THE Ministry of Finance and National Planning released K14.5 billion, in February 2026, to support public service delivery, finance social protection and agricultural programs, meet debt obligations.

The money was also released to sustain government operations, and continue infrastructure implementation across the country.

Out of the total disbursement, K4.4 billion was allocated to the public service wage bill, K3.7 billion went to debt service and arrears dismantling K3.8 billion was directed to transfers, subsidies, and social benefits.

A K1.9 billion supported the implementation of government programs and general operations, while K737.1 million was released for capital expenditure.

A Ministry of Finance statement says these releases reflect the Government’s continued commitment to budget credibility through the orderly financing of approved priorities under the 2026 National Budget.

“They also demonstrate a deliberate effort to balance immediate service-delivery obligations with longer-term economic management objectives, including debt sustainability, multisectoral investment, job-creation, and the protection of vulnerable households,” the statement reads further.

It also states that the monthly release profile should therefore be understood as part of the broader annual budget execution process, not as a stand-alone measure of the Government’s full-year policy ambition or sector commitment.

“In line with the Government’s commitment to restoring and preserving debt sustainability, K3.7 billion was released toward debt service and other liabilities.

“Of this amount, K2.9 billion was for domestic debt service, K540.1 million was for external debt service, and K288.2 million was applied to dismantling domestic arrears”.

The ministry says that this development reflects continued progress in addressing legacy obligations while maintaining an orderly fiscal path.

“These payments should be read as part of Zambia’s wider debt management and restructuring efforts, whose purpose is to strengthen confidence, reduce fiscal pressures over time, and create more room for productive and social spending within a sustainable framework”.

The Treasury also released K3.8 billion for transfers, subsidies, and social benefits, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to maintaining social sector expenditure and targeted support to households and productive sectors.

Notable releases under this category included K2.1 billion for the Farmer Input Support Programme, K1.4 billion for the Social Cash Transfer, and K200 million for the Food Security Pack.

These allocations underscore a clear policy position, which is that, fiscal consolidation is not being pursued at the expense of social protection or food security.

Rather, the Government is seeking to combine discipline with targeted support in ways that protect livelihoods, strengthen resilience, and support inclusive growth.

Further, K1.9 billion was released for the implementation of various government programs and general operations under different institutions. .

On capital expenditure, the Treasury released K737.1 million, of which K537.8 million was directed to road infrastructure, while K199.3 million supported infrastructure development under various ministries across the country.

A total of K4.4 billion was spent on the Public Service Wage Bill, covering costs relating to public service workers, including health personnel, teachers, security personnel, and overseas allowances for Zambian diplomats serving in missions abroad.

This financing remains central to the continuity of Government operations and to the delivery of essential public services across the country.

Commenting on the development, Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane said:

“As Government, our objective is clear. To positively change the lives of Zambians through prudent and competent economic management”.

“Every credible budget release, every salary paid to frontline workers, every transfer made to vulnerable households, every kwacha directed toward agriculture, every debt obligation honoured, and every road project supported forms part of the broader effort to expand opportunity, strengthen resilience, and improve household welfare,” Dr Musokotwane said.

He said under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, Government remains committed to an economic path that is disciplined in stewardship, clear in its priorities, and deliberate in its execution.

“As Zambia advances from stabilization toward stronger growth, job creation, and wider opportunity, monthly budget releases will continue to serve as an important instrument for sustaining service delivery, reinforcing reform credibility, and supporting a more inclusive development trajectory.” Dr Musokotwane said

(Mwebantu, Monday, 9th March, 2026)