• We expect President Edgar Lungu to address the high cost of living in the country as he addresses the nation on Friday.
• It is important for the Head of State to come out strongly on the matter.
• Last month inflation rate increased to 21.5 percent.

Consumer Unit Trust Society (CUTS) says it expects President Edgar Lungu to address the high cost of living in the country in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) this Friday on the progress made in the Application of National Values and Principles.
Society Programs Coordinator Ismael Zulu tells Money FM News, in an interview that, last month the country saw its inflation rate increasing to 21.5 percent the highest it has ever been since 2016, which has had adverse impacts on the lives of most Zambians.
Mr Zulu said it is important for the Head of State to come out strongly on the matter and advise what government is doing to mitigate the impacts of the high cost of living in Zambia.
“From the Consumer Unity and Trust Society what will be important in the President’s address is mainly focus on the cost of living in the country,” he said.
And Mr. Zulu said it is also important for the government to come out strongly about the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its position even that the country defaulted on its Euro bond payments.
He added that it is also important for the President to address the uncertainty that the country has witnessed in the petroleum industry, regarding the possible increase in fuel pump prices, adding that it is important for the government to state its position and the possible resolutions made with the private sector and the Energy Regulation Board (ERB)
“It is also important that the President puts to bed the uncertainty that we have seen in the petroleum sector, regarding the possible increases in prices of fuel, because it is important for the government to state its position on the matter,” he said.
However, Clerk of the National Assembly Cecilia Mbewe announced in a statement that only a few officials will be allowed in Parliament when President Lungu addresses the house this Friday.
Ms. Mbewe said this is in line with Covid-19 guidelines.