THE 2027 National Budget contains some encouraging developments in the allocation of resources towards economic affairs, particularly agriculture, roads and infrastructure. However, the figures also reveal certain contradictions that Parliament must interrogate before approving the proposed expenditure.   According to the budget estimates, economic affairs will receive K75.9 billion in 2027, compared with K58.6 billion in 2026. This represents an increase of approximately K17.3 billion, or 29.4 percent. In other words, while the overall national budget is increasing by 12.5 percent, spending on economic affairs is increasing at more than twice that rate.   We welcome this shift because economic development cannot be achieved merely by expanding government administration. Zambia needs productive investments that create employment, improve transportation, increase agricultural...