ZAMBIA PREPARES FOR PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S SECOND-TERM INAUGURATION
Zambia is preparing for the 1 September 2026 inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema, marking the beginning of his second five-year term.
The inauguration comes as the country reflects on a first term that saw Zambia tackle debt restructuring, high inflation, energy shortages and weak investor confidence, while laying the foundation for the next phase of economic growth.
Inflation has fallen from 24.6% in December 2021 to 6.2% in August 2026, while international reserves have risen to around US$6.5 billion.
The second term comes with clearly defined ambitions under the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1 development framework:
10,000MW — electricity generation capacity
10 million tonnes — maize production
5 million — annual international tourist arrivals
3 million tonnes — copper production
3 million tonnes — soybean production
1 million tonnes — wheat production
US$1 billion — annual beef export revenue
These targets are aimed at expanding production, attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening exports and improving household incomes.
As preparations continue ahead of Tuesday’s ceremony, we look at the journey so far, the economic foundation Zambia enters the second term with and what these targets mean for the country’s next five years.
The mandate has been renewed. The targets are defined. The next chapter is delivery.
MIM