Report

2026 Social Sector Budget Analysis Report

From Coverage to Impact, Sustaining Gains in Zambia’s Social Sector

Four young Zambian children smiling and laughing together while leaning over a wooden fence, with green trees in the background. Their joyful expressions capture a sense of childhood happiness and community. — UNICEF Zambia/2022/Schermbrucker

Highlights

The 2026 National Budget marks a pivotal moment for Zambia’s social sector, as it represents the final annual budget aimed at actualising the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP). Between 2022 and 2026, the total national budget expanded from K172.9 billion to K253.1 billion, reflecting a 46.3% increase. Similarly, the social sector budget nearly doubled in nominal terms, rising from K40.5 billion to K76.7 billion, an 89.5% increase. Its share of the national budget peaked at 33.8% in 2024 before moderating to 30.3% in 2026, suggesting that while social investment was scaled up in response to economic and climate shocks, momentum has slowed in the final year of the plan.