PRESS STATEMENT
DATED: 18 AUGUST 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF MS. DOLIKA BANDA
Zambia stands at a defining moment in our time and history. For too long, leadership in our nation has been reduced to political gamesmanship, personal ambition, and the endless recycling of empty promises. What our people deserve is not more rhetoric but serious, selfless leadership.
I have spent over three decades working in development finance, governance, and investment across the world. From my years at the International Finance Corporation, the African Development Bank, and CDC Group, to serving on the boards of institutions committed to Africa’s transformation, my mission has always been the same: to bring real, sustainable impact to communities. Leadership, to me, is not about occupying office, it is about delivering change that is felt in the lives of ordinary citizens.
It is with this conviction that, after much reflection and prayer, I have decided to offer myself to serve as President of the Republic of Zambia in 2026. I believe leadership is service, not an opportunity for wealth or self-promotion.
It requires rolling up our sleeves and addressing the urgent challenges that face our nation: jobs for our youth, affordable healthcare, access to quality education, food security, and dignity for every citizen. For me, integrity is non-negotiable. When I resigned from my position as Chairperson of ZCCM-IH, I did so because I refused to be a pawn of political interference. I chose principle over position then, and I will continue to choose principle over politics now. Zambia deserves institutions that work for the people, not for the few
My journey has taught me that true leadership is measured by impact. I have witnessed small businesses in Zambia grow into thriving enterprises when given fair opportunities and proper support, proving that real empowerment is possible when leaders open doors instead of closing them.
Inclusive leadership is also central to my vision. Women are not an “asset class” to be managed. We are builders, innovators, and partners in national development. My commitment is to build a Zambia that values the contribution of every citizen, regardless of gender, background, or status, while pursuing development that is both equitable and sustainable for future generations.
Zambia is a land of promise, blessed with resources, talent, and a youthful population eager to rise. But potential alone is not enough, it takes honest, disciplined, and selfless leadership to transform promise into prosperity. I am ready to lead, not for myself, but for the generations that will come after us. The time for serious, selfless leadership is now.
iTS GOOD TO DREAM MADAM.KEEP ON DREAMING I JUST HOPE YOU ARE WILLING TO WAIT FOR 20 YEARS
Madam you look sober and intelligent so sure who’s misleading you. Don’t think your shining credentials will help you, far from it. Zambians have already a working government but maybe in the far future. We only have one year to go. Be steady and patient. Get a leaf from late Sata and HH. That excitement you have will be replaced by sorrow and regret. Why can’t you do something else , it’s not in politics only that you can leave a good legacy.
Great Message from Dolika Banda.
Am ready to support this woman. She has what it takes to be President of Zambia. She is much better than the exaggerated persona in some mediocre people, the Kim IL Sung type of Leadership, destroying our Country in exchange for Cash for work programs and CDF .
Come Madam Dolika Banda and restore governance, Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, and Effective Democractic Institutions… The Legislature and Judiciary..
Come 2026 am not voting for Cash for work or CDF…Am voting for a working Multi Party Democractic System and strong democratic Institutions.
I don’t see these under Mr Hakainde Hichilema.
I won’t vote for Nellie Mutti ‘s Parliament
I won’t vote for IG Musamba’ Zambia Police
I won’t vote for Chief Justice Mumba Malila’s Judiciary
And I won’t vote for Mr Hakainde Hichilema ‘s executive.
Whoever will have an Alternative to these , will definitely have my vote.
Dolika, kindly make it clear how you intend to stand as a candidate, are you creating another party or standing on an existing one. I wish you success in your endeavor as you seen to be focused on what you have decided but give us clarity on how you intend to stand. Challenging for president is your right as a Zambian and no one can take that away from you.