Economic reforms have had a significant impact on the population. Mr Bwala has acknowledged that these reforms led to an increase in poverty. The immediate effects of the reforms were painful, resulting in more individuals falling into poverty.

He views the hardship as an unavoidable consequence of restructuring the economy. This perspective suggests that the reforms, although difficult, were a necessary step in the economic process.

Further details on the economic reforms and their effects are available from the source, which discusses Mr Bwala's acknowledgement of the reforms' impact on poverty.