Zambia’s currency, the Kwacha, is rapidly depreciating under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, according to a statement from the Socialist Party. In an open letter to the President, party spokesperson Frank Bwalya accused Hichilema of failing to fulfill his promise of stabilizing the Kwacha after his election. Bwalya noted that Hichilema had claimed the currency would gain value immediately after his election, but instead, it has been in free-fall.
Bwalya argued that Hichilema’s focus on inspiring investor confidence was misplaced and that the strengthening of a local currency required reducing dependence on imported goods while increasing exports. He also stressed the importance of value addition on exports, which he said played a significant role in currency stability.
Bwalya’s comments came after he had previously challenged Hichilema’s claims on a live radio program, where he had argued that the suitability of a currency was not buoyed by investors’ confidence in an individual leader.
“In your response, you essentially maintained that confidence in your leadership was going to give the Kwacha a bullish character. You effectively branded my contribution as ignorant. Now that the Kwacha has depreciated further with you as president, I will not make the mistake of attributing it to lack of confidence in your leadership,” Bwalya said.
The Kwacha’s depreciation has raised concerns about Zambia’s economy, which has been struggling with high inflation and a high debt burden. Observers fear that the situation could worsen if the currency continues to decline.
Naimwe mulekutika, 14hrs is yet to come.
This man has no shame in Zambia they just change parties like shirts no ideology whatsoever
What has happened to Bloomberg’s best performing currency in Africa, the Kwacha?
Its Bloomberg’s. They should know
2021 – best performing currency
2022 – worst performing currency
2023 – so far nothing good.
Running a country is not as easy as it looks from outside. The appreciation of the kwacha seems to me to have been artificial. Sponsored by those that supported hh in the west and the business community. But now reality is back.
Anyway, for the sake of our people I really hope the upnd find lasting solutions. Our people have suffered enough.
Please teach your reporters to report properly. Dont feed us with opinions or accusations dressed as fact
Zambia’s currency, the Kwacha, is rapidly depreciating under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, according to a statement from the Socialist Party.
Currencies dont depreciate because opposition parties say so. You can check for your self if the Kwacha is depreciating rapidly or slowly. Father Bwalya doesnt
have to tell you. Check the exchange rates.