Mumba warns against changing Zambia’s economic driver ahead of elections
Former vice-president Nevers Mumba has warned that changing the leadership driving Zambia’s economic recovery at this stage could trigger a crisis, arguing that the gains made over the past five years should not be put at risk.
Lusaka, 11 August – Mumba, who was speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview programme, said Zambia’s economy had reached a point where the country should be preparing to build on the progress made rather than changing direction
He said replacing the current economic leadership could lead to the restructuring of an economy that, in his view, had already been repaired, particularly if power returned to those responsible for its previous management.
“If you were to ask me, overall, in a general situation, where is the economy? I think we are on your marks, get set, go, because now what was broken has been fixed. There’s nothing that should stop us or hold Zambia back,” Mumba said.
“I think the mistake we would make is to try to change the driver at this time. We change the driver at this time, we create a crisis.”
Mumba said he feared that a change in government could reverse the economic gains made during President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration.
He also acknowledged that many Zambians remained unhappy about the cost of living and the performance of government, but argued that economic stability should be considered when voters make their decision.
“I do know that when you are angry with a president, you are angry with a government, you don’t care who you vote for,” he said
Mumba also questioned the readiness of the Tonse Alliance, particularly its presidential candidate Brian Mundubile, to take over the running of the country.
He said the alliance had come together shortly before the nomination period and, in his view, had not had sufficient time to develop a coherent economic programme.
“My view is that the current Tonse Alliance leadership, they are not ready to move this country forward,” Mumba said.
He argued that Mundubile had not demonstrated sufficient evidence of economic leadership or a clear plan for transforming the country.
Mumba said voters should judge presidential candidates by their record, commitment and ability to serve the country rather than simply supporting them because of political loyalties.
“Let’s not be in a hurry because we have taken a side. Let’s think Zambia first, let’s think the future of our children first,” he said.
He further criticised the Tonse Alliance for allegedly relying on the economic policies of former President Edgar Lungu’s administration.
Mumba said statements suggesting that the alliance would manage the economy in a similar way to the previous administration raised questions about what would actually change under a Tonse government.
“They keep saying we will run the economy the same way President ECL ran the economy. I understand what they mean, that’s all they know, but what is that which they know? It is what crushed this economy,” he said.
Mumba also dismissed the suggestion that the Tonse Alliance had sufficient time to study and implement its manifesto, claiming that the alliance had been preoccupied with campaigning.
“They have no time to sit down and read and plan in order for them to understand it,” he said.
He maintained that the UPND Alliance had a strong chance of securing the required 50 percent-plus-one vote in the August 13 presidential election.
Mumba said he had considered the possibility of a Tonse Alliance victory but could not identify a statistically viable route for the opposition alliance to win.
“Yes, they have got a manifesto, but if they are going to base it on what they used to do before, Zambians are in for a big shock,” he said.
He urged voters to recognise that although the economy still faced challenges and the cost of living remained high, Zambia had regained international confidence as an investment destination.
“It’s an economy that makes sense, it’s an economy where an investor would come with pride and invest huge sums of money,” Mumba said.
### Mumba urges candidates to prepare victory and concession speeches
Mumba also challenged all presidential candidates contesting the election to prepare two speeches before voters go to the polls: one to accept victory and another to concede defeat.
He said the manner in which politicians respond to electoral defeat would ultimately define their leadership.
“Come August 13th, one of the candidates is going to become president and the others are going to lose,” Mumba said.
“For those of us that are participating in elections, we must all prepare two speeches. All presidential candidates, if they are real leaders, they must prepare two speeches; one of accepting victory and one of conceding defeat.”
He said political leaders should think carefully about how they would respond if they lost, arguing that accepting defeat peacefully could strengthen rather than damage a politician’s career.
“What makes you as a leader tomorrow is how you concede your defeat. How you handle your defeat is what defines your leadership,” Mumba said.
He added that the political careers of some candidates could be shaped more by how they respond to defeat than by the outcome itself.
Mumba also called for scrutiny of Tonse Alliance Presidential Affairs Chairman Binwell Mpundu over remarks that he was prepared to “die” or “kill” over the forthcoming elections.
He said Mpundu should explain what he meant by the remarks, which have attracted concern ahead of the vote.
Nkanionline 2026