On February 29, President Hichilema declared Zambia to be in an emergency and disaster caused by the worst drought in the country’s recorded history. Consequently, he said Zambia needed nearly US$941 million worth of emergency relief assistance and that the 2024 budget would be aligned to make it more responsive to the emergency situation.
On June 21, Finance and National Planning Dr. Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane presented a K41.9 billion (US$1.6 billion) supplementary budget. Notably, expenditure was increased for social cash transfer, school feeding, dams, and boreholes. Cash for work was introduced for those who can work to earn money but have lost their usual livelihoods due to the drought.
As at July 8, partners had given Zambia US$511 million in monetary and other relief assistance.
