Why Zambia Will Never Develop
For the next 50 years, Zambia is likely to remain in the same economic and political state it has been in since independence. The system is broken, and every attempt at progress is undone by the next government. Political instability, economic mismanagement, and foreign interference keep Zambia trapped in a cycle of underdevelopment. Here’s why Zambia will not develop under the current conditions.
The 5-Year Election Cycle Stops Progress
Every new government resets policies, erasing progress made before. Development needs consistency, but in Zambia, each leader brings a new economic plan. Instead of following a structured long-term vision, politicians focus on short-term gains to secure re-election. Countries like China and South Korea have long-term master plans that stay in place despite leadership changes. Zambia, however, lacks continuity, making it impossible to build sustainable industries and infrastructure.
Without a national development plan that lasts beyond elections, Zambia will always start from scratch every five years. This means no long-term investments in critical sectors like energy, manufacturing, and technology, which are essential for economic growth.
Corruption is Everywhere
Government projects are not for development but for politicians and their allies to steal money. Public funds are mismanaged or disappear entirely, leaving crucial infrastructure projects unfinished. Scandals involving overpriced contracts, ghost workers, and missing funds happen in every administration.
Because corruption is normal and never punished, leaders focus on themselves instead of the country. Instead of investing in education, healthcare, and industry, government officials enrich themselves through shady deals, weakening the entire economic system. As long as corruption remains unchecked, Zambia will never be able to develop properly.
Foreign Countries Control Zambia’s Economy
Zambia does not control its own economy. The IMF, World Bank, and USAID decide financial policy, keeping Zambia in permanent debt. These institutions provide loans with strict conditions that prevent Zambia from investing in self-sufficiency. The country remains trapped in a cycle where it borrows more money just to pay off old loans.
Meanwhile, foreign corporations own and profit from Zambia’s resources. The copper industry, for example, is run by foreign firms that take raw materials while Zambia gets little value. Instead of refining copper locally and creating jobs, the government allows raw exports, losing billions in potential revenue. No country can develop if outsiders control its economy and extract its wealth.
Schools Do Not Teach Useful Skills
Zambia’s education system does not prepare students to build businesses or industries. Instead, it trains them for government jobs that are already full. The curriculum is outdated and does not match the demands of the global economy.
In contrast, China and South Korea focus on science, technology, and industry, giving their citizens the skills to grow the economy. Without an education system that prioritizes innovation and entrepreneurship, Zambia will continue producing job seekers instead of job creators, increasing unemployment and dependence on government jobs that do not exist.
Local Businesses Struggle While Foreign Companies Thrive
Zambian entrepreneurs face many obstacles. While foreign businesses get tax breaks and government support, local companies are heavily taxed and underfunded. This makes it difficult for them to scale and compete in their own country.
Banks refuse to provide affordable loans to local businesses, while foreign corporations get funding from international banks. This is why companies like Yango take over markets that local businesses, like Ulendo, struggle to compete in. Without government support and financial assistance, local businesses will always remain small while foreign companies dominate.
People Focus on Surviving Instead of Growing
Most Zambians think about surviving today, not building for the future. This is due to economic instability and a lack of opportunities. When people struggle to afford basic needs like food, housing, and electricity, they have no time or resources to focus on long-term investments.
Instead of demanding better economic policies, many spend time on political debates that do nothing to improve their lives. The country does not promote risk-taking, innovation, or financial independence. In successful economies, people focus on creating wealth, while in Zambia, many rely on handouts and expect the government to solve their problems.
President Edgar Lungu Praying at the National day of Prayers at Nkana in Kitwe
Religion is Used as an Excuse Instead of a Motivation
Faith is important, but in Zambia, it is used as an excuse to avoid real work. People pray instead of pushing for policy change. Many believe that divine intervention will fix the economy instead of taking action to improve their financial situation.
Countries like the UAE, Israel, and Singapore also have strong religious beliefs, but they use faith as motivation for hard work, not an escape from responsibility. If Zambia wants to develop, its people must combine faith with practical action.
The Government Works for Politicians, Not the People
Zambia’s government is set up to benefit leaders, not citizens. Policies help politicians and their friends, while ordinary people stay poor. Every administration tries to get rich before the next election instead of focusing on the country’s future.
Government officials live in luxury while hospitals lack medicine, schools have no resources, and roads are in poor condition. The government does not invest in improving the lives of its citizens because there is no accountability.
No Plan for Industrialization
Unlike China and South Korea, which built industries and created long-term strategies, Zambia has no real plan for growth. The country still relies on exporting raw materials instead of creating factories that process resources into finished goods. Without industrialization, Zambia will remain poor.
A strong industrial base creates jobs, increases exports, and strengthens the economy. Instead of importing finished products at high prices, Zambia should focus on manufacturing and processing its resources locally. Without this shift, the economy will continue to rely on imports and remain vulnerable.
Government Decisions Make Things Worse
One of the worst decisions is ZESCO exporting power while citizens only get 3 hours of electricity per day. Small businesses cannot survive, but the government keeps selling electricity to other countries. At the same time, politicians talk about economic development while ignoring the fact that businesses need power to operate.
Another bad decision is the government’s response to inflation. Instead of fixing the economy, they introduced K200 and K500 notes, making inflation worse. Instead of strengthening the kwacha, they have made the currency weaker and more unstable. This decision only makes life harder for ordinary Zambians as prices of goods continue to rise.
Young People Are Distracted
Zambian youth could drive change, but many waste time on social media debates instead of business and innovation. Instead of demanding better economic policies, they focus on tribal politics and useless online arguments.
If young people united and focused on economic solutions, they could push for meaningful change. However, without financial literacy, resources, and a shift in mindset, the youth will remain stuck in the same cycle as past generations.
Final Verdict: Zambia Will Stay Stuck
Unless something drastic happens, Zambia will remain in the same cycle of corruption, poverty, and bad governance. The system is designed to stop real progress, ensuring that no leader builds on past success.
If nothing changes, Zambia will be exactly the same in 50 years. The best way forward is for ambitious Zambians to escape, build wealth abroad, and return as powerful economic players.
For those who understand this reality, the time to act is now