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President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, and all relevant agencies to urgently resolve land encroachment affecting about 8 hectares belonging to the Zambia International Trade Fair Trust.
President Hichilema warned that the government would not tolerate illegal takeovers of institutions central to economic development.
The directive came as President Hichilema officially opened the 60th Zambia International Trade Fair in Ndola on Saturday in a speech read for him by Vice President Mutale Nalumango, marking the diamond jubilee of the country’s premier business exhibition.
“I, therefore, direct the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Ndola City Council and all relevant government agencies, to urgently resolve this matter and restore the affected land to the Zambia International Trade Fair Trust in accordance with the law,” he said.
He also told dignitaries that investment inflows into Zambia reached over US$16.4 billion in the five-year period from 2021 to the first quarter of 2026, a figure he attributed to reforms aimed at restoring stability and rebuilding confidence.
Hichilema said the fair’s theme, “Bridging Markets, Building the Future,” aligned with government’s push for a diversified, industrialised and export-oriented economy driven by partnerships, market expansion, and innovation.
“Today, Zambia stands at a defining moment in its economic journey. The current macroeconomic outlook stands as a testimony to our government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports private sector growth, innovation and job creation,” he said.
President Hichilema reported that Zambia recorded a K7 billion trade surplus in May 2026, with manufacturing contributing at least 9.4 percent to GDP, an all-time high. Inflation is averaging 6.5 percent while GDP grew 7.7 percent in the first quarter of 2026.
“These efforts have restored investor confidence and renewed interest in Zambia as a destination for investment across key productive sectors including agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, energy and technology,” he said.
He also laid out seven core economic targets such as the 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of electricity, 5 million tourist arrivals, 3 million tonnes of copper, 3 million tonnes of soya beans, 1 million tonnes of wheat, and US$1 billion in beef exports.
“These remain on the radar, towards increased industrialisation, which will create the jobs and wealth this country needs to further uplift the lives of our people,” he said.
The President said the 60th Trade Fair was the right platform to link partners who will help achieve the targets, adding that government’s strategy is to let every economic player contribute to industrialisation through partnerships and local value addition.
He urged businesses, consumers, retailers, financial institutions, and public bodies to champion local products and strengthen supply chains under the Proudly Zambian campaign.
“Every time we choose a Zambian product, we support local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy,” President Hichilema said.
He said Zambia should use its location at the heart of Southern and Central Africa to become a regional hub for trade, manufacturing, logistics, and investment, leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area’s market of over 1.4 billion people.
Hichilema said agricultural products should create agro-processing industries, mineral wealth must create jobs within Zambia’s borders, and young people must become innovators, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and exporters.
“Let us bridge markets – let us create jobs – let us expand exports – let us build industries – and let us build a prosperous future for all Zambians,” he said.
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