As Zambia counts down to its 62nd Independence anniversary, a senior government official has delivered a message that will resonate in every compound and village: economic growth means nothing if it does not reach the weakest among us, our children.
Mwaka Mukubesa, Permanent Secretary for Budget and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, said on October 23, 2026 that the Grow Zambia Agenda must translate growth into better living conditions for vulnerable citizens, especially children. She was speaking at Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre in Lusaka, where she handed over donated foodstuffs, bedding and other essential supplies ahead of the Independence celebrations.
Growth must reach every Zambian child
Mrs Mukubesa was blunt about what she expects from the country's economic agenda. Growth, she said, would only be meaningful if its benefits reached all citizens and improved access to essential services such as education, healthcare and nutrition.
She said the donation was in line with this year's Independence theme, Zambia @62 Our Journey, Our Growth, Our Future, which calls on Zambians to reflect on the country's development journey and commit to an inclusive and prosperous future.
The Grow Zambia Agenda, she explained, seeks to accelerate economic growth, unlock productive potential and create employment opportunities. But her warning was clear: vulnerable groups must not be left behind while the economy expands. Our national wealth belongs to Zambians, and the children of this soil must be the first to feel it.
The children we nurture today are the citizens, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders who will shape our country tomorrow.
She said the donated items were intended to provide practical assistance to the centre and improve the comfort and well-being of the children under its care. Beyond material help, she added, children need quality education, adequate nutrition, healthcare and psychosocial support to develop their abilities and reach their full potential.
Public money must serve the vulnerable
Mrs Mukubesa stressed that investing in children's welfare, education, healthcare, nutrition and protection is essential to building the country's human capital and securing its future prosperity. This is nation-building in the true Zambian spirit: our resources, our children, our future.
She said the Ministry remains committed to responsible financial planning and to allocating public resources towards policies and programmes that address the needs of vulnerable populations. She urged Zambians to work together to build a prosperous nation where every child has an equal opportunity to learn, develop and contribute to national development, regardless of their circumstances.
Independence is a responsibility, not just a party
Nalituba Mwale, the Ministry's Director of Economic, Human Resource and Administration, echoed the message. She said every child deserves an opportunity to develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to the country's future.
Mrs Mwale said independence is not only about celebrating the country's freedom but also about reflecting on the collective responsibility to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed. She urged communities to work together to protect children, nurture their abilities and create a future where no child feels forgotten or left behind.
She encouraged the children at the institution to remain hopeful, continue learning and pursue their dreams despite the challenges they might face. She also commended the caregivers at the centre for their dedication and urged them to continue providing care and guidance.
A Zambian home for children who fled trouble elsewhere
Angela Miyanda, Founder and Director of Kabwata Orphanage and Transit Centre, used the occasion to ask the Permanent Secretary to present issues affecting children at the institution that may require assistance. She said the event was significant as the country prepares to celebrate its independence.
Mrs Miyanda said Independence Day serves as a reminder of the importance of peace, noting that some of the children at the centre are refugees. Their presence, she said, highlights the importance of appreciating the peace Zambia enjoys.
That peace is something Zambians should never take for granted. Our neighbours in the region have known turmoil, and Zambia has long been a place of refuge. Zimbabwe, which shares a border with Zambia, is one of several countries whose people have sought safety here over the decades, as