By 
President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice President Mutale Nalumango were on Tuesday officially sworn in for a second term running from 2026 to 2031, pledging to lead with integrity and accountability.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony held at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, President Hichilema extended a hand of unity to political competitors and urged citizens to respect different political choices, stressing that elections should not become a source of permanent division among Zambians.
The Head of State pledged to ensure that every voice mattered and to deliver tangible development that improved the lives of citizens and communities across the country.
He called on Zambians, regardless of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity, gender or social status, to work together through hard work and smart work in advancing national development.
President Hichilema outlined the Grow Zambia Agenda as the focus of the new five-year term, building on the economic stabilisation achieved during the first term and shifting the focus towards economic growth, wealth creation, job opportunities and shared prosperity.
“Government will deepen economic reforms and prioritise mining, agriculture, tourism and energy, alongside infrastructure development and industrial transformation, to unlock Zambia’s economic potential,” he said.
President Hichilema explained that the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 vision targets 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of electricity, five million tourist arrivals, three million tonnes each of copper and soybeans, one million tonnes each of wheat and sugar, and at least US$1 billion in beef exports.
Read More: Netizens divided as Hichilema calls for unity at inauguration event
“Economic growth must translate into tangible benefits for citizens through jobs for graduates, reliable markets for farmers, increased opportunities for businesses and greater revenue to support continued national development,” he emphasized.
On the social front, President Hichilema highlighted strategic interventions including free education, improved healthcare, enhanced Constituency Development Fund resources, social protection and economic empowerment programmes for women and young people.
He indicated that 2.6 million children of school going age who had previously been out of school have returned to education, expanding access to learning opportunities across the country.
“The Government will strengthen decentralisation by transferring greater responsibility and resources to local communities, ensuring that development reaches all parts of Zambia,” the Head of State added.
Hichilema highlighted Proportional Representation as a measure that would enhance participation in governance by women, young people and persons living with disabilities.
Describing education as the greatest equalizer, President Hichilema called for sustained investment in education, skills development and healthcare, alongside a change in mindset that places children, young people and future generations at the centre of national development.
“The Government will continue transforming the public service through improved service delivery, digitisation, accountability, professionalism and innovation, while strengthening the fight against corruption and safeguarding public resources,” he said.
President Hichilema also called upon public officers to place national interest above personal interests and uphold integrity, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
On foreign policy, the President indicated that Zambia would continue pursuing economic diplomacy, peace, security and stability while strengthening cooperation with neighbouring countries, Africa and the wider international community.
“Zambia will continue to strengthen its position as an investor friendly destination and a trusted, reliable and dependable partner in the international community,” he said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments