Zambia prepares for President Hichilema’ second-term inauguration

Zambia is preparing for the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema on 1st September 2026, marking the beginning of his second five-year term. Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson, Henry Kapata, says the inauguration comes as the country reflects on a…

Zambia is preparing for the inauguration of President Hakainde Hichilema on 1st September 2026, marking the beginning of his second five-year term.

Ministry of Information and Media Director Spokesperson, Henry Kapata, says the inauguration comes as the country reflects on a first term that saw Zambia tackle debt restructuring, high inflation, energy shortages and weak investor confidence, while laying the foundation for the next phase of economic growth.

Mr Kapata has told the media business news that inflation has fallen from 24.6 percent in December 2021 to 6.2 percent in August 2026, while international reserves have risen to around US$6.5 billion.

He said the second term comes with clearly defined ambitions under the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1 development framework:

Mr Kapata explained that the development framework includes 10,000MW electricity generation capacity, 10 million tonnes of maize production, 5 million annual international tourist arrivals, 3 million tonnes of copper production, 3 million tonnes of soybean production, and 3 million tonnes of wheat production as well as US$1 billion of annual beef export revenue.

Mr Kapata further said the targets are aimed at expanding production, attracting investment, creating jobs, strengthening exports and improving household incomes.

“As preparations continue ahead of Tuesday’s ceremony, we look at the journey so far, the economic foundation Zambia enters the second term with and what these targets mean for the country’s next five years. The mandate has been renewed. The targets are defined. The next chapter is delivery,” he said.