Moses Magadza
LIVINGSTONE, Zambia – The Secretary General of the SADC Parliamentary Forum, Ms. Boemo Sekgoma, has commended Zambia for progress towards socio-economic development.
She made the remarks when she delivered introductory remarks at the official opening of the 56th Plenary Assembly of the Forum in Livingstone, Zambia on Monday. The theme for the 56th SADC PF plenary is, “Leveraging Technology and Innovation for Smart, Inclusive and Responsive Parliaments in the SADC Region.”
The Parliament of Zambia is hosting the Plenary, which has drawn delegates from 13 SADC Member States. In her address, Ms Sekgoma highlighted Zambia’s strides across various developmental sectors, underscoring the government’s focus on socio-economic growth and citizen welfare.
“Today, we recognise that Zambia is a country on the rise on all fronts. Zambia is pioneering in multiple developmental sectors and is promoting the socio-economic development of her people,” she said.
The SG said the Government of Zambia was actively promoting a stable economic growth “and is on the lookout for the welfare of its citizens”.
She said, “The economy now rests on diversified pillars and is becoming a competitive economy with respect to export markets. Development in Zambia is now ubiquitous with both urban and rural regions being progressively revitalised and modernised according to the Government strategy.”
Ms Sekgoma noted that the Government of Zambia had worked diligently to restructure its debt, liberating itself from the burdens of debt stress and creating conducive conditions for investment in diverse sectors.
“There has been immense progress in restructuring Zambia’s debt, resulting in freeing the country from the shackles of debt stress and creating an attractive investment environment for development in diverse forms to thrive. This is in alignment with regional instruments such as the SADC Model Law on Public Financial Management (PFM) which encourages countries to reduce their debt obligations in view of fostering investment,” she said.
She also addressed recent successes within Zambia’s mining sector, where previously contentious disputes have been resolved.
She applauded the reintroduction of free education up to secondary level, saying this was an essential initiative that had enabled millions of disadvantaged children to gain access to schooling.
“Through this measure, the Government has substantively implemented the human right to education for all and without discrimination,” Ms Sekgoma said.
Furthermore, she highlighted significant financial empowerment initiatives in rural areas, including a substantial increase in the Constituency Development Fund.
“This allows each constituency to prioritise and fund its development needs, thereby improving the quality of life for citizens,” Ms Sekgoma stated.
Zambia’s response to climate-related challenges, particularly the 2024 drought, was also noted. A comprehensive assistance programme has been implemented, benefiting nearly 60% of the national population through measures like cash grants and employment opportunities.
In the Information and Communication Technology sector, Ms Sekgoma noted that Zambia was making strides in innovation, including a pioneering Artificial Intelligence strategy, positioning itself as a regional leader in the integration of technology and economic development.
“Information and Communication technologies in Zambia are also flourishing with Zambia being one of the first countries in SADC to announce the formulation of an AI strategy. The theme for this Plenary Assembly is thus highly relevant for the upscaling of IT and innovation in Zambia,” she stated.
She said Zambia was set on the route to economic prosperity with immense attention given to the implementation of human rights and the uplifting of democratic principles.
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“Zambia also stands proudly as an example of progress and development for the region to emulate. It is gradually progressing to implement the Sustainable Development Goals as well as the AU’s Africa Agenda 2063 which are aligned to the Model Laws of the SADC PF.”
She welcomed the diverse participation in the Plenary despite election cycles recently completed in several SADC Member countries.
“This demonstrates the genuine interest of our Member Parliaments to nurture inter parliamentary cooperation. We are convinced that we stand to gain by working together and applying our minds in unison. We are fully persuaded that Parliaments that promote democracy can equally act to change the world and make it a better place for all,” she said.
