…as he says people should feel impacts of economic recovery By Francis Chipalo Republican President Hakainde Hichilema today challenged the business community to translate Zambia’s economic recovery into real relief for citizens, declaring that the benefits of a stronger economy must now be felt in every market, shop and bus station across the country. In […]

…as he says people should feel impacts of economic recovery

By Francis Chipalo

Republican President Hakainde Hichilema today challenged the business community to translate Zambia’s economic recovery into real relief for citizens, declaring that the benefits of a stronger economy must now be felt in every market, shop and bus station across the country.

In a Press Statement released by State House Chief Communications Specialist, Clayson Hamasaka, the President acknowledged clear signs of progress: inflation is down, the kwacha is stable, the country has recorded a bumper harvest, electricity supply has stabilized, and fuel prices continue to fall.

These milestones, he said, are the product of “the hard work of the Zambian people and the disciplined management of the economy by the Government.”

But President Hichilema was blunt: the recovery is not moving fast enough to the people who need it most.

“The President notes, however, that these improvements have been too slow to reach the prices citizens pay in shops, at markets and for transport,” he said.

“Where the cost of doing business falls, the cost of living should follow,” President Hichilema emphasized.

For months, government policy has worked to stabilize the macro-economy. Now, the President is calling on the private sector to do its part, to adjust prices downward and ensure that savings from cheaper fuel, stable power, and a stronger kwacha are passed on to consumers.

The President reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to a market-driven economy, saying it is the very system that has attracted the investment powering the current recovery.

“Zambia is a free market economy and will remain one, because that is what has attracted the investment now driving growth,” he added.

The appeal comes at a critical time, with households still grappling with high prices despite the positive fundamentals. Government’s expectation is clear: policy has created the conditions, and now business must deliver the impact.