Ex-MP, Banda, says Hichilema’s economic gains do not reflect citizens’ daily struggles

Former Kasenengwa Constituency lawmaker, Sensio Banda, has criticized President Hakainde Hichilema for presenting positive economic statistics that he claimed did not reflect the daily struggles of Zambians, such as persistent load shedding, high food prices, and weak job growth.

In his recent address to Parliament, President Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s economic progress, citing a 5.2 percent average growth rate between 2021 and 2024, reduced inflation, and the restructuring of 92 percent of external debt.

But in an interview with Zambia Monitor, Banda argued that the government had failed to deliver on its promises, particularly in tackling poverty, corruption, and gender-based violence.

He said the address offered no concrete short-term solutions to the ongoing power crisis, noting that instead of tackling inadequate generation capacity, the government appeared to be engaged in “a calculated political maneuver.”

“The problem of load shedding, which once disproportionately affected high-density areas, has now been shifted to low and medium-density areas,” Banda claimed, alleging the move was an election ploy ahead of the 2026 polls.

He further argued that the government should have reduced electricity exports to meet domestic demand, instead of shifting the burden from one group of citizens to another.

According to Banda, this short-term political strategy undermines long-term national stability.

“President Hichilema’s address painted a picture of a nation on the rise. But for many Zambians, this rosy official narrative feels disconnected from their daily reality,” he said, citing the high cost of living, erratic power supply, and entrenched corruption.

While the President pointed to a stabilized Kwacha and reduced inflation—dropping from 23.1 percent to 12.6 percent—Banda stressed that these figures were “just abstract numbers” for most households, with the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) still beyond reach for many families.

He added that a few minor price reductions offered little relief, as essentials like cooking oil, charcoal, and transport remained unaffordable.

“The Kwacha’s ‘stability’ means little when its purchasing power is so weak. It’s a classic case of statistical success not translating into tangible relief for citizens,” Banda said.

He also questioned who was truly benefiting from the touted 5.2 percent growth rate and the reported creation of 48,000 jobs in Special Economic Zones.

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