Hichilema links falling inflation to government discipline during election
President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia’s falling inflation during the August general election was evidence that his government remained disciplined and prudent despite the pressures of an election year.
Abu Dhabi, 30 September – Speaking at the Zambia-UAE Business Forum in Abu Dhabi, Hichilema said inflation had fallen from more than 24 percent when his administration took office to 6.1 percent in September 2026.
ZamStats reports that annual inflation dropped from 6.5 percent in July to 6.2 percent in August and 6.1 percent in September.
Hichilema said maintaining the downward trend during an election period was significant, particularly because Parliament and Cabinet dissolve three months before general elections, leaving the President to carry broader executive responsibilities.
“It means in the election season the government is disciplined and prudent,” he said.
He said the government’s focus would now shift from economic reconstruction and stabilisation to the Grow Zambia Agenda, with an emphasis on attracting private investment, technology and skills, expanding small and medium-sized businesses and increasing electricity generation to support mining.
The President was speaking as Zambia and the UAE signed memoranda of understanding valued at US$2.14 billion across various sectors.
-Nkanionline 2026 #NewsOnDemand