LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-President Hakainde Hichilema delivered his last address to Parliament before the 2026 general elections, framing the speech as a moment of accountability and an appeal to Zambians to judge his record.
The theme of the address, “consolidating economic and social gains towards a prosperous, resilient and equitable Zambia”, underscored his call for citizens to assess not only his promises but also his delivery.
On the economy, Hichilema pointed to an average annual growth rate of 5.2 percent between 2021 and 2024, significantly higher than the 1.5 percent recorded under the previous administration.
He highlighted that 92 percent of external debt had been restructured and inflation reduced from 23 percent in 2021 to around 15 percent today.
While these numbers signal progress, many households continue to feel the strain of high prices, raising the question of whether macroeconomic stability has truly translated into affordable food and stable jobs.
In agriculture, Hichilema emphasized a record maize harvest of 3.7 million tonnes this year, the largest in Zambia’s history, alongside nearly doubled soya production.
He credited reforms such as the cleanup of the e-voucher system and timely distribution of farm inputs.
However, despite the bumper harvest, food prices remain high, leaving citizens to question why abundance has not yet translated into relief.
Turning to mining, the President spoke of new investment at Mopani, expansions at Kansanshi, and upgrades at Lumwana, with a target of one million tonnes of copper production by 2025.
He noted that Mopani alone has created 2,000 jobs.
Yet critics argue that Zambia has heard such promises before and insist the real measure will be whether new mining ventures create long-term employment and ensure profits remain in the country.
On energy, Hichilema acknowledged widespread frustration with load shedding, an issue that has dominated public discourse.
He pledged over 1,000 megawatts of new power from solar and thermal projects in Chisamba, Maamba, and the Copperbelt within the next year.
Still, citizens have questioned whether promises of new power generation will bring immediate relief to households currently in darkness.
In education, the President highlighted the return of 2.3 million children to school under the free education policy.
He also noted the recruitment of more than 42,000 teachers, procurement of 1.6 million desks, and construction of new schools.
In health, he cited the building of 282 new facilities, hiring of 18,000 health workers, and improved drug availability reaching 85 percent.
These tangible achievements are expected to form part of his strongest campaign arguments going into 2026.
Tourism and the digital economy also featured prominently, with international arrivals rising from 554,000 in 2021 to 2.2 million in 2024, the highest in Zambia’s history.
He attributed this to improved infrastructure around national parks and a visa waiver for 167 countries.
Meanwhile, mobile money transactions surged to K486 billion last year, signaling rapid digital transformation even as concerns remain over fraud and regulation.
Addressing corruption, Hichilema repeated his warning: “Stay away from crime and no one will touch you.”
Critics, however, argue that the fight against corruption remains selective, with a focus on Patriotic Front-era officials while questions linger over current deals in sectors such as energy, roads, and fertilizer.
Four years into his presidency, analysts say Hichilema’s record is mixed.
Debt restructuring, agricultural surpluses, and social service expansion are notable wins.
But persistent load shedding, high food prices, and weak job creation remain unresolved challenges.
As the 2026 elections approach, the decisive question for voters will be whether the improvements claimed on paper translate into real changes in homes, kitchens, and wallets.
In closing his address, Hichilema sought to project confidence.
Yet the outcome in 2026 will not be determined by economic indicators alone, but by the lived realities of ordinary Zambians.
