Joshua Mandlaenkosi Mazhandu

A car hire deal gone wrong: In December 2024, someone called expressing interest to hire a car. As always, we did ID checks & paperwork.. They took the car for the agreed period. They made a payment, called later and advised they would extend the rental which wasn’t an issue..

The 24 Hour Economy Cabinet’s move toward a 24-hour economy marks a seismic shift in the nation’s economic philosophy. Historically, our markets, offices, and industries have followed the traditional "8-to-5" rhythm, effectively leaving the gears of productivity idle for two-thirds of every day. ​By transitioning to a round-the-clock model, Zambia isn't just extending business hours; it is expanding the very horizon of what our economy can achieve. ​The benefits of this decision ripple across every sector of society, from the bustling streets of Lusaka to the industrial heart of the Copperbelt. ​1. Job Creation and the "Shift" Advantage ​The most immediate impact is the creation of a multi-shift labour market. To operate 24/7, businesses must hire more staff to cover night shifts. ​Youth Employment: This creates a massive entry point for young Zambians looking for flexible work or full-time roles in retail, logistics, and security. ​2. Maximizing Infrastructure and Capital ​Under a 12-hour model, expensive machinery and infrastructure sit dormant at night. A 24-hour cycle ensures that ​Manufacturing plants operate at peak efficiency, lowering the unit cost of production. ​Road networks are utilised during off-peak hours, reducing daytime congestion and speeding up the logistics of moving goods to our land-linked neighbours. ​3. Enhanced Public Safety and Service Delivery ​A city that never sleeps is often a city that is safer. Increased night-time activity necessitates better street lighting and more active policing, which naturally deters crime. ​Access to Services: Imagine being able to process a permit, visit a clinic, or handle banking needs after your own work shift ends. This levels the playing field for the average worker. ​4. Revenue Generation ​For the government, more business hours mean more transactions, leading to increased VAT and corporate tax revenue. These funds are critical for the National Development Plan's goals of improving health and education. ​The success of a 24-hour economy rests on three critical enablers: ​Energy Security: Constant power is the lifeblood of this model. Continued investment in solar and hydro diversification is non-negotiable. ​Transport & Security: Public transport must be available and safe at all hours to ensure workers can commute without fear. ​Labour Rights: Stronger enforcement of labor laws will be needed to ensure that "24-hour" doesn't mean "overworked," protecting the welfare of shift workers. ​ ​Zambia's move to a 24-hour economy is an admission that the global market doesn't wait for the sun to rise in one specific region. By unlocking the night, we are unlocking our future. Let's go.