Lusaka, 24th October 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters, especially the youth, on October 24th, we celebrate 61 years of independence under the banner of "One Zambia, One Nation." This is not just a public holiday; it is a sacred day of reflection, gratitude, and a powerful reaffirmation of our collective destiny.

Sixty-one years ago, our founding mothers and fathers lit the flame of freedom. We celebrate the tremendous gifts they passed on to us: firstly, Peace and Unity, the spirit of "One Zambia, One Nation" across our more than 70 ethnic groups, secondly, Democratic Resilience, marked by peaceful transitions of power, and thirdly, The Zambian Spirit of natural warmth and hospitality. These are the solid foundations upon which our future must be built. We have come a long way, and we must never forget the strength in our unity.

Yet, as we celebrate, we must speak a painful truth: our journey is far from over. We acknowledge the millions of our people, our family, who still struggle daily, who face the harsh realities of poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic resources. We have not yet fulfilled the promise of prosperity for all. This is not a moment for despair or regret, but for a fierce, patriotic determination.

To those who are struggling: You are seen. Your struggle is not a measure of your worth, but a measure of the work that remains for our nation. Your resilience is the fuel for our national engine.

Call for Inclusive Leadership

For Zambia to truly rise, those entrusted with the power of appointment must be the guardians of our national motto. To all who are in charge of placing people in positions of public service: Be Sensitive: Our nation is built on inclusion. Every corner of Zambia, North, South, East, and West, must see themselves represented and served by the government. Prioritize Merit and Unity: Appointments must be based on competence, integrity, and merit, but they must also reflect a clear commitment to regional balance.

The Public Service belongs to all Zambians, not just a section, and certainly not just political supporters. Serve All Zambians: The only litmus test for a public servant should be their ability and dedication to serve all citizens, regardless of their political affiliation or ethnic origin. A divided government cannot lead a united nation to prosperity.

Message of Faith and Encouragement

To every heart that is heavy and every hand that feels tired, remember that we do not walk this path alone. In the midst of our national and personal struggles, let us cling to the promise of hope:

"Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10

When circumstances are overwhelming, know this: God sees you, God knows your path, and He is a constant presence in your struggle. Do not give up. Your faith, coupled with your work, will move mountains for our nation.

Youth as Catalysts of Innovation

To the young men and women of Zambia, you are the majority, the inheritors of this nation, and its most powerful resource. Our challenges are not roadblocks; they are unsolved puzzles waiting for your genius. Stop looking at the problems and start seeing them as opportunities to innovate:Is the food supply chain inefficient? Become the agri-tech entrepreneur who designs a better storage solution or a digital market platform.

Is it hard to access good healthcare? Become the tech founder who uses mobile apps to connect remote patients with doctors. Is poverty pervasive in your community? Become the social entrepreneur who creates jobs by turning local waste into valuable products. Innovation is simply solving a problem in a new, better way. You don't need a massive investment to start; you need an idea, a laptop, a small team, and the courage to fail and try again. The biggest breakthroughs in history were born out of the biggest challenges.

Let's change the narrative. Let the 61st year of independence be marked not just by remembering the past, but by unleashing the entrepreneurial fire of the youth to build the future.

A Call to Action

On this year’s Independence Day, let us put aside the politics of division and the paralysis of regret. Let us embrace the power of hope fueled by hard work. We stand ready, on the shoulders of giants, with 61 years of peace and unity in our history, and a world of innovation at our fingertips. Let us honor the sacrifices of the past by fighting the only battle left: the fight for shared prosperity.

The future of Zambia is not a gift; it is a creation. Go out and create it!

God bless Zambia.

Fr. Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga

Executive Director, Caritas Zambia

Download the entire CARITAS ZAMBIA'S 61st INDEPENDENCE MESSAGE: HOPE AND INNOVATION here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Caritas-Zambia-Statement-61st-Independence.pdf

Download the entire ZCCB Statement On The Revised Of Bill 7 And Appointment Of Judges - 1st October 2025 here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/ZCCB-Statement-on-the-revised-of-Bill-7-and-appointment-of-judges-1st-October-2025.pdf

                                                                                                              29^th September 2025

 

After listening to the presentation of the budget, all that came to my mind is a question: How do I analyze this budget? The presentation of the budget year after year is almost the same and I am familiar with it. I always feel, there is something not mentioned by the minister of Finance.

I just want to find the best way I can analyze the Zambian budget presented by the finance minister on Friday, 26^th September 2025. In the first place, the minister presented it with a lot of confidence and pride - it was all success. The economy has recovered; foreign investment is coming back especially in mining. All success. Indeed, from the paper, the economy is doing well. I sincerely thank the government for turning the economy from the disaster it was heading to 5 years ago.

Maybe, in my personal capacity, the best analysis is to follow the idiom: “thinking outside the box.” In this case, “analysis outside the box”. I need to analyze that which is outside what the budget focused on. For instance, so much investment in mining. The thing is: how many has mining employed? So many youths offloaded every year on labor market. How many are absorbed before others are offloaded? When it comes to housing, what is the government doing about? The government is not doing much apart from building a few expensive houses. 

A necessary approach for a socio-economic analysis, is needed: Focusing on the real-world impact on the most vulnerable, rather than just macroeconomic indicators, constitutes a critical "outside the box" analysis.

Here is a framework, in my personal opinion, for analyzing the Zambian budget from the perspective of Inclusivity, Employment, and Basic Needs (specifically housing), counterbalancing the government's narrative of high-level economic success.

1. Deconstructing "Jobless Growth": The Mining Sector Trap

The budget's emphasis on mining investment and its expected economic recovery often leads to what is known as "jobless growth." This is the core area to analyze outside the box.

A. Employment Multiplier Effect

• Key Question: What is the employment elasticity (jobs created per unit of growth) of the mining sector compared to other sectors?
• Analysis Point: Mining is highly capital-intensive, meaning it relies more on machines, technology, and large financial investments than on human labour. Its contribution to GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is disproportionately larger than its contribution to employment.

• Actionable Data: Get the latest available figures on the percentage of the labour force employed in mining versus the percentage of GDP it contributes. High growth in mining may only benefit a small, segment of the population, leaving the majority of the working-age population behind.

B. Youth on the Labour Market

• Key Question: How does the budget's spending on Education, Skills Development, and Youth Empowerment compare to the scale of the youth unemployment problem?
• Analysis Point: If thousands of graduates are "offloaded" onto the labour market annually, the focus needs to be on sectors with high absorption capacity.

• • Alternative Sector Focus: Analyze allocations to Agriculture, Tourism, Manufacturing (especially value addition), and the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) sector, which are typically more labour-intensive.
  • Budgetary Commitment: Look for concrete and sufficient financial allocations to vocational training and entrepreneurship programmes that address the skill mismatch and foster job creation outside the major industries.

2. Analyzing the "Housing Crisis": Beyond Luxury Homes

My point about the government (NAPSA, and others) building a "few expensive houses" highlights the crucial difference between housing development and affordable housing.

A. Affordability and Supply-Demand Mismatch

• Key Question: What specific budgetary line items address low-cost housing and slum upgrading in densely populated urban and peri-urban areas?
• Analysis Point: A budget should reflect a commitment to the needs of the majority of the population.

• Focus on the Poor: Expensive housing caters to the wealthy or middle-class, but the most acute housing crisis in Zambia is faced by the poor, who live in informal settlements. The analysis should focus on social housing schemes, subsidies for basic building materials for low-income families, and investment in essential infrastructure (water, sanitation, roads) in informal settlements, which dramatically improves their quality of life.

B. Land and Policy

• Key Question: Are there budget allocations for streamlining the land titling process, which provides security of tenure for low-income residents?
• Analysis Point: Housing policy isn't just about building; it's about empowerment. Budgetary support for land reforms that favour the poor and reduce bureaucratic hurdles is a key indicator of genuine commitment.

3. The Social Protection Perspective: Reaching the "Bottom 48%"

The overall confidence in the economy may hide persistent issues of poverty and inequality. My personal analysis must use the budget to gauge the government’s commitment to social equity.

A. Real Value of Social Safety Nets

Key Question: Has the allocation to core social protection programmes (like the Social Cash Transfer or Food Security Pack) kept pace with inflation and the rising cost of living?

• • • Analysis Point: Nominal increases in a budget can be misleading. If the budget, for instance, increased  by 6.3% but inflation is higher (e.g., 12%), the real value of the spending has decreased. This means poor families are receiving less support in real terms. You must check the real change in these allocations.

B. Geographic and Regional Equity

Key Question: Is the budget heavily tilted toward urban, already developed areas, or does it adequately fund decentralization initiatives (like the Constituency Development Fund—CDF) and rural infrastructure?

• • • Analysis Point: True inclusive recovery requires investment in all regions. While CDF is an initiative to promote local development, the analysis should scrutinize the capacity and transparency of its implementation, ensuring the money actually translates to local jobs and essential services, rather than being concentrated on a few high-profile projects.

In Summary: The "Outside the Box" Checklist

Government Focus (The "Box")	my Focus (Outside the Box)	Key Question to Ask
Mining GDP/Investment	Mining Employment & Value Addition	How many sustainable jobs does this massive investment create for a growing, young population?
Infrastructure (Trunk Roads)	Social Housing & Informal Settlement Upgrading	How much is spent on low-cost housing and basic infrastructure for the urban/peri-urban poor?
Overall Economic Growth (GDP)	Poverty & Inequality Reduction (Real Terms)	Does the real value of social protection spending increase or decrease after accounting for inflation?
Recruitment (e.g., Teachers)	Youth Skills & Entrepreneurship	Are there sufficient, well-funded programmes to absorb the thousands of unemployed, non-government job-seekers?

 

By Fr. Dr. Gabriel Mapulanga

 

Download the entire 2026 National Budget Analysis here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/2026-National-Budget-A-Critical-Outside-The-Box-Analysis.pdf

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

1st September 2025

As we enter the Season of Creation, a sacred and solemn time dedicated to recognising and honouring the beauty and bounty of the natural world, we find ourselves called to deeper reflection and decisive action.

This year, the recent Pastoral Statement on Pollution and Environmental Degradation in Zambia compels us to confront the urgent environmental crises threatening our communities and ecosystems: rampant pollution, deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and water contamination.

The Season of Creation invites us, as people of faith, to renew our commitment to act as responsible stewards of God’s creation. This stewardship goes beyond spiritual reflection; it calls for practical and sustained engagement in conserving and protecting our environment. We are called to incorporate ecological principles into our lifestyles, promote environmental education, and advocate for justice that heals both people and the planet.

Environmental stewardship is not optional but central to our Christian vocation. It demands that we listen to the cry of the Earth as well as the cry of the poor, recognizing the interconnectedness of all creation. In Zambia, this means addressing the causes of pollution and degradation by supporting sustainable agricultural practices, protecting forested areas, managing waste responsibly, and urging government and business leaders to adopt and enforce policies that respect the integrity of creation.

Scripture reminds us of our sacred responsibility:

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28)

This dominion is not a license for exploitation, but a divine mandate for stewardship—one that calls us to care, protect, and preserve creation for the common good.

Pope Francis echoes this in Laudato Si’, his encyclical on the environment, where he writes: “The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” He urges us to hear both “the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor,” recognizing that ecological degradation and social injustice are deeply intertwined.

May this Season of Creation deepen our appreciating the wonder of God’s handiwork and empower us to become faithful guardians of the Earth. Let us embrace the call of the Pastoral Statement by transforming our awareness into action, fostering solidarity with those affected by environmental harm, and committing ourselves to sustainable living that honours God, uplifts humanity, and protects the fragile web of life.

In this holy time, may our prayers and deeds be united in a powerful witness of renewal, restoration, and hope for our beloved Zambia and the entire world

PRESS RELEASE

27th June 2025

Caritas Zambia warmly welcomes His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive to the Minister of Justice to withdraw the Constitution Amendment Bill from Parliament until further notice. This is a commendable and statesmanlike decision that reflects a commitment to democratic principles and inclusive governance.

Download the entirePress Statement'Caritas Zambia Commends Presidential Decision To Withdraw Constitution Amendment Bill, Urges Continued Dialogue' here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Caritas-Zambia-Statement-on-Bill-7.pdf

On World Refugee Day, June 20th, Caritas Zambia stands in solidarity with refugees around the globe, especially the children and young people who have sought safety and a new beginning here in Zambia. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience, courage, and hope of millions forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, and violence.

Download the entire Caritas Zambia On World Refugee Day 2025: "Solidarity With Refugees – Ubuntu In Action" here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Caritas-Zambia-World-Refugee-Day-2025.pdf

On this World Environmental Day, June 5th, we are called to reflect deeply on our relationship with creation and with one another. As Caritas Zambia, we find profound inspiration and guidance in Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home. This powerful message resonates deeply with the spirit of World Environmental Day, urging us to recognize the interconnectedness of all life and our shared responsibility to protect our planet. Laudato Si' reminds us that the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor are inextricably linked. Environmental degradation disproportionately affects those who have contributed least to it our brothers and sisters living in poverty. They are the first to suffer from drought, floods, pollution, and the loss of natural resources, impacting their access to food, water, and livelihoods. Therefore, true environmental care cannot be separated from a commitment to social justice.

Download the entire EMBRACING OUR SHARED HOME AND OUR POOREST BROTHERS AND SISTERS: A WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL DAY REFLECTION Statement here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/A-World-Environmental-Day-Reflection-2025.pdf

Caritas Zambia has noted with deep concern the decision by the United States government to cut aid for essential medicines in Zambia. We understand that this decision stems from credible reports of theft and the illegal sale of donated medicines within our healthcare system. While we unequivocally condemn any form of corruption and the criminal actions of individuals who pilfer resources meant for the sick and vulnerable, we must also voice our profound worry about the devastating impact this aid cut will have on the lives of countless Zambians who rely on these vital medications.

Download the entire A Call For Justice, Accountability, And The Preservation Of Life In The Face Of US Aid Reduction - CARITAS ZAMBIA Press Statement here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/Caritas-Statement-on-USAID-CUT-to-Health.pdf

30th April, 2025.

As Zambia joins the global community in observing Labour Day this year, 2025, Caritas Zambia reflects the profound signifiance of work in human life and social well-being.

Download the entire reflection 'Caritas Zambia Commemorates Labour Day - The Enduring Wisdom of Catholic Social Teaching on Work' here: https://caritaszambia.org/phocadownload/general/labour-day-2025.PDF