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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has condemned President Hakainde Hichilema’s decision to sign into law the State Owned Enterprises Act of 2025, which the party alleges removes parliamentary approval from the privatisation and liquidation of state-owned enterprises.
EFF President, Kasonde Mwenda described the legislation as “a dangerous piece of legislation that removes parliamentary oversight from the privatisation and liquidation of state-owned enterprises.”
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Mwenda compared the new law to the repealed Self-Management Enterprises Act, Chapter 408, which required Parliamentary action.
He said under Section 32 of that Act, “No self-management enterprise shall be liquidated or dissolved except by an Act of Parliament,” arguing that the new Section 8(1) centralises power in the Executive.
“The provision states: “The Minister shall, on the Minister’s own motion or on recommendation of a relevant ministry, Government department, state-owned enterprise, or other appropriate authority, incorporate, privatise or wind up a state-owned enterprise or acquire state shareholding,” Mwenda said.
He stated that this was a direct attack on democratic accountability and a calculated attempt to centralise the disposal of national assets in the hands of a few politically connected individuals.
Mwenda warned Zambians must not forget the painful history of past privatisation, which it says left thousands unemployed, weakened the economy, and allowed strategic assets to be sold cheaply to connected elites.
He claims the legislation opens the door for the secretive sale of strategic national institutions such as ZESCO, ZAMTEL, and other state-owned enterprises “without the scrutiny of Parliament or the Zambian people.”
“We therefore call upon all patriotic Zambians to reject this law and resist any attempt to auction national assets for the benefit of a privileged few,” Mwenda said.
He also condemned what he termed the continued persecution of opposition leaders, citing his arrest and detention on what he described as politically motivated charges.
“As the nation approaches the upcoming elections, Zambians must make a decisive choice between a government that protects national interests and democratic institutions, and one that seeks to concentrate power while silencing dissent,” Mwenda said.
He concluded by calling for change, saying Zambia deserved leadership that respected democracy, and protected public resources.
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