Delivering for the People: PDU Showcases Progress at the 97th Agriculture and Commercial Show
During the 97th Agriculture and Commercial Show held in Lusaka, themed “Adapting to Climate Change,” the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) welcomed citizens of all ages. The event showcased Zambia’s developmental journey through the seven Presidential Priority Areas.
Visitors to the PDU booth enjoyed an interactive experience that featured a live Delivery Scorecard and a PowerPoint presentation highlighting government achievements. Additionally, creative materials were available, including "Bupe’s Big Discovery," a storybook specifically designed for children to help them understand how effective delivery can transform lives.
Among the many visitors to the booth were young Zambians eager to understand how the government is delivering results
Showcasing the seven Presidential Priorities
The exhibition highlighted the seven key priority areas that the PDU is advancing in collaboration with various implementing ministries. These areas are:
Constituency Development Fund (CDF): Promoting inclusive development through community-led infrastructure and service delivery.
Presidential Irrigation Programme: Aiming for a target of three million metric tonnes of maize by 2027 through smart farming and improved irrigation infrastructure.
Beef Exports: Unlocking a $1 billion export opportunity by enhancing Zambia’s livestock economy.
Energy Access: Accelerating the delivery of 1,000 MW of solar energy to alleviate load management issues and reduce dependence on hydropower.
Drug Supply: Increasing the availability of medications across the country, currently at 80.5% nationally.
Digital Inclusion: Accelerating the digital inclusion agenda by connecting an additional 800,000 citizens to broadband internet by 2026, unlocking access and e-commerce participation for all.
Revenue Collection: Leveraging technology to enhance transparency and equity in the national revenue collection systems.
These priorities, supported by a culture of accountability and data-driven decision-making, aim to improve lives, enhance food security, and create jobs throughout Zambia.
The book includes quizzes, illustrations, and a heartfelt message from President Hakainde Hichilema, encouraging children to dream big and stay in school.
The Delivery Scorecard: Transparency in Action
The Delivery Scorecard presented real-time progress in several areas, including:
Cattle population increased to 5.1 million in 2024
Drug availability rose to 80.5%, up from 47.8% in 2023
Solar power generation grew with an additional 125MW already added
Maize production targeted to increase through 45,000+ hectares of irrigated land
Digital access improved, with 80,000 computers distributed and 33.4% household internet access
These facts were not just statistics; they sparked genuine dialogue and curiosity among citizens, especially Zambia’s youth.
Voices of the Youth: Hope and Accountability
Among the many visitors to the booth were young Zambians eager to understand how the government is delivering results. Two powerful reflections stood out:
“Mr. President, I had the opportunity to visit your stand at the Agricultural and Commercial Show. Your seven presidential initiatives are impressive. They address critical areas of development, and we hope they achieve the intended results so that our lives can improve.” Mwamba Kanyanta, 27, Lusaka
"Mr. President, we are pleased to learn about the Presidential Delivery Unit and its efforts to expedite development programs. As young people, we often express our frustration that not much progress is being made. However, we feel encouraged by your initiative to establish the PDU, which aims to ensure that development programmes are implemented effectively so that we can also benefit from them."
Kabukabu Muhau, 28, Lusaka
These sentiments are a reminder of the importance of delivery, not just in planning and budgeting, but in bringing results to the people.
Bupe’s Big Discovery: A Story for Tomorrow’s Leaders
In a special initiative targeting children, the PDU released “Bupe’s Big Discovery,” a storybook that simplifies national development from a child’s perspective. Through Bupe’s eyes, children learn about irrigation, drug supply, solar energy, CDF, and digital learning in their communities.
The book includes quizzes, illustrations, and a heartfelt message from President Hakainde Hichilema, encouraging children to dream big and stay in school.
“You are the future of Zambia. Study hard, be kind, and always remember: your government believes in you.” – President Hakainde Hichilema.
Conclusion: Building Trust Through Delivery
The PDU's presence at the Agricultural and Commercial Show was more than just an exhibition; it served as an invitation for citizens to hold the government accountable, engage with data and services, and take pride in Zambia's development journey. As one young visitor said, “We are encouraged to know that delivery is being tracked, measured, and shared. That gives us hope.”
And that is what the Presidential Delivery Unit stands for: Delivering for the People.