🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Hichilema sets second-term priorities
President Hakainde Hichilema has outlined the priorities of his second term, placing economic growth, jobs, productivity and equal treatment of citizens at the centre of his new administration.
In a message issued after Tuesday’s inauguration, Hichilema said his government would serve all Zambians regardless of how they voted in the August 13 election.
“To those who did not vote for us, we respect your democratic choice. We will serve you on an equal basis, without discrimination,” he said.
Hichilema said the election period was now over and called for national unity as government begins another five-year term.
“Our political choices may differ, but our country and our destiny are one. The elections are behind us; the work of building Zambia continues,” he said.
On the economy, Hichilema described his first term as a period of restoring stability and laying foundations. He said the 2026–2031 term would focus on growing the economy, creating jobs and ensuring economic progress reaches households.
The President also called for greater productivity and self-reliance, urging Zambians to produce more of what the country consumes, expand exports and support enterprise and investment.
“Government cannot build Zambia alone. Every citizen has a role,” he said.
Turning to Zambia’s international partners, Hichilema described the country as a peaceful, democratic and sovereign nation committed to stability, trade and investment.
“We will serve you. We will listen. We will work,” Hichilema said. “And we will remain focused on delivering a more prosperous, united and resilient Zambia.”
-The People’s Brief | Francine Lilu