CARITAS ZAMBIA STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE THIRTEENTH NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON FRIDAY, 12TH SEPTEMBER, 2025.
Caritas Zambia takes this opportunity to react to the president’s address to the nation, during the official opening of the Fifth Session of The Thirteenth National Assembly On Friday, 12th September, 2025.
We acknowledge and commend the President for highlighting the progress made in Zambia's economic and social transformation agenda over the past four years. The restoration of economic growth, regaining of market confidence, and reinforcement of the rule of law are significant achievements that deserve recognition. These strides reflect the efforts of the government and its commitment to national development.
However, while we appreciate the acknowledgment of progress, we are concerned about the brevity and vagueness with which the President addressed the pressing challenges facing the nation. Issues such as load shedding, which continues to affect the daily lives of Zambians despite the recent rainfall and the filling up of Kariba Dam, require more detailed and actionable solutions. The President's expression of regret over the situation is appreciated, but concrete plans and timelines for addressing this issue are essential for restoring public confidence.
Moreover, the rising cost of living and unemployment crisis demand urgent and comprehensive attention. With over 100,000 young people graduating from schools, colleges, and universities every year, the current employment rate of 2,000 to 20,000 per year is woefully inadequate. This reality underscores the need for a robust job creation strategy that can absorb the growing number of graduates and provide opportunities for the youth. Without meaningful employment, the economic progress highlighted by the President will not translate into improved livelihoods for many Zambians.
We urge the government to provide clear and comprehensive strategies to tackle these challenges, ensuring that the citizens' suffering is alleviated. The lack of specific solutions or timelines for ending load shedding and addressing unemployment leaves many questions unanswered and undermines the progress otherwise highlighted.
We look forward to seeing more focused efforts in the coming days to address these critical issues and to build on the progress made. The nation remains hopeful for tangible improvements in the areas that directly impact the quality of life for all Zambians.
FR. DR. GABRIEL MAPULANGA
CARITAS ZAMBIA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Download the signed copy of the CARITAS Zambia Response To Presidential Address When Opening 5th Session Of The 13th National Assembly, 12th September, 2025 here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/CARITAS-Zambia-Statement-In-Response-To-The-Presidential-Address-Opening-5th-Session-Of-13th-National-Assembly.pdf
