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The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called on President Hakainde Hichilema to ensure his upcoming address to the National Assembly speaks not only to national achievements but also to the daily struggles of ordinary Zambians.
President Hichilema is scheduled to open the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly on Friday, September 12, 2025.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday, JCTR Deputy Director, Dr. Boyd Nyirenda, observed that since 2021, successive presidential addresses have largely highlighted progress in macroeconomic stability, debt restructuring, and growth in sectors such as mining and agriculture.
“While these gains are important, the 2025 address must show how such progress is translating into reduced poverty, improved access to social services, and a better quality of life for households,” Nyirenda said.
He stressed that the address comes at a critical moment, with Zambia recovering from the economic and climate shocks of 2024 while consolidating recent gains.
Nyirenda noted that the theme of the speech is expected to emphasise unity, continuity, and prosperity, linking past progress to the government’s electoral aspirations ahead of 2026.
He said Zambians can expect updates on macroeconomic performance, including a rebound in GDP growth to 4.5 percent in early 2025, a stronger kwacha, slowing inflation, and milestones in debt restructuring. These, he said, would likely be framed as the foundation for a people-centred 2026 National Budget.
Much of the address is also expected to highlight progress under the Eighth National Development Plan, including record maize production, rising mineral output, and advances in education, health, social protection, climate resilience, and renewable energy.
Governance priorities are likely to focus on anti-corruption efforts, decentralisation through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), constitutional reforms, and respect for the rule of law and democracy.
“Collectively, the speech will seek to project stability and continuity while signalling the administration’s vision for inclusive growth,” Nyirenda said.
However, he emphasised that Zambians expect clear commitments on how the government will address persistently high living costs, as reflected in JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket, and strengthen social protection systems for the most vulnerable.
Nyirenda further noted that while load shedding persists despite government assurances of investment, the Maamba thermal plant will only come online in 2026.
“The medium-term outlook for 2026–2028 remains optimistic, with projections for increased electricity generation as rainfall conditions normalise,” he added.
On human and social development, Nyirenda urged the President to firmly restate commitments to free education, quality healthcare, and social cash transfers, ensuring these programmes remain sustainable and reach those most in need.
He also highlighted mixed progress in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), noting that while borehole rehabilitation and sanitation outreach have exceeded targets, urban water supply remains below standard, pointing to quality and sustainability challenges.
Nyirenda called for a credible reaffirmation of the fight against corruption, decentralisation through the CDF, and respect for the rule of law, warning against constitutional amendments that risk serving narrow political interests.
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