AFRICA/ZAMBIA - "Prayer alone is not enough to solve the economic crisis, one must also work hard", says the Bishop of Monze

Lusaka (Agenzia Fides) - "We should not just depend on prayers but must also work hard to respond to the economic hardships the Country is facing", said His Exc. Mgr. Moses Hamungole, Bishop of Monze, Zambia, where on Sunday 18th October, Zambians took part in a national day of prayer seeking divine help for the Country’s economic woes following a collapse in global copper prices after an appeal from President Edgar Lungu to churches across the southern African nation.
"I personally believe that if we are humble and shout to God for help, the Lord will hear our cry" said the President, appealing to citizens to "do their best and leave the rest to God".
The initiative of the Head of State, however, was criticized by several parties that instead recall the national leadership to implement concrete policies to address the crisis.
"For prayer to yield results, it has to go with action. No matter how many times Zambians will cry and shout to God for help to improve the Country’s economy, their prayers will yield nothing in the absence of hard work", said Mgr. Hamungole.
70% of the economy in Zambia depends on the export of copper, of which the country is the second largest producer. The sector, which employs more than 60,000 workers, is in crisis due to the slowdown of the Chinese economy, the main buyer of the Zambian metal. Because of the crisis the rate of economic growth in Zambia this year will be 5% instead of the expected 6%.
Many analysts observe that Zambia needs to diversify its economy in order not to depend on the commodity market, subject to international fluctuations, and expand job opportunities for young people. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2015)

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economy

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development

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