I am African. I love this continent.

I believe in its brilliance, its people, and its power.

So when I hear that Zambia — a proud African nation — is projected to grow by 6% in 2025, I pause.

The IMF calls it “progress.”

Bloomberg calls it a “comeback.”

Global investors are applauding.

But I do not clap.

Because I know how this game works.

And I know numbers can lie — or at least, hide the truth.

What Lies Behind Zambia’s 6% Growth?

1. This is growth for creditors — not for the people.

Zambia’s bond index has risen 22.5%.
Foreign investors are making millions.
But Zambian families?
Still struggling with fuel costs, school fees, food prices, and joblessness.

This is a celebration of foreign profit, not local progress.

2. IMF “reforms” sound good — until you feel them.

To get this praise, Zambia had to:

Cut fuel subsidies

Freeze public sector wages

Raise taxes

These are not reforms for the people — they are rules to calm the markets.
But they cost the poor everything.

3. The strong Kwacha is not real strength.

Yes, the Kwacha is the best-performing currency globally.
But it’s rising because of tight monetary policy, IMF confidence, and investor hype — not because Zambia is building new industries.

Currency performance without industrial power is temporary — and dangerous.

4. Zambia still exports copper — but not wealth.

70% of Zambia’s exports are copper.
But who owns the copper mines?
Who owns the profits?

It’s still foreign companies.

Africa cannot claim progress when our most valuable resources still leave our soil without value added.

5. GDP is a number. Dignity is reality.

A 6% growth rate means nothing if:

Children drop out of school

Hospitals lack medicine

Youth remain jobless

Farmers are in debt

Homes are without power

Growth that does not transform lives is not growth. It is econis economicomic theatre.

A Message to All African Leaders, Ministers, and Policymakers:

Do not let the West sell you this Zambia story as the “model.”
Because real sovereignty is not measured by bond rallies or IMF approval.
It is measured by:

African ownership of African wealth

Industrial power

Food security

Happy children

Strong local businesses

Dignified lives

Zambia is recovering — but let us not confuse recovery with liberation.

“Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.”
— African Proverb

Africa, we are the lion.
And today, we must write our own story.

One of truth, ownership, and economic justice.