Hon. George Tembo.

THE ROLE OF RESOURCES IN DRIVING ZAMBIA’S ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

The conversations around the resources a country utilizes for its economic and social development are very important. Many times, however, we have seen leaders prioritize the effective and efficient use of natural resources while undermining or even completely ignoring the importance of human resources.

It is crucial that we understand the kinds of resources a country like Zambia has.

The first category of resources is land. Land is considered the primary resource a country has because it contains all natural endowments used in production. Examples include forests, water, minerals, and wildlife.

The second, and most important, resource is human resources. Human resources represent the physical and mental effort of people in production. Examples include teachers, doctors, farmers, construction workers, and other professionals.

The third form of resource is capital, man-made resources such as machinery, technology, and buildings.

The fourth is entrepreneurship, the skill, creativity, and risk-taking ability of individuals who organize the other resources to produce goods and services.

For me, human resources are the most powerful driver of development in our country, and here is why:

Human resources shape the nature of the economy. Demographics and statistics are crucial in determining whether a country will have a strong or weak economy. For example, how many people in Zambia are actively employed? What is the age mix of our population? How many citizens are creating jobs for others? If less than half of the population is actively involved in the production of goods and services, then the economy will inevitably remain weak. Take China as an example, over 80% of its population is engaged in production, and being the most highly populated country in the world, its economy runs 24/7 and remains one of the strongest globally. Now in Zambia, at what time do most offices and businesses close? We all know the answer.

Human resources are also the foundation for the efficient use of all other resources. Without trained and skilled people, natural resources such as land and minerals remain underutilized or even mismanaged. This means human capital plays a key role in ensuring proper management and maximum benefit from every other resource.

Human resources also drive revenue generation. More skilled workers mean higher employment and incomes, which increase government revenue through taxation. In addition, a strong workforce ensures that the country produces enough goods and services for domestic use, while surplus production can be exported to earn foreign exchange and boost trade stability.

Human resources are the source of innovation and entrepreneurship. It is people who generate ideas, create businesses, and invent solutions that stimulate economic growth and development.

I can go on listing the importance of human resources. But the reality is that most of the time, the focus has been on copper mining, gold, agriculture, and tourism, while forgetting the most important player in the economy, the person.

If entrusted with the responsibility of representing the Zambian people, I will make it a priority that government focuses on developing human resources and continues to invest in upgrading skills, knowledge, and capacity in the production of goods and services.

Together we will make Zambia great. Together we will make Mkaika a better place for all.

Hon. George Tembo
Future Aspirant—Mkaika

SERVICE IS PATH TO GREATNESS

Let us share the world of God.

"This, however, is not the way it is among you. If one of you wants to be great, he must be the servant of the rest; and if one of you wants to be first, he must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people."
— Mark 10:43-45

True greatness, according to the Bible, is not measured by how many people serve us, but by how many people we serve. Even Jesus, the Son of God, showed us the example by serving others and giving His life for us.

Greatness in God’s kingdom is built on humility, love, and service.
If you want to rise higher, start by going lower in service.

Hon. George Tembo
Future Aspirant Candidate—Mkaika