UPND Partners Celebrate Peace and Prosperity

Chikuse says, together Alliance have achieved national unity, food security, and economic growth

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24  --- (December 30, 2025) – The UPND Alliance is celebrating the restoration of peace, improved food security, and economic recovery as the major achievements of 2025, while urging citizens and leaders to continue prioritizing national interests as Zambia enters 2026.

Speaking at a year-end press conference, UPND Alliance Spokesperson Leslie Chikuse said the government’s most significant accomplishment remains ensuring peace and stability in public spaces across the country.

“Markets and bus stations are once again places of commerce, not violence,” Chikuse said. 

“Communities are safer, and citizens are free to live, work, and worship without intimidation. This peace belongs to all Zambians and must be protected by everyone.”

Chikuse also praised the Alliance’s disciplined leadership, noting that disagreements were resolved through dialogue rather than public confrontation, creating a stable environment for institutions, investors, and communities.

He highlighted President Hakainde Hichilema’s recognition as a leading reform-oriented African leader as evidence of Zambia’s growing respect on the regional and global stage.

On national challenges, Chikuse recalled that Zambia faced one of its worst droughts at the start of the UPND Alliance government, leading to sharp declines in maize production and exposing the country’s vulnerability to climate shocks. 

He said the government responded by distributing hundreds of thousands of metric tons of maize to vulnerable households and strengthening support to farmers.

“The last agricultural season saw national maize availability exceed four million metric tons, stabilizing mealie-meal prices, reducing hunger, and strengthening national food security,” Chikuse said, celebrating the impact on millions of Zambian families.

Economic recovery also featured prominently. Chikuse noted that inflation stabilized at 10.9% by November 2025—the lowest in over two years—and that international credit rating agencies, including Fitch and S&P Global, upgraded Zambia’s long-term foreign currency rating out of default, signaling renewed confidence in the country’s financial credibility.

“The stability of the Kwacha allows small businesses to plan better, import raw materials at predictable costs, and expand operations without fear of sudden exchange rate shocks,” Chikuse said, emphasizing the benefits for employment and cost of living.

Chikuse also celebrated milestones in governance and inclusion, citing the implementation of the new Constitution Amendment Act (No. 2 of 2021), which empowers women, youth, and persons with disabilities to shape national development.

He highlighted provisions such as Article 52, preventing by-elections triggered by malicious resignations, and Article 266, defining a child as anyone under 18, strengthening Zambia’s electoral laws.

Turning to energy, Chikuse described reliable power supply as a social priority, noting that reduced load-shedding is already benefiting teachers, artisans, clinics, schools, and businesses across the country.

“Energy reforms are not just technical; they are social. Citizens are seeing tangible improvements that impact livelihoods, health, education, and business operations,” Chikuse said.

He concluded by calling on leaders and citizens to uphold peace, integrity, and national interest as the country moves into 2026.

“Peace without justice is fragile. Leadership without integrity is empty. But with unity, discipline, compassion, and God’s guidance, Zambia will continue to rise,” Chikuse said, pledging continued development and reduced load-shedding in the new year.

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