Youth Activist Credits UPND With Economic Recovery
Choomba Kaoma and Edgar Silwimba cite economic reforms, debt restructuring, free education and youth empowerment as reasons voters should consider another Hichilema term
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (12-07-2026) -- Youth activist Choomba Kaoma and Lusaka businessman and politician Edgar Silwimba have credited the United Party for National Development (UPND) government with stabilising Zambia’s economy, expanding education opportunities and creating empowerment programmes for young people, arguing that President Hakainde Hichilema’s record since taking office in 2021 deserves consideration ahead of the August 13 general elections.
The two supporters said voters should judge the administration based on its achievements, including economic reforms, debt restructuring, the Free Education Policy, youth empowerment initiatives and efforts to improve governance.
He said President Hichilema’s government had focused on restoring investor confidence, strengthening democratic institutions and rebuilding the economy.
“Where we are today is not by chance or mistake, but because there has been a deliberate push and political will to ensure that Zambia regains its strength,” Silwimba said.
He said Zambia’s economic challenges before 2021 were reflected in slow growth, rising debt obligations and pressure on government finances.
Silwimba identified the debt restructuring programme as one of the major achievements of the UPND administration, saying it had created an opportunity for Zambia to rebuild its economy.
“The debt restructuring was not an easy journey, but it was necessary because previous efforts did not provide a solution that was attractive enough to the international community,” he said.
He acknowledged that economic reforms had not been easy for citizens but maintained that they were necessary to restore stability and create a sustainable economic future.
Silwimba said the drought that affected agriculture, electricity generation and household livelihoods had demonstrated the need for Zambia to invest in measures that could strengthen the country’s resilience.
He cited irrigation farming, renewable energy and empowerment programmes as key areas requiring continued investment to reduce the impact of future economic shocks.
Silwimba said government’s focus on irrigation agriculture was aimed at reducing dependence on rainfall and improving food security.
He also pointed to investments in solar energy and other power generation projects, saying reliable electricity was critical for industrial growth and attracting investment.
“Energy expansion is important because investors need confidence that Zambia has enough power capacity to support industries,” he said.
On education, Silwimba praised the Free Education Policy, saying it had increased access to learning for children who previously faced financial barriers.
He said bursaries, student loans and skills development programmes had expanded opportunities for young people seeking higher education and vocational training.
Silwimba also praised the recruitment of teachers and health workers, saying increased staffing levels had improved public service delivery.
“The economy is built by people with skills. We need plumbers, carpenters, technicians and entrepreneurs who can create jobs and grow industries,” he said.
He cited the fuel sector as one example, arguing that although fuel prices were relatively stable under the previous administration, the sector accumulated significant debt.
“Under the Patriotic Front, fuel prices were relatively stable, but at what cost? The debt in the sector had ballooned to almost US$1 billion. Today, despite monthly fuel price reviews, government has managed to reduce those arrears to almost zero,” Kaoma said.
He argued that restoring economic stability and rebuilding strategic reserves were necessary steps towards attracting investment and creating sustainable employment.
“You cannot attract meaningful investment if the economy is unstable. Investors need confidence that government can sustain the economy. Once investment comes, meaningful jobs are created through the private sector,” Kaoma said.
On education, Kaoma criticised the previous Patriotic Front administration’s decision to remove meal allowances for university students, saying the move affected vulnerable learners and their families.
“It was an emotional decision. When I interacted with colleagues from humble backgrounds, I realised that part of that money supported families back home. The decision lacked careful reflection on the impact it would have on students and their families,” he said.
Kaoma defended the Free Education Policy, arguing that increased enrolment reflected expanded access to learning.
“If more children are in school because education is free, then our focus should be on building more classrooms to accommodate them. We should not demonise a policy that is giving children from poor families a chance to complete their education,” he said.
He also credited increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations with creating more opportunities for young people through bursaries, skills training and community projects.
“The increase in CDF has created more scholarships and empowerment opportunities. Every Member of Parliament now has resources to support young people in their constituencies,” he said.
On governance and security, Kaoma said Zambia had moved away from a period when political cadres allegedly controlled public spaces such as markets and bus stations.
“We came from a period when political cadres had more power than the police. Bus stations and markets were controlled by self-appointed commanders. That should never happen in a democracy,” he said.
He urged political leaders to avoid statements that could intimidate civil servants or deepen divisions among citizens.
“We are Zambians first before any political affiliation. Politics should never divide us or create fear among civil servants,” Kaoma said.
Kaoma acknowledged that the Patriotic Front invested in infrastructure but said voters should also consider the circumstances that led to the 2021 change of government.
“The Patriotic Front built infrastructure, and today’s government is benefiting from those facilities by employing health workers and expanding services. At the same time, we must honestly discuss the shortcomings that made people vote for change,” he said.
As campaigns intensify, Silwimba and Kaoma urged citizens, especially young voters, to focus on policies, achievements and future plans when assessing political leaders.
Silwimba said young people should consider programmes such as free education, student financing, skills development and empowerment initiatives.
Kaoma urged voters to look beyond political slogans and examine what leaders had delivered.
“Do not judge leaders by slogans. Look at what they have achieved, where the country has come from and where we are today,” he said.
Kaoma endorsed President Hichilema’s re-election bid, saying his support was based on the government’s policies and economic direction.
“My endorsement is with President Hakainde Hichilema because of his policies and the economic transformation taking place. Numbers do not lie,” he said.
He also urged political leaders and supporters to respect journalists and recognise the media’s role in informing citizens during the electoral process.
“The media’s role is to keep the nation informed. Leaders should never label journalists as enemies because their supporters often imitate such behaviour,” Kaoma said.
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