ECONOMIC PRESSURES, JOB CREATION TO TEST ZAMBIA AFTER ELECTIONS – ECONOMIST

Economist Zondwayo Duma says Zambia’s focus after the August 13 general elections is likely to shift towards addressing economic challenges, particularly unemployment among young people.

In an interview with 5FM Mr Duma said job creation would remain a major concern as the economy may struggle to provide sufficient employment opportunities for the growing number of young people entering the labour market.

He said although the mining sector remained a key driver of the economy, its capacity to absorb the country’s growing workforce was limited.

Mr Duma also cautioned that a possible El Niño weather pattern during the 2026/2027 farming season could pose further risks to the economy, explaining that reduced rainfall could affect agricultural output, particularly maize production, potentially driving up food prices and increasing inflationary pressures.

He said inadequate rainfall could also affect electricity generation, with possible consequences for manufacturing and other productive sectors of the economy.

According to Mr. Duma, a decline in agricultural and industrial activity could further put pressure on the Kwacha, resulting in a weaker exchange rate against major international currencies saying these challenges would require greater attention to economic diversification, job creation and measures aimed at strengthening Zambia’s resilience to climate-related shocks.