2027 Budget to be Announced Within 90 Days of President’s Swearing-In

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 Zambia’s Constitution.

President Hichilema is scheduled to be sworn in on September 1, 2026, following the August General Elections, triggering the special election-year budget timeline.

Article 202, Clause 3 allows the Minister of Finance to present the National Budget not later than 90 days after the President is sworn in.

The provision differs from the normal constitutional requirement, which requires the budget to be presented to the National Assembly at least 90 days before the start of the next financial year.

The special arrangement gives a new administration time to complete the transition, appoint key officials and prepare its fiscal programme.

With the 90-day countdown set to begin on September 1, attention will now turn to the appointment of the Minister of Finance and preparations for the 2027 budget.

The budget will outline the new administration’s spending plans, revenue measures and economic priorities for the coming financial year.