change gears

Zambia: Young, urban and disgruntled PF supporters, can Lungu woo them back?

By The Africa Report, Chiwoyu Sinyangwe

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Posted on July 13, 2021 18:53

Zambia Kaunda State Funeral © Zambian President Edgar Lungu arrives at the State Funeral Service of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Founding President of the Republic of Zambia at showgrounds in Lusaka, Zambia, Friday, July, 2, 2021.  ( AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)
Zambian President Edgar Lungu arrives at the State Funeral Service of Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Founding President of the Republic of Zambia at showgrounds in Lusaka, Zambia, Friday, July, 2, 2021. ( AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi)

Zambia’s ruling PF party and President Edgar Lungu’s support base, youth and urban dwellers, form one of the biggest disgruntled constituencies of the Zambian population as they are one of the worst affected by rising costs of living, rise in inflation rate, fall in exchange rate and general decline in the quality of living in Zambia. Ahead of general elections slated for 12 August, will Lungu have enough supporters to secure a third term in office?

For the last 10 years, the ruling Patriotic Front (PF) has preached pro-poor policies with the majority of Zambians hanging on to the hope of earning more money, securing more jobs and paying less taxes. However, they are now a disgruntled lot.

Major public debt

With the national debt at 118% of the GDP, the Zambian economy is in a tailspin. Ordinary people are bearing the biggest brunt as the government struggles to fund social sectors and the cost of living skyrockets, rendering essential commodities – including food – beyond the reach of most Zambians.

So, these beautiful roads and bridges have been done, but related to what? The value of the kwacha has weakened to levels last seen in the 1990s and this has made everything expensive, the country is on its knees.

Zambia’s external debt is estimated at $12.78bn and the country defaulted on payment since October last year, with no

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