Economist, Hambayi, laments policy inconsistency, calls for laws to dissuade abandonment of projects

Lusaka-based economist, Trevor Hambayi, has called for the establishment of what he termed an economic constitution in Zambia to ensure policy continuity beyond parliamentary and presidential terms.

Speaking on Millennium Television’s Business Connexion programme on Wednesday night, Hambayi argued that Zambia needed a legal framework that guaranteed the continuation of economic policies, regardless of political transitions.

“We need an economic constitution where economic policies are given legal backing so that even with a new administration, projects of economic importance continue—just as seen in countries like the United States,” he said.

He also criticized government bureaucracy for hindering industrial growth, stating that excessive red tape delayed access to essential public services.

Hambayi urged the government to adopt long-term economic policies, arguing that relying solely on monetary policy to fight inflation had proven ineffective.

He emphasized the importance of investing proceeds from the debt restructuring programme into productive sectors to drive sustainable economic growth.

“Attaining debt restructuring has been positive, but we have yet to fully channel these funds into key growth sectors,” he noted.

He also expressed skepticism about the Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF), questioning its ability to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies since it remained a government-led institution.

“Bureaucracy in accessing government services is a major challenge. The only things that seem to be processed quickly are per diems and air tickets. I don’t think the PPDF will significantly improve access to public services,” he said.

Hambayi’s remarks add to growing concerns about policy instability and bureaucratic hurdles affecting Zambia’s economic progress.

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