LUSAKA, Aug 29 (Reuters) - Zambia’s Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said on Sunday it was critical to agree a lending programme with the IMF because it would give creditors confidence and the government cheaper and longer financing. Musokotwane, appointed on Friday by recently elected President Hakainde Hichilema, told public broadcaster ZNBC he was confident Zambia would get an IMF programme before the end of the year and thereafter restructure its debt. Reporting by Chris Mfula Writing by Alexander Winning Editing by Andrew Heavens Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.