The Zambian government says it remains committed to strengthening Zambia’s Public–Private Partnership (PPP) framework following public concerns over the performance and quality of some road infrastructure projects.
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says concerns raised by stakeholders, including the Engineering Institution of Zambia, are legitimate and reflect citizens’ expectations for durable, safe and cost-effective infrastructure.
Dr. Musokotwane says public scrutiny of national projects is important because infrastructure plays a key role in economic growth by linking communities to markets and essential services.
He has further explained that the government remains confident in the PPP model, noting that it helps mobilize private sector financing, accelerate infrastructure delivery, and share risks between the public and private sectors.
He has emphasized that weaknesses in some projects should not be attributed to the PPP model itself but to gaps in supervision, enforcement, and project management.
The Minister says the government is advancing reforms aimed at strengthening independent technical oversight and improving the supervision of PPP projects. He stressed that major infrastructure works should not proceed without credible and independent monitoring systems to protect public resources and ensure quality.
Dr. Musokotwane added that value for money remains central to all PPP projects to ensure infrastructure meets standards of affordability, quality, timeliness, and appropriate risk transfer.
He has noted that under PPP arrangements, private partners are responsible for repairing defects and maintaining infrastructure throughout the concession period, reducing the financial burden on government.
He has added that the Treasury also benefits from revenue-sharing mechanisms and tax proceeds generated from PPP projects.
The government has also pledged to improve transparency, strengthen project governance, and clearly define accountability throughout the lifecycle of PPP projects.
Dr. Musokotwane says Zambia has the technical and institutional capacity to deliver high-quality infrastructure, adding that reforms will strengthen procurement systems, supervision, and enforcement.
He has stressed that PPPs remain important to Zambia’s economic recovery as they reduce pressure on the Treasury and allow the government to reserve borrowing for critical sectors.
The Minister has noted that Zambia’s debt restructuring process has made significant progress, with agreements covering more than 94 percent of targeted claims, adding that PPPs have supported fiscal reforms by enabling infrastructure development without increasing public debt.
Dr. Musokotwane reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnerships with the private sector, stating that reforms will strengthen oversight, accountability, and safeguards to ensure infrastructure investments deliver lasting public benefits.
By Rachel Mumba
