Domestic, external debts gulp K5.26 billion, nearly a third of K15.56 billion released by Zambian govt for spendings in Nov

In November 2025, the Treasury released K15.56 billion, with the largest share — K5.26 billion — allocated to domestic and external debt servicing and arrears dismantling.

The funds were issued to sustain public service delivery, clear outstanding payments and ensure national budget allocations produce results for citizens. This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka Sunday by the Ministry of Finance and National Planning.

Of this total, K2.43 billion went to transfers, subsidies and social benefits, while K2.04 billion supported government programmes and general operations.

According to the statement, capital expenditure accounted for K1.2 billion, while the public service wage bill, including overseas allowances for diplomats, received K4.63 billion.

Read more: After improved global economic ratings, Finance Minister, Musokotwane, says upgrades driven by reforms, not copper prices

“The release of funds for debt service and arrears—K2.62 billion for domestic debt, K2.42 billion for external debt, and K218.23 million for arrears—is critical, even amid recent credit rating upgrades by Standard & Poor’s and Fitch Ratings,” the statement stated.

Reflecting on the November budget releases, Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, said development relied on open leadership, credible reforms, accountable institutions and active citizen participation.

“The recent credit rating upgrades affirm that our fiscal consolidation agenda is progressing and that Zambia’s economic management has regained global confidence. They demonstrate a government restoring predictability, fostering inclusive growth, and rebuilding national prosperity,” Musokotwane said.

He called on statutory bodies and economic agencies under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, including the Bank of Zambia, Zambia Revenue Authority and Industrial Development Corporation, to adopt a proactive approach in reporting performance and milestones.

“The achievements in monetary policy, investment mobilisation, revenue performance, procurement reforms, and market oversight must be communicated clearly. Public trust grows when progress is visible, verifiable, and understandable,” he said.

Musokotwane also urged institutions impacting livelihoods and social welfare, including the Public Service Pensions Fund, Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme and Public Service Micro Finance Company, to report their 2025 achievements promptly and transparently.

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 MONITOR.