President Hichilema Details Progress in Economy, Food Security and Energy Supply
President Hakainde Hichilema delivered a comprehensive briefing at State House covering economic recovery, food security, energy shortages, public service reforms and national dialogue. He said Zambia has emerged from a difficult period marked by debt distress, drought and reduced electricity generation, and is now recording progress across multiple sectors.
He reported that government secured a debt treatment arrangement covering most eligible obligations, creating room for renewed investment. He said international rating agencies have acknowledged the progress and that investor engagement is increasing across mining, agriculture, manufacturing and energy. He cited revived production at several mines and pointed to new capital inflows in expansion projects now underway.
He said the country has moved from one of the harshest droughts in recent years to the largest maize harvest since independence. He credited farmers, churches, civil society and local leaders for helping maintain food supplies during the drought. He said Zambia now consumes about two point seven million tonnes of maize annually and has produced more than required, with exports restarting through regional corridors. He confirmed that the Food Reserve Agency is procuring one point six million tonnes to protect farmers from low prices and said funds are being mobilised to complete payments.
He said the drought caused major reductions in hydropower generation, resulting in a national electricity shortage. He explained that government is implementing short, medium and long-term measures to restore supply. He said new solar projects are being developed in several regions and that each constituency will receive at least two megawatts of solar power to support local schools, clinics and small industries. He also cited coal projects expected to add significant capacity and said private investors are bringing new megawatts into the grid.
He said public service recruitment has added thousands of teachers, nurses, doctors and military officers, and that recruitment has been conducted transparently. He said the government has avoided removal mechanisms that previously caused insecurity in the civil service and has reinstated some officers where justified. He added that constituency development funds are being disbursed uniformly to all constituencies, allowing communities to execute local projects without delays.
The President said free education has returned more than two million children to school and that examination fees have been removed to ease the burden on families. He said vocational and academic tracks are being strengthened so that learners can pursue areas best suited to their abilities. He added that infrastructure in universities and colleges is being revived to address accommodation shortages.
He addressed rising political tension and said the government recognises the right to protest but insists that any gathering must comply with the Public Order Act. He warned that unauthorised demonstrations may endanger participants and urged political groups to use dialogue platforms instead of confrontational actions. He said misinformation circulating online has contributed to unnecessary anxiety and encouraged citizens to confirm facts before sharing them.
He said the government remains committed to justice sector reform and to maintaining a public service guided by merit. He urged political leaders to discourage violence among their supporters and emphasised that political competition must be based on ideas, not confrontation. He said national progress in food security, energy, debt restructuring and investment depends on maintaining peace and order.
The President concluded by encouraging citizens to participate in national dialogue and to work collectively toward improving governance and development outcomes. He said government will continue providing updates on economic, social and political matters and will remain open to engagement across all sectors of society.
From Todays Press Conference it is evident that he requires a written speech, so that we avoid things like I am hated. How can you say you are hated when you were overwhelmingly voted in office by over 2.8 million people from all provinces.
And why was past violence focused on PF, did we not have past violence where a PF Northwestern provincial chairman was killed in cold blood on election day in 2021, why not talk about violence where ECL was threatened with circumcision, why not talk about a bishop being called Lucifer? Every thing selective
I like the President, i love him but based on his discourse today I am not going to vote for him next year. He needs to be told that there are some things that Presidents cant say.
Like what ?
Basically a failed ruler who does not know what to say or how to say things. He has no compassion for the people or even himself. He needs to deal with animals, not humans. The worst speech from the worst leader.
It is always expected that some people always oppose, but the same people allowed the same things we need to ament to continue. Well, life is want you do and do. It is important to high light which one we need to amend and not hiding from the dark corners and just criticize. It is important to point out so that corrections can be made. Our constitution has to work for all Zambians. We all should tone down down and do the needful only, ONE ZAMBIA!, ONE NATION! And that is want we are and that is what we will continue to be. Lets make a stance and we move forward bai imwe, Ipala kwati nisusu.