Government Unveils K284.8 Billion Budget for 2027

The Minister said priority would be given to mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism, with the private sector expected to play a leading role in driving economic growth.

In the mining sector, Government is targeting annual copper production of three million metric tonnes by 2031, with output projected to reach a record 930,000 metric tonnes this year.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said this would be supported by expansion programmes at existing mines, the rehabilitation of old mines and the development of new mining projects.

He also announced plans to establish a Gold Trading Agency to formalise gold transactions and curb illegal trading, particularly among small-scale miners.

In the agricultural sector, Government plans to establish a Farm Block Development Agency to coordinate investment, infrastructure development and the productive utilisation of agricultural land.

The Minister further announced that the Farmer Input Support Programme would transition from a subsidy-based arrangement to an agricultural loan scheme, with implementation expected to begin in 2027.

Meanwhile, Government is targeting five million international tourist arrivals over the next five years, up from 2.3 million recorded in 2025.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said the manufacturing sector would be supported through reduced regulatory costs, increased local content and stronger value chains to promote industrialisation and job creation.

On energy, the Minister said installed electricity generation capacity had increased by 42 per cent over the past five years, from 3,318 megawatts to 4,722 megawatts, largely driven by private-sector investment.

He said Government expects more than 1,400 megawatts of additional electricity generation capacity to be added to the national grid in 2027, with emphasis on diversifying energy sources beyond hydropower.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said Government would also expand electricity transmission infrastructure, including regional interconnectors with Tanzania and Malawi, to improve power supply and facilitate electricity trade.

In the petroleum subsector, Government is working with Tanzania to construct a new multi-product pipeline and rehabilitate the existing TAZAMA pipeline under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement.

The Minister said the new pipeline is expected to reduce the cost of petroleum imports compared with transporting fuel by road.

On transport infrastructure, Government is developing key economic corridors to facilitate exports and regional trade.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said rehabilitation works had commenced on selected roads under the Lobito Corridor, while construction of the railway line is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.

He said rehabilitation of the TAZARA railway was also underway, alongside plans to develop a dry port at Kapiri Mposhi to facilitate cargo and passenger movement.

Government has also secured 60 million euros for the initial rehabilitation of the Kapiri Mposhi-Ndola section of Zambia Railways.

On air transport, the Minister said Mansa and Mfuwe airports are expected to be completed in 2027, while construction of Choma Airport and upgrading works at Chipata, Mongu and Solwezi airports are expected to commence.

Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said Government would also accelerate digital transformation through expanded online public services, the digitisation of records and the connection of 35 additional local authorities to the e-Council platform.

The 2027 National Budget is anchored on the theme: “Grow Zambia: From Stabilisation to Unlocking Opportunities, Creating Jobs and Improving Livelihoods for All.”