The 2027 National Budget is expected to be presented to the National Assembly within 90 days of President Hakainde Hichilema’s swearing-in, in line with the Constitution of Zambia.
President Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, following the August 2026 General Elections.
Article 202, Clause 3 of the Constitution provides for a different budget timeline in an election year, allowing the Minister of Finance to present the National Budget not later than 90 days after the swearing-in of the President.
This means the 90-day period for the presentation of the 2027 National Budget will begin on September 1, 2026.
The Minister of Finance is established as a corporation sole under the Minister of Finance Incorporation Act, Chapter 349 of the Laws of Zambia, with powers that include handling government securities, shares, property and other matters on behalf of the State.
The Constitution ordinarily requires the Minister of Finance to prepare and present the National Budget to the National Assembly for approval not later than 90 days before the commencement of the next financial year.
However, the special provision for election years is intended to provide room for the transition following the election and the formation of the new administration before the budget is presented.
With the 90-day window now expected to run from September 1, attention will turn to the appointment of the Minister of Finance and the preparations for the 2027 National Budget.
The budget will set out the new administration’s spending and revenue priorities for the coming financial year.
By Rachel Mumba
