RPP clamours for 24-hour economy to accelerate growth, development

The Republican Progressive Party (RPP) has called for the immediate implementation of a 24-hour economy in Zambia, beginning with a pilot programme in Lusaka.

RPP leader, Leslie Chikuse, said the initiative represented a practical, timely and attainable pathway toward accelerating the economic momentum the country is already experiencing.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Monday, Chikuse explained that a 24-hour economy was an operational framework in which commercial, industrial and public services run continuously through organized shift systems rather than being restricted to conventional daytime hours.

He noted that Zambia’s growing population and expanding urban demand had placed increasing pressure on access to services and employment opportunities.

“A structured transition to extended operating hours offers a sustainable solution to bridge these gaps. Our position is guided by the significant and far-reaching benefits such a system presents,” Chikuse stated.

The RPP leader said extending productivity hours directly stimulated economic growth.

He noted that Lusaka remained Zambia’s economic heartbeat, hosting vibrant retail, transport, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare and financial sectors that could effectively operate beyond traditional hours.

“Maximizing the use of infrastructure and facilities increases output without proportionate capital expansion, while small and medium enterprises gain new customer markets and improved revenue circulation,”
Chikuse said.

He added that a 24-hour economy would meaningfully address unemployment, particularly among young people.

Chikuse said shift-based employment expanded job opportunities across sectors such as security, logistics, healthcare, customer service and transportation.

He noted that flexible work arrangements would allow students, women and part-time workers to participate more actively in the economy, easing pressure on the labour market while supporting household incomes.

“Broader economic activity naturally expands the tax base. Increased business turnover strengthens collections of VAT, PAYE and corporate taxes, while encouraging the formalization of currently constrained informal enterprises,”
Chikuse said.

He argued that the resulting growth in revenue would directly support public investment in healthcare, education, infrastructure and security. He further noted that the country’s improved electricity supply environment makes continuous operations increasingly feasible.

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