THE GROW ZAMBIA AGENDA IN SUMMARY: THE NEXT FIVE YEARS 🇿🇲
President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration speech placed a clear assignment before the country. Zambia must move from economic stabilisation to growth, jobs and prosperity that reach every household.
The President highlighted debt restructuring, record international reserves, lower inflation, a stabilised kwacha and improved investor confidence as foundations laid during the first term. He also cited free education now protected by law, 2.6 million additional children returning to school, improved healthcare, the enhanced Constituency Development Fund and expanded social protection.
Importantly, he acknowledged that the cost of living remains challenging and that the benefits of stabilisation have not yet reached every family. Economic progress must mean something at the dinner table. It must deliver employment, markets for farmers, capital for entrepreneurs and opportunities for women and young people.
At the centre of the second term is the Grow Zambia Agenda, with eight measurable targets.
* 10 million tonnes of maize.
* 10,000 megawatts of electricity.
* 5 million tourists.
* 3 million tonnes of copper.
* 3 million tonnes of soya.
* 1 million tonnes of wheat.
* 1 million tonnes of sugar.
* US$1 billion in beef export revenue.
The ambition is to more than double the size of the economy, create jobs and business opportunities, and generate additional public revenue for investment and support for vulnerable citizens. The President committed to deeper private sector cooperation, infrastructure development, industrial transformation and reforms to institutions that obstruct growth.
Investment in people remains central. Education, skills development and healthcare will be expanded. Women’s and young people’s economic empowerment will be strengthened, alongside social protection. Accelerated decentralisation will place more resources and responsibility in local communities. No province or district should be excluded from development
The speech also highlighted proportional representation as a reform broadening the participation of women, young people and persons with disabilities in governance.
There was a clear call for a change of mindset. Zambia must look beyond the “tantameni” or handout mentality and invest in productive work, tomorrow’s opportunities and future generations. This was accompanied by a commitment to strengthen protection for those who need it most.
The President was unequivocal on corruption. “The fight against corruption will intensify. Public resources will be protected.” He called on every public servant to place the national interest above personal interest.
He committed to strengthening accountability, professionalism and innovation. Public resources must be managed prudently and used for the benefit of the people. These commitments accompany the transformation of the public service into an efficient, delivery focused institution that provides quality services and supports private sector growth and investment.
Internationally, Zambia will continue to pursue economic diplomacy, investment, mutually beneficial cooperation and peace.
The extended hand of national unity was equally important. Those who voted differently are fellow citizens, not enemies. Victory must bring neither taunting nor humiliation. The President undertook to listen to good ideas and constructive criticism, and to remain a servant President for all Zambians.
The campaign is over. The task now is to turn these commitments into better lives through hard and smart work, unity and accountable leadership.
Zambia Forward, TOGETHER in UNITY 🇿🇲
Saviour Chishimba
President
United Progressive People (UPP)
UPND Alliance Partner