to create jobs, reduce imports, and increase exports, thus reducing dependency on external financial aid.
Additionally, investments in renewable energy projects, mining reforms, and digital infrastructure are expected to enhance Zambia’s economic resilience against future shocks.
The forum concluded with calls for innovative policy solutions to enhance resilience among Least Developed Countries (LDCs). As Zambia pushes forward with its self-sufficiency agenda, the focus will be on mobilizing domestic resources, strengthening governance, and ensuring economic sustainability.
For many Zambians, the President’s speech signals a turning point a call to move away from the dependency mindset and embrace homegrown solutions for national development.
While achieving self-reliance will require significant policy shifts and structural reforms, the government’s commitment to reducing foreign aid dependency is clear. However, success will depend on strong public-private partnerships, effective implementation, and continuous innovation in key sectors.
The question now remains: Can Zambia fully transition from aid dependence to economic self-sufficiency? President Hichilema believes it is possible and that the journey has already begun.