Mumba Questions DPP’s Economic Direction After Release on Bail

Former Minister of Trade, Vitumbiko Mumba, has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) -led government of lacking clear economic direction, criticizing what he describes as unrealistic austerity measures.

Mumba’s remarks come a day after he was granted bail following his arrest last week. In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, he thanked his supporters but took aim at the current administration, saying it “has not yet found its feet.”

He questioned the coherence of the government’s fiscal approach, noting that while the DPP campaigned on a welfare-based manifesto, it is now presenting an austerity-driven budget. According to Mumba, the budget itself contains “a lot of freebies,” which he says undermines claims of austerity and signals a lack of economic clarity.

“This shows there is no economic direction, and no development partner or donor can support such a welfare budget,” Mumba said.

The former minister also announced that he will extend his self-imposed 90-day political hiatus by another 90 days, arguing that speaking out now could see him or former president Lazarus Chakwera mischaracterized as “bad losers.”

He concluded his statement by quoting reggae legend Bunny Wailer’s song The Conquerer: “When a lion is resting, never you try to wake him.”

The DPP leadership has not yet responded to Mumba’s comments.