Economic Voices with Edna

Economic Voices with Edna Edna is ambitious, results-focused and a seasoned researcher and consultant, with vast experience in training, teaching and mentoring.

Edna is a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Economics at Copperbelt University and Visiting Research Fellow at the Zambia Institute for Policy Analysis and Research (ZIPAR). She is also an affiliate at the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR), working as Team Lead of the Economics Division and reviewer of the Institute’s journal articles.

Not everything valuable can be measured in money.A peaceful home, time with family, good health, genuine friendships and...
16/08/2026

Not everything valuable can be measured in money.

A peaceful home, time with family, good health, genuine friendships and a rested mind are also forms of wealth. As we pursue income and financial security, may we never become too busy to enjoy the very people and moments we are working so hard for.

This Sunday, pause, pray, rest and be grateful. True prosperity is having enough and still having time for what matters most.

Wishing you a peaceful and blessed Sunday. 🙏🏾

Hello Voices! 🤗What's for your Saturday?🤔I am just reflecting on how economics is ultimately about choices...how we use ...
15/08/2026

Hello Voices! 🤗

What's for your Saturday?🤔

I am just reflecting on how economics is ultimately about choices...how we use limited resources to meet the needs that matter most. And one of our most valuable resources is time...
Time is priceless and allows us to accomplish many things... 🙂

As we aim to be productive, we pursue income, careers and financial progress. We must also intentionally allocate time to our families. Life can get busy as we smash all those goals... Money can support a home, but love, presence and shared moments are what strengthen it.🥰

This Saturday, choose to pause. Choose to listen. Choose to laugh and reconnect with the people who matter most. A truly wealthy life is not measured only by what we earn, but also by the time and love we invest in our families.😃

Happy Saturday😃🤗.

A THOUGHT ON FlNANCIAL FRIDAY😃Hello Voices!Sometimes, managing money feels difficult especially when there are many comp...
14/08/2026

A THOUGHT ON FlNANCIAL FRIDAY😃

Hello Voices!

Sometimes, managing money feels difficult especially when there are many competing needs and cares of this world confronting us. Usually, responsibilities seem to grow faster than our income and we wonder, how will I get through? 🤔

But financial progress does not always begin with having more money. Sometimes, it begins with paying closer attention to the money we already have.

This weekend, take a few minutes to ask yourself:

Where did my money go this week?
What could I reduce or postpone?
Can I save even a small amount today?

You do not need to have everything figured out. Start where you are, with what you have. A small saving today, a better spending decision tomorrow, and a little more financial knowledge each week can gradually make a real difference.

Additionally, be patient with yourself but remain intentional. Every kwacha has a purpose. 💛

What is one small financial habit you are trying to improve? Voice out below 😃

A THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY ON ECONOMIC VOICES🇿🇲Hello Voices!Today, Zambia votes. Every vote is an important civic choice that...
12/08/2026

A THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY ON ECONOMIC VOICES🇿🇲

Hello Voices!

Today, Zambia votes. Every vote is an important civic choice that can help shape the country’s future.

Leadership decisions influence many aspects of our daily lives, including the cost of living, taxation, public debt, education, healthcare, infrastructure, employment opportunities, social services and the environment in which businesses operate.

As we exercise our democratic right, let us do so peacefully, responsibly and with Zambia’s unity and long-term development in mind.

May God bless our leaders, our beautiful country and its economy. 🇿🇲😇🙏

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Clement M Saibu, Mùlëñgà Rôhàñ Ñsôñgà, Aubrey Sakala, Kub...
12/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Clement M Saibu, Mùlëñgà Rôhàñ Ñsôñgà, Aubrey Sakala, Kubra Marketers, Mathews Chihana

A WEALTH WEDNESDAY NOTE: PAY YOURSELF FIRSTUsually, when income comes in, many of us pay rent, bills, school fees, tran...
12/08/2026

A WEALTH WEDNESDAY NOTE: PAY YOURSELF FIRST

Usually, when income comes in, many of us pay rent, bills, school fees, transport and everyone else, then hope something remains for saving. We forget about that person who shows up, makes the decision to work as opposed to the soft choice of leisure. Truth be told... often, nothing remains given the constraints of a limited income.

As an entrepreneur and economic agent, I learned that “paying yourself first” means setting aside part of your income for savings or investment before spending on non-essential items. I know that there are many rules on budgeting. Others suggest 20% of your income, while others can even argue that 10% is a good start. My principle is that one must apply the reality of what can work within one's income. I think this good decision does not require a large salary; it requires consistency and discipline.

As such, start with what you can manage, even 5% or 10% or more of your income and gradually increase it. You should also have a goal for which you are saving and this can mean directing it towards any personal alternative or options such as:

✅ An emergency fund
✅ Government bonds or Treasury bills
✅ A retirement plan
✅ A business or productive asset
✅ Education and skills development

Wealth is rarely built through one big decision. It grows through small, intentional choices repeated over time. When confronted with many reasons to break the savings tradition and investing in yourself, your goal should remind you why you started.🥹

Today make it a point that you do not only work for money, teach your money to work for you.

What in your view stands in the way of many people failing to save and invest in themselves? What do you think we can realistically do to encourage eachother in building a buffer of savings for ourselves?
Voice out in the comments section below.😃

TRENDY TUESDAY VOICESHello Voices! Will More Money in Banks Mean Cheaper Loans?🤔🤔Effective 3rd August, 2026, the Bank of...
11/08/2026

TRENDY TUESDAY VOICES

Hello Voices!
Will More Money in Banks Mean Cheaper Loans?
🤔🤔

Effective 3rd August, 2026, the Bank of Zambia reduced the statutory reserve ratio on Kwacha deposits from 26% to 21%. As scholars in economics, we may understand what this means. Yet, it is not always that straight forward for others in our society.

At times like these, I like to remember the lesons of a great economist specialisd in central banking, Dr. Chiselebwe Ng'andwe. I have never forgotten his lesson from many moons ago in his Money and Banking class. With a bit of practical exposure, it's even clearer how a reduction or increase in the researve ratio affects the economy's liquidity position.

So with the current situation where the researve ratio reduces from 26% to 21% , in simple terms, commercial banks are now required to keep a smaller portion of their deposits with the central bank. This leaves them with more money that could potentially be lent to households and businesses, potentially boosing consumption and investment.

This is a welcome move for economic activity, but the real question is, "will the additional liquidity translate into lower lending rates and better access to finance for ordinary Zambians, SMEs and productive sectors?"

Well, more money available to banks is only the first step. The true economic benefit will be realised when affordable credit reaches entrepreneurs, farmers, manufacturers and families seeking to build.

The policy door has certainly opened. Now we watch whether the benefits reach the people. So far, with MOUs being signed between some commercial banks and mining firms, banks have stepped up to extend more credit to local suppliers in the mining value chain, a useful sign of the good news.
What more do you think this means... will borrowing become easier and more affordable? Voice out below 😃

SHOWING UP WHERE IDEAS SHAPE AFRICAI think we need to make Mondays for Motivation.😃.. So as I begin this week, I find my...
10/08/2026

SHOWING UP WHERE IDEAS SHAPE AFRICA

I think we need to make Mondays for Motivation.😃..
So as I begin this week, I find myself reminiscing about the meaningful meetings and conversations held in Sandton during the Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) Forum. Exactly after 10 years, I returned to make a presentation on behalf of my team in room full of professionals that reshaped my thinking in development economics and industrial policy. It was particularly amazing to touch base with Saul, Executive Director of TIPS and witness budding seeds of capacity building delivered many years ago.

Beyond presenting my research, the Forum reminded me that progress often begins when we show up, share our ideas and listen to perspectives beyond our own borders. Every conversation reinforced the importance of strengthening Africa’s economic voice and developing practical solutions to the new global environment and the challenges facing our trade, industries and economies.

I returned inspired and even more convinced that African economists must move beyond observing the continent’s transformation we must actively help to shape it.

This Monday, let us remember that your voice, knowledge and presence can open doors, influence policy and contribute to meaningful change. Keep showing up and Voicing out😃

Here’s to a purposeful and productive week!😃

SUNDAY REFLECTION ON ECONOMICS VOICESHello Voices 😃!What is the real responsibility of an economist?Is it simply to int...
09/08/2026

SUNDAY REFLECTION ON ECONOMICS VOICES

Hello Voices 😃!

What is the real responsibility of an economist?

Is it simply to interpret GDP, inflation, exchange rates and fiscal deficits? Or should we also help society understand what those numbers mean for everyday life?🤔🤔

I increasingly believe that economics must leave the spreadsheets and enter the conversations that shape our communities. When the cost of living rises, people should understand why. When government borrows, citizens should understand what it means.When policies are announced, economists should help explain the opportunities, the trade-offs and the risks. And when our country faces difficult economic choices, economists should not merely be spectators...They should be a present help for clarity and alternatives. 🧏‍♀️🧏

As such, we must research. Explain. Engage. Challenge constructively. And propose solutions.

Because ultimately, economics is not just about numbers. It is about people, choices and improving lives. 🇿🇲😃

As we begin another week, perhaps the question for us is:

How do we make economics matter more to the ordinary Zambian? 🤔

What do you think economists should be doing? Voice out in the comments section below. 😃

- Edna Kabala Litana

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Bless Naingwa, Kay Mumba, Kangwa Joze Mulonga, Chris Zulu...
09/08/2026

Shout out to my newest followers! Excited to have you onboard! Bless Naingwa, Kay Mumba, Kangwa Joze Mulonga, Chris Zulu Jr., Mwenya Nandazi, Botha, Stemon Lumamba, Knovicks M. Simfukwe, Marlon Lwesela Chapotamo, Isaac Muchekeni

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