By 
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has expressed concern over the rise in expenditure at State House, noting that its 2026 budget allocation had increased to K163.5 million, up from K135.6 million in 2025 — representing a 20 percent rise, despite Zambia’s ongoing debt challenges.
In its submissions to a memorandum presented before the Committee on Cabinet Affairs of the National Assembly, the think tank analyzed the 2026 national budget allocations for State House, the Office of the Vice President, and Cabinet Office.
CTPD observed that personnel emoluments continued to consume a growing share of the State House allocation, rising from K46 million in 2023 to K71.6 million in 2026, accounting for 43.8 percent of the total, while goods and services take up 50.6 percent.
“Combined, these consume 94.4 percent of State House’s total budget, leaving little for assets and development initiatives,”
stated the CTPD team led by Head of Research, Ibrahim Kamara.
The organization also flagged the absence of an environment and climate change advisory function within State House’s sub-programmes, describing it as a “missed opportunity” given the growing impact of climate change on livelihoods.
CTPD further raised concern over the shrinking allocation to the Office of the Vice President, which has seen a steady decline from K160 million in 2023 to K153.3 million in 2026, despite its critical role in coordinating national guidance, resettlement programmes, and disaster response.
The centre cautioned that continued budget cuts could weaken emergency preparedness, especially in light of climate-induced disasters.
While goods and services take the largest share at 67.5 percent, CTPD warned that the increase in emoluments across all programmes — amid declining overall resources — could undermine public confidence in government spending.
Among its key recommendations, CTPD called for greater clarity and transparency in the rising personnel emoluments across the Presidency and its offices.
It also urged for stronger alignment of expenditure with Zambia’s debt management and climate resilience priorities, and accountability in election-year spending to ensure that public resources are used prudently and equitably.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA.
Comments