"We Are Not Done Yet"
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 -- (28-06-2026) -- President Hakainde Hichilema has appealed to Zambians to grant his administration another five-year mandate, saying his government has rebuilt the country’s economic foundations after inheriting high debt levels, weakened public services and declining investor confidence.
He argued that a second term would allow his administration to consolidate ongoing reforms and fully deliver their benefits to citizens rather than reversing course to what he described as past governance failures.
Officially launching the UPND Alliance campaign for the August 13 general election, President Hakainde Hichilema said the first five years of his administration were focused on stabilising the economy, restoring investor confidence and strengthening key public institutions.
He said the groundwork had been completed and the next phase would centre on translating reforms into tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The President acknowledged that many households were still facing high living costs but said government was fully aware of the hardship and remained committed to addressing it.
“We do not pretend that everything is perfect. Life is still challenging. We hear you when you complain, and we feel the challenges you are facing. We will not rest until we fulfil the promises we made to the people,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema thanked citizens for electing him in 2021, saying the responsibility of leadership remained a daily reminder of accountability.
“Every day of my life, I ask myself why I should be President of Zambia. That question reminds me that I must continue working hard to serve the people,” he said.
He said free education remained one of his administration’s key achievements, benefiting more than 2.5 million children who returned to school after policy reforms.
He added that government had further strengthened the programme by enshrining free education in law to guarantee its sustainability.
Mr. Hichilema also said more than 45,000 teachers had been recruited in the past four years, describing the move as both an education investment and job creation strategy for young people.
He further highlighted improvements in the health and education sectors, including classroom construction, distribution of desks, recruitment of health workers, strengthening of hospitals and improved medicine supply.
Turning to the economy, the President said the mining sector had been revived after several mines had previously closed or scaled down operations, but were now back in production and creating jobs.
“When we took office, the mines were down. Today those mines are operational again, creating jobs for our people,” he said.
He also cited recruitment in the security sector as part of wider efforts to create employment and strengthen national stability.
On debt management, Mr. Hichilema said Zambia had successfully completed its debt restructuring process, restoring international confidence in the economy.
“It was not HH who created the debt, but we have taken responsibility for resolving it,” he said.
He said prudent economic management had enabled the country to build international reserves of about US$6.7 billion, describing them as a safeguard against economic shocks.
“These reserves belong to the people of Zambia. They are our insurance in times of crisis,” he said.
Mr. Hichilema added that improved investor confidence and a strengthening Kwacha reflected progress under his administration.
He criticised opposition leaders under the Tonse Alliance, accusing them of lacking sound economic direction and threatening to reverse reforms.
“We introduced free education. Those in Tonse should go back to school and learn economics,” he said.
On governance, the President pledged continued rejection of political violence and division, saying Zambia must remain peaceful and united.
“There is no room for division. We are one people and one nation,” he said.
He also said his government had restored meal allowances for university students and introduced school feeding programmes to support vulnerable learners.
Mr. Hichilema outlined proposed constitutional reforms aimed at increasing representation for women, youth and persons with disabilities in Parliament.
Looking ahead, he said his administration’s second-term agenda included boosting copper production, expanding agriculture, generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity and attracting five million tourists annually.
“We will continue making it easier to do business,” he said.
He urged voters not to return leaders he accused of mismanaging the economy in the past, saying Zambia had already begun recovering and must not reverse course.
“No province will remain behind,” he said, promising balanced national development.
He called for peaceful elections on August 13 and urged citizens to protect the integrity of the democratic process.
UPND Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi said the alliance remained united and focused on continuity, urging citizens to judge leadership based on results.
New National Party President Nevers Mumba said voters should prioritise performance over promises, arguing that past governments failed to deliver.
Patriotic Front President Miles Sampa said the election represented a choice between continued development and reversal of progress.
United Progressive Party President Saviour Chishimba said the current administration had promoted unity and reduced political divisions.
UPPZ President Charles Chanda highlighted mining sector reforms, saying improved regulation had increased transparency and revenue generation.
National Congress Party President Peter Chanda said continuity was essential for long-term development planning.
Democratic Party President Judith Kabemba credited free education with expanding access to schooling for vulnerable children.
NAREP President Ezra Ngulube encouraged youth support for President Hichilema, citing job creation and empowerment programmes.
MDC Vice-President Leonard Hikaumba said leadership continuity was justified by demonstrated governance improvements.
Copperbelt Province UPND Chairperson Elisha Matambo said the province had benefited from infrastructure development, particularly roads and health facilities.
The Lusaka Province Chairperson said the capital was ready to overwhelmingly support President Hichilema, citing completed development projects.
UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso said youth support remained strong, driven by empowerment initiatives.
The UPND candidate for Mandevu Constituency said residents supported continuity due to visible development.
Matero candidate Alix Sakala and Kanyama candidate Cleopatra Hamambwa also pledged support, citing constituency-level projects.
Democratic Union President Ackim Njovu announced his party had joined the UPND Alliance, saying the decision was based on shared development goals and commitment to continuity.
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