HH TELLS NEW MINISTERS TO PUT ZAMBIA FIRST AND DELIVER RESULTS
By ZR Reporter
President Hakainde Hichilema has set a clear tone for his second term, telling the newly appointed Cabinet that national interests must come first and that the Grow Zambia Agenda must translate into real results for the country’s 21 million citizens.
Speaking during the swearing-in of four Cabinet ministers, President Hichilema said public office is a position of trust and service, warning ministers and public officials against placing personal interests ahead of national interests.
President Hichilema said those entrusted with public office must serve with humility, integrity and commitment, stressing that personal interests must remain secondary to the interests of Zambia.
He also reminded Cabinet members that collective responsibility remains central to government, saying ministers cannot participate in making a decision as Cabinet and later take a different position outside government.
The four ministers sworn into Cabinet are Hon Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, as Minister of Finance; Hon Mulambo Haimbe, MP, as Minister of Foreign Affairs; Hon Roma Chilengi, MP, as Minister of Health; and Hon Gilbert Siame, MP, as Minister of Green Economy.
President Hichilema directed the new Cabinet to focus on implementation, saying ministers must spend more time executing projects and less time sitting in meetings or simply producing documents.
He said the Grow Zambia Agenda must drive economic growth, job creation, business opportunities, increased government revenue, infrastructure development and stronger social programmes.
For the President, economic growth must ultimately improve the lives of ordinary Zambians by creating jobs, expanding businesses and giving citizens greater opportunities to participate in the economy.
President Hichilema also challenged government to accelerate local production, particularly in strategic areas such as medicines and other essential products.
He said Zambia should reduce excessive dependence on imports by creating an environment where more goods can be produced locally, creating jobs while strengthening the domestic economy.
He further stressed the need for productivity and value for money, warning public officials against wasting resources or paying inflated prices for goods and services.
The President said public resources must be treated with the highest level of responsibility, directing officials to follow procurement rules, obtain quality goods at the right prices and ensure projects are completed on time.
He warned that political connections, family relationships or friendships should never be used to bypass government procedures.
In the health sector, President Hichilema called for a stronger patient-first culture, warning health workers against neglecting patients while spending time on social media.
He also issued a strong warning over the theft and pilfering of medicines, stressing that medicines procured with public resources belong to patients and must not be diverted for personal benefit.
The President further highlighted the importance of improving cancer treatment, health infrastructure, medicine availability and the use of technology to strengthen service delivery.
Beyond human health, President Hichilema said Zambia must also pay attention to animal health because diseases affecting animals can also pose risks to people and the wider economy.
He called for modern approaches to healthcare and stronger systems that put the welfare of citizens at the centre of government’s work.
President Hichilema also placed emphasis on the green economy, renewable energy, protection of forests and water resources, and the need for Zambia to take advantage of its strong solar potential.
He said economic development must go hand in hand with responsible management of the environment and efforts to respond to climate change.
The President also cautioned against actions and social media messages that could damage investor confidence and Zambia’s economic prospects.
He said political differences should not become a reason for anyone to undermine the country, stressing that government officials must create an environment where businesses can operate, investors can have confidence and projects can move forward.
President Hichilema said the expansion of the economy must ultimately create opportunities for young people, graduates, farmers, entrepreneurs and businesses.
He linked stronger economic activity to increased government revenue, which can then support education, healthcare and social protection programmes for citizens who need assistance.
He also urged Zambians to move away from a mindset of simply consuming and instead embrace production, wealth creation and entrepreneurship.
President Hichilema said the second term must be defined by a “blind focus” on delivering the Grow Zambia Agenda, with nothing allowed to distract government from achieving results.
He reminded the new Cabinet that public office is ultimately about loving and serving the Zambian people, urging those entrusted with responsibility to remain patriotic and protect the interests of the country.
As the new Cabinet begins its work, the message from State House is clear: the second term must be about delivery, discipline, production, jobs, and growth.
-Zambia Reports | 13 September 2026