Contemporary Issues in Socio–Economic Reform in Zambia

First published in 1997, this edited volume emerged in response to Zambia’s recent reinstatement of multiparty democracy and its ensuing economic, social policy and public administrative reform. Following the establishment of the single party state under the United National Independence Party in 1972, a severe decline in the price of copper (Zambia’s principle export) resulted in high national debt and increasing riots. This volume situates itself in response to the transition from the UNIP to the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), seeing it as a verdict delivered by the people. Its authors aim to explore the causes of this verdict through areas such as financial innovation, land policy, the health industry and universities. They thoroughly examine the attempts and potential pitfalls of the reform programme as well as its impact on Zambian society. The general conclusion reached by the contributors to this volume is that while the reform programme is a necessary condition for economic rebirth its details require careful consideration in order to ensure it has the desired socio-economic impact on the people of Zambia. This should also serve as an important example to other countries embarking on similar programmes of reform.