ZAMBIA: ZCCB Urge Debt Cancellation In Line With Pope Francis Jubilee Year 2025.

Sandra Kunda

The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has launched the Jubilee Year 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign, calling for urgent debt relief, economic justice, and transparency in Zambia’s debt management.

The launch was unveiled at Kapingila House in Lusaka on 31st January at the close of the First ZCCB Plenary Meeting for 2025, which started on Tuesday, 28th January 2025.

The campaign aligns with Pope Francis’s call for economic justice and debt forgiveness worldwide as part of the Jubilee Year 2025.

Speaking at the launch, ZCCB President Archbishop Ignatius Chama of Kasama Archdiocese, reaffirmed the biblical foundation of the Jubilee tradition, citing Leviticus 25:1-8, which emphasizes mercy, justice, and the renewal of societies burdened by unjust debt.

“As we celebrate this Jubilee Year, we must reflect on the biblical call for mercy, justice, and the renewal of communities,” said Archbishop Chama. “The Jubilee Year is a time for forgiveness and restoration, not just for individuals but also for societies suffering under unjust debt.”

He stressed that Zambia’s crippling debt burden is hindering essential services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, making it difficult for citizens to improve their living conditions.

The Archbishop emphasized that debt cancellation is a moral and ethical necessity, echoing Pope Francis’s message urging global leaders to address unjust debt burdens that stifle the growth and well-being of developing nations.

“The Holy Father, Pope Francis, has called on global leaders to act on the moral and ethical necessity of addressing unjust debt burdens that stifle growth in developing nations,” said Archbishop Chama. “We, as faith leaders, cannot remain silent while millions of Zambians suffer.”

Archbishop Chama outlined the importance of debt cancellation, stating that it would provide economic relief, reduce poverty, promote sustainable development, and address unjust and predatory debts that hinder progress.

The Archbishop acknowledged that Zambia benefited from debt relief 20 years ago, yet the country faces another debt crisis which highlights both global financial inequalities and our own shortcomings in managing public resources effectively.”

“The international financial system places disproportionate burdens on developing economies through unfavorable loan conditions and trade imbalances,” he continued. “At the same time, Zambia must address fiscal mismanagement and lack of accountability to prevent future debt crises.”

Archbishop Chama called for stronger transparency measures to ensure that any future relief leads to long-term economic stability.

He called on the Zambian government to strengthen parliamentary oversight, ensure open reporting on loan acquisitions, establish independent audit mechanisms, and integrate technology to allow citizens to track debt levels and expenditures in real time.

He also emphasized the need for greater citizen participation in debt management.

Archbishop Chama urged all Zambians government officials, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and citizens to unite in advocating for debt cancellation and systemic reform.

“We cannot afford to continue on this perilous path,” he warned. “Debt cancellation is not just a financial adjustment, it is a step towards uplifting the Zambian people.”

ZCCB called on the government to commit to transparency and responsible debt management, civil society to advocate for debt cancellation and necessary policy changes, religious leaders to offer moral guidance and support for economic justice, and all Zambians to stand together and demand action for a debt-free future.

Archbishop Chama emphasized that the campaign is rooted in the spirit of the Jubilee Year, a time of forgiveness and liberation.

“As we embrace this Jubilee Year, let us act with justice, mercy, and humility,” he said. “We seek not only economic justice but also ecological stewardship, to heal our economy and our environment.”

The Jubilee Year 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign was launched on the Memorial of St. John Bosco.

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