UPND Gets Mixed Review

Five-year AIPAC assessment praises reforms but flags governance, accountability and inclusion gaps

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (June 29, 2026) — The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) says the United Party for National Development (UPND) administration has made notable progress in key reforms over five years but continues to face governance and accountability challenges.

In a statement signed by AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma and Board Chairperson Likando Kalaluka SC, the think tank observed that Zambia had recorded significant gains in social protection, education, health, debt restructuring and economic stability.

Ngoma and Kalaluka said the Social Cash Transfer programme had expanded from about 880,000 households in 2021 to over 1.5 million households, now reaching approximately 7.4 million people. This expansion, according to the statement, has helped reduce poverty and support vulnerable families across the country.

The increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was also highlighted as a key achievement. Communities, the statement noted, have used the funding to construct schools, clinics and bridges, improving access to essential services and promoting local development.

The recruitment of more than 45,000 teachers and over 15,000 health workers was described as another major milestone. This expansion has strengthened service delivery and improved staffing levels in both the education and health sectors nationwide.

The Free Education Policy received praise for widening access to schooling, particularly in rural areas. However, Ngoma and Kalaluka urged government to expand school infrastructure further and ensure proper regulation of private education providers under the new system.

In the mining sector, the AIPAC leadership acknowledged progress through the reopening and expansion of several mines, which has boosted economic activity. At the same time, they called for stronger enforcement of local content regulations, decisive action against illegal mining, and fair taxation of mining firms.

Government efforts in debt restructuring and restoring international confidence in the economy were also commended. However, concern was raised that many citizens have yet to feel the benefits, as high living costs and unemployment remain pressing issues.

The statement urged authorities to ensure that macroeconomic gains are translated into jobs and improved living standards for ordinary Zambians.

While welcoming the introduction of a new anti-corruption policy, AIPAC pointed to unresolved cases that continue to undermine public confidence. These include the 61 drug containers matter, the airport gold scandal, allegations linked to recruitment processes, and the case involving Archbishop Dr Alick Banda.

According to the statement, strengthening the independence of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) is essential to restoring trust in oversight institutions.

Concerns were also raised over the recruitment of 4,000 police officers, with the process described as lacking transparency and fairness. Future recruitment, the statement recommended, should be open and ensure equitable representation across provinces.

The think tank further emphasized the need for Zambia to diversify job creation beyond the public sector, with greater investment in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, technology and private enterprise.

Improved relations between government and the Catholic Church were also encouraged, with reconciliation viewed as important for strengthening national unity and democratic stability.

The statement further urged President Hakainde Hichilema to advance national reconciliation efforts, including consideration of the release of selected opposition political leaders, excluding those convicted of corruption-related offences.

On foreign relations, AIPAC noted that Zambia must address outstanding diplomatic concerns and strengthen engagement with international partners in order to maintain investor confidence.

Ngoma and Kalaluka stated that while the UPND administration has delivered meaningful reforms over the past five years, the next phase must focus on inclusivity, accountability, institutional independence and ensuring that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for citizens.