SOCIAL MEDIA INSULTS SABOTAGING NATION’S ECONOMIC AGENDA….HH attributes malicious posts to disgruntled elements frustrated by recent electoral defeat

SOCIAL MEDIA INSULTS SABOTAGING NATION’S ECONOMIC AGENDA….HH attributes malicious posts to disgruntled elements frustrated by recent electoral defeat By DAVID KANDUZAPRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has strongly condemned the growing trend of toxic and malicious commentary on social media, warning that reckless online behaviour is directly sabotaging the country’s economic developmental blueprints. Speaking at State House on […]

SOCIAL MEDIA INSULTS SABOTAGING NATION’S ECONOMIC AGENDA
….HH attributes malicious posts to disgruntled elements frustrated by recent electoral defeat

By DAVID KANDUZA
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has strongly condemned the growing trend of toxic and malicious commentary on social media, warning that reckless online behaviour is directly sabotaging the country’s economic developmental blueprints.

Speaking at State House on Monday, 14 September 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony of four freshly appointed members of his cabinet, the Head of State asserted that the negative narratives being actively peddled on digital networks were scaring away foreign investors who are critical to expanding the national economy.

The President noted with concern that the ongoing digital vitriol does not support his administration’s central economic transformation strategy, widely known as the Grow Zambia agenda.

Mr Hichelema said while the Government was laying a steady foundation for macro-economic growth and job creation, targeted negative messaging were creating a false perception of instability.

“The kind of talk going on on social media currently can affect the ‘Grow Zambia’ agenda; it can drive away investors,” President Hichilema warned.

He added that no meaningful international business capital would comfortably flow into an ecosystem where the public discourse was dominated by constant toxicity and unconstructive insults.

Driven by electoral frustrationIn a candid assessment of the origin of these online campaigns, President Hichilema attributed the malicious commentary to politically motivated groups.

He stated that the onslaught of negative posts is primarily coming from individuals who remain bitter and deeply frustrated because their preferred political candidates did not emerge victorious in the democratic process.

The remarks follow his recent re-election victory, which guaranteed policy continuity sought by investors but left a polarized opposition landscape.

Rather than engaging in constructive national building, he noted, these disgruntled elements have turned social media into a battlefield to destabilize public trust and undermine state progress.

The President’s strong warning formed the backdrop of an official ceremony where he swore in four prominent members of his executive team.

The newly appointed cabinet ministers include Situmbeko Musokotwane – Minister of Finance and National PlanningMulambo Haimbe, MP – Minister of Foreign Affairs and International CooperationProf. Roma Chilengi, MP – Minister of HealthGilbert Siame, MP – Minister of Green Economy and Environment.

Charging the new team at State House, President Hichilema demanded immediate results, absolute transparency, and adherence to the principles of collective responsibility.

“Collective responsibility—that’s why it is called a Cabinet. It is more than one,” Mr Hichilema told the ministers.

He urged them to completely ignore the online noise, respect the rules of engagement, and dedicate their energies entirely to delivering tangible developmental goals to the citizens of Zambia.