CTPD Criticises Government Definition of ‘Key Economic Sectors’

The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has criticised the government’s definition of so-called ‘key economic sectors’, after President Lungu announced Covid-19 restrictions would be lifted for certain businesses and services. 

The CTPD said that while lifting restrictions was a welcome move, the government needed to clearly define which sectors constitute ‘key economic activity’.

CTPD Senior Researcher Dr Simon Manda said key sectors are those that contribute massively to the country’s GDP and domestic resource mobilisation.

“When we talk about [key] economic sectors, we have in mind sectors such as agricultural food production, mining and local manufacturing,” he said.

Dr Manda also called on the government to do more to look after the poor and food insecure - particularly in urban areas - as restrictions due to Covid-19 could lead to economic downturn and widespread job losses.

1 million Zambians are currently categorised as living in poverty - approximately 20 -30% of the population. Dr Manda says these people would be most affected by restrictions on movement and working remaining in place.

“These [people] face unique livelihood challenges due to their close connections to markets on the one hand and generating incomes from informal opportunities. These dynamics make food access through markets and most importantly capacity to switch food preferences difficult’’, He said.

The researcher urged the government to support food banks in urban areas and to consider working with charities, churches and other key actors to find effective solutions to delivering food to needy households.