The Grow Zambia Agenda: Five Ways Churches Can Support the Government

President Hakainde Hichilema's Grow Zambia Agenda represents a shift from economic stabilisation towards production, investment, employment and national prosperity. Its ambitions include increasing maize production to 10 million tonnes, electricity generation to 10,000 megawatts, tourist arrivals to five million, copper and soya production to three million tonnes each, and beef exports to US$1 billion.

These targets cannot be achieved by government alone. They require farmers, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, traditional leaders, civil society and faith communities to participate. As one of Zambia's most influential institutions, the Church has both the reach and moral responsibility to contribute.

Supporting the agenda does not mean giving unquestioning political endorsement to the government. The Church must remain non-partisan and retain its responsibility to speak truth, defend justice and demand accountability. Nevertheless, it can become a strategic partner in building a productive Zambia.

1. Build a culture of productivity

The Grow Zambia Agenda is fundamentally a production agenda. Zambia must produce more food, energy, minerals, manufactured goods and services. Churches can support this transformation by teaching that work, enterprise, excellence and responsible stewardship are part of Christian service.

The Church must confront attitudes that celebrate consumption while neglecting production. Christians should be encouraged to become farmers, manufacturers, innovators, skilled professionals and ethical business owners.

Sermons on prosperity must be connected to productivity, value creation and service. Prayer should inspire people to work diligently, develop their abilities and solve problems. A productive Church will help build a productive nation.

2. Mobilise members for agriculture and agro-processing

The targets for maize, soya, wheat and beef exports create an opportunity for churches to mobilise their members into agriculture.

Churches can establish farming cooperatives, connect farmers to agricultural experts and facilitate training in irrigation, livestock management, storage and market access. Congregations with land can develop demonstration farms or partner with local farmers to increase production.

The goal should not end with producing raw commodities. Churches should encourage investment in milling, food processing, packaging, cold storage and transportation. Agro-processing creates more jobs and retains greater value within Zambia. Young people should be helped to see agriculture as a business and not merely as a rural survival activity.

3. Develop skills, entrepreneurs and employment creators

Production targets require people with practical skills. Zambia needs electricians, engineers, mechanics, miners, agricultural specialists, technology professionals, hospitality workers and entrepreneurs.

Church buildings that remain unused during the week can become centres for vocational training, digital education, entrepreneurship development and financial literacy. Professionals within congregations can mentor young people and help small businesses become formally registered, properly managed and ready to access markets.

Churches can also create business networks through which members intentionally support credible Zambian enterprises. When churches help people establish sustainable businesses, they contribute directly to employment, tax revenue and economic growth.

4. Support tourism and community development

The goal of attracting five million tourists requires more than marketing Victoria Falls. Zambia must offer safe communities, excellent service, clean environments and diverse cultural experiences.

Churches can teach hospitality, environmental responsibility and respect for visitors. Congregations can organise community clean-ups and encourage the protection of wildlife, heritage sites and natural resources.

Christian entrepreneurs can be encouraged to enter tourism-related businesses, including accommodation, catering, transportation, conferencing, crafts and cultural tourism. Churches in rural and tourism areas can help communities develop enterprises that allow local people to benefit directly from tourism rather than remaining spectators.

5. Promote integrity, unity and accountability

Economic growth can be undermined by corruption, tribalism, political violence and the misuse of public resources. Zambia needs both increased production and stronger national character.

Churches must develop ethical leaders who understand that public office is a responsibility, not an opportunity for personal enrichment. They should teach honesty, tax compliance, respect for contracts and responsible management of resources.

The Church must also promote national unity. Economic development will be weakened if citizens continue to judge opportunities and leadership through tribal or regional identities.

While supporting national development, churches must continue holding the government accountable. They should ask whether growth is creating jobs, raising household incomes, supporting local businesses and improving living standards.

From a presidential vision to shared prosperity

The Grow Zambia Agenda will succeed only when it becomes more than a government programme and develops into a national movement.

Churches can help turn ambitious targets into meaningful participation by promoting productivity, mobilising agricultural investment, developing skills, supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening tourism and cultivating ethical citizenship.

The Church should pray for Zambia, but it must also prepare its people to build Zambia. Faith must produce responsible citizens, competent professionals, productive farmers, ethical leaders and innovative entrepreneurs.

Government can create the policies and enabling environment, but citizens must produce, invest and work. If the Church mobilises its influence and resources wisely, it can help transform the Grow Zambia Agenda from a presidential vision into shared national prosperity.