GOVERNMENT has assured that all farmers who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) will be fully paid, with small-scale farmers given priority.
This decision was made during the final Cabinet meeting of 2025, held on Tuesday, at State House.
Information and Media minister confirmed this in a statement.
“Cabinet agreed on the urgent need that every farmer who supplied maize to the Food Reserve Agency is paid off in full and resolved to mop up all available resources to clear off the debt owed to farmers and to also prioritise the small scale farmers to enable them invest in current production.”
Cabinet also approved a cash-based support system for families in 42 districts identified as food insecure in the 2025 Zambia In-depth Vulnerability and Needs Assessment Report.
Mweetwa said community maize sales will have to run alongside the cash support to help affected households.
Meanwhile, Mweetwa revealed that Cabinet approved a pilot project to import petrol in bulk, a move expected to reduce pump prices and improve supply.
He said by combining demand from multiple oil companies, government hopes to negotiate better international purchase terms and reduce per-unit costs.
“The introduction of bulky importation of petrol on a pilot basis, through a limited bidding process has potential to unlock economies of scale,” the statement said.
“The pilot will run for four months and is aimed at strengthening fuel supply and improving logistics.”
The creation of the Constituency Energy Benefit Trust which will manage government investments in the Zambia National Energy Corporation (ZNEC) on behalf of constituencies was also approved.
Councils will formally approve investments, which are expected to generate long-term revenue for local development projects.
Mweetwa also revealed that the revised National Health Policy and its 2025–2029 implementation plan were also approved to strengthen quality health services.
“Although the Government has made notable progress in most of the key health indicators, there are still some existing gaps in the health delivery systems,” said Mweetwa.
The policy aims to improve services for women, children, adolescents, and other vulnerable groups, and supports the goal of universal health coverage.
Zambia will also ratify the International Labour Organisation Protocol on Forced Labour, which complements the Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No.29).
The move will help prevent forced labour, protect victims, strengthen inspections, and ensure fair practices across all sectors.
Government confirmed its contribution to the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund, demonstrating commitment to development projects across the continent in areas like energy, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Cabinet also approved several legislative updates, including the Securities Bill, 2025, to strengthen capital markets, Carbon Market Regulations, 2025, to support green investments, revised Citizenship Regulations to adjust fees, Fisheries Reserves Regulations to protect fish stocks, the National Pension Scheme Regulations to update pension contributions and benefits, and the Electricity (Grid Code) Amendment to ensure power grid stability as more renewable energy is added.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, December 27, 2025
