Govt sets out three-phase roadmap for Ninth National Development Plan

Government has unveiled a structured and inclusive roadmap for the formulation of the Ninth National Development Plan (9NDP), with Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane indicating that the process will unfold in three key phases throughout 2026.

In a Ministerial statement delivered to Parliament on Thursday, Musokotwane said preparations for the 9NDP were already underway, having commenced with the conceptualisation phase in the first quarter of the year.

This stage focuses on identifying priority national issues, conducting a comprehensive situation analysis, and establishing the roadmap, technical working groups, and stakeholder framework to guide the process.

He described the phase as foundational, noting that it would ensure the plan was responsive to Zambia’s development needs.

“The second phase, which centres on nationwide consultations, is scheduled for the second and third quarters of 2026. It will adopt a bottom-up approach, bringing together stakeholders from across the country,” Musokotwane said.

These included local communities, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia, traditional leaders, parliamentarians, and cooperating partners, all aimed at building consensus on national priorities.

Musokotwane stressed that the 9NDP was a shared national undertaking that required broad participation to reflect the aspirations of all citizens.

Following the consultations, the plan would move into a validation and consensus-building stage before being presented to Parliament for approval later in the year. The final phase will involve the official launch and nationwide dissemination of the document.

The Minister said the 9NDP aligned with Zambia’s long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030, and will serve as the country’s final medium-term plan towards achieving upper middle-income status.

“The plan will address structural challenges while laying a foundation for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Key focus areas include economic diversification, reducing poverty and inequality, environmental protection, and harnessing the potential of the country’s youthful population,” he noted.

The plan would also promote technological advancement and support the transition towards a circular economy.

Musokotwane added that the 9NDP would remain aligned with global and regional frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the SADC Vision 2050.

He said emphasis would be placed on transparency, strong institutions, and effective regulation to ensure successful implementation, alongside fostering unity and collective national action.

Highlighting progress already made, Musokotwane cited major developments in green energy, including the completion of the 750-megawatt Kafue Gorge Lower hydroelectric power station, the 94-megawatt Itimpi solar power station Phase One, and the 100-megawatt Chisamba solar project Phase One.

He also pointed to the installation of digital weather stations in 116 districts, which has strengthened the country’s capacity for weather forecasting and climate resilience.

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