‘Economic indicators not reflecting reality’
By Tony Nkhoma
THE Zambia Consumer Association (ZACA) is sad that the cost of living remains high in the country making life hard for vulnerable citizens despite positive statistics coming from the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration.
ZACA executive secretary Juba Sakala said the country was experiencing a disconnect between positive economic indicators and the real cost of living for consumers on the ground.
Sakala said the disconnect between economic headlines and household realities was eroding public confidence and deepening social inequality.
“We note with deep concern the widening disconnect between the improving macroeconomic indicators and the daily economic reality facing ordinary Zambians,” he said.
Sakala told The Mast in an interview yesterday while recent government data indicated that inflation was declining, the gross domestic product (GDP) was improving, the exchange rate had shown relative stability and fuel prices had eased slightly, the gains were not being felt by majority consumers on the ground.
Sakala expressed sadness that despite the reported improvements by government, the cost of living remained unacceptably high.
“Prices of essential commodities such as staple foods, cooking oil, sugar, bread, soap, transport fares and rentals have not seen a corresponding decline. In many cases, these costs have continued to rise or remain stagnant at levels that are unaffordable to many low and middle-income households,” he said.
Sakala said the expectation that macroeconomic stability would ease the financial pressure on consumers was yet to materialise.
Sakala said while ZACA commended efforts made by the government to stabilise the economy, it was concerned that the benefits of the progress were not being equitably shared.
“For economic growth and fiscal discipline to be meaningful, they must translate into reduced household expenses, job creation, better wages and improved access to essential goods and services,” Sakala said.
He urged government to undertake targeted interventions aimed at addressing the high cost of essential commodities.
“Monitor and regulate markets more effectively, especially in sectors critical to household welfare such as food, energy, transport and housing,” Sakala said.
He called for increased transparency in pricing structures to crack down on artificial inflation, profiteering and price manipulation.
“Consumers must not be left behind in the national economic recovery story. ZACA remains committed to advocating for policies that put the consumer at the center of development,” Sakala said.
He urged government and stakeholders to urgently bridge the gap between macro-level performance and micro-level benefits to ensure that every Zambian truly feels the impact of a growing and stable economy.
