President Hakainde Hichilema used his address to the National Assembly to outline Zambia’s progress and priorities through the lens of constitutional national values, presenting morality, unity, democratic governance and sustainable development as the framework guiding policy decisions and institutional reforms.
Speaking before lawmakers, the Head of State framed the country’s direction as grounded in ethical leadership and lawful conduct, stating that political violence, intimidation and lawlessness remain incompatible with Zambia’s democratic space. He told Members of Parliament that national development requires discipline, integrity and respect for the Constitution, describing these principles as practical standards rather than symbolic ideals.
The President’s message placed strong emphasis on responsible political engagement, urging leaders across the political spectrum to promote peaceful dialogue and constructive participation. He described governance as a shared responsibility between institutions and citizens, linking ethical behaviour to public trust and national stability. The address portrayed constitutional values as a compass guiding leadership decisions, economic reforms and social programmes.
Economic policy featured prominently throughout the speech, with Hichilema pointing to measures aimed at strengthening domestic participation in key sectors. Procurement reforms and local content policies were presented as part of a strategy designed to expand opportunities for Zambian businesses and increase employment prospects. He highlighted statutory instruments introduced to support local suppliers within the mining industry, presenting them as efforts to ensure that national resources benefit citizens directly.
The President framed tax compliance as a civic responsibility tied to patriotism, explaining that improved revenue collection supports education, healthcare and social protection initiatives. Digital reforms introduced within the tax system were described as steps toward simplifying compliance while enhancing transparency in public finance. He maintained that economic participation and national unity are closely linked, encouraging citizens to view development as a collective undertaking.
Legislative reforms and institutional independence were addressed within the context of democratic governance. Hichilema acknowledged Parliament’s role in supporting constitutional amendments intended to widen participation in leadership structures, particularly for women, youth and persons with disabilities. He described these changes as an expansion of representation designed to strengthen inclusivity across the political landscape.
The President also referred to ongoing reforms within the media sector, presenting broadcasting legislation as part of efforts to enhance transparency and accountability while safeguarding the public interest. He encouraged political actors to respect differing views and maintain tolerance as Zambia prepares for future electoral processes, stressing that peaceful coexistence remains essential to national cohesion.
Social policy initiatives formed a central part of the address, with the President highlighting free education as a cornerstone of equal opportunity. He told lawmakers that millions of children have returned to school under the programme, describing education as the strongest investment in the country’s future. Members of Parliament were encouraged to identify children still outside the education system so that access to learning continues expanding nationwide.
Beyond education, Hichilema detailed the expansion of social protection programmes, including cash transfers and community-based support initiatives. These interventions were presented as efforts to reduce inequality and provide relief to households affected by economic pressures and climatic challenges. The President linked such programmes to the constitutional commitment to human dignity, explaining that development must be measured by improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
Healthcare infrastructure was also highlighted, with references to ambulances, maternity wings and sanitation projects introduced across various regions. The President described these initiatives as measures designed to improve access to services while reinforcing dignity and equality. Water supply projects were mentioned as another component of broader development efforts aimed at strengthening public health and community resilience.
Decentralisation and the expansion of the Constituency Development Fund featured prominently in the address. Hichilema noted that allocations have risen substantially over recent years, presenting the increase as evidence of a shift toward equitable resource distribution. He urged lawmakers to focus on projects that deliver tangible benefits to communities, including school infrastructure, health facilities and local markets.
Agricultural support programmes were also referenced, particularly initiatives intended to assist farmers following drought conditions. The President described these measures as part of a broader effort to stabilise rural economies while ensuring food security. Cash-for-work programmes introduced across districts were presented as temporary support mechanisms designed to strengthen household resilience during difficult periods.
The speech further addressed Zambia’s economic outlook, with Hichilema highlighting investment inflows and mining sector expansion as indicators of growing confidence in the country’s stability. He described sustainable development as a balance between economic growth, environmental stewardship and social welfare, emphasising that national prosperity must be achieved without compromising future generations.
Throughout the address, the President returned to the idea that constitutional values provide a unifying framework for governance. He encouraged citizens to embrace patriotism not as a slogan but as a practical commitment to national progress. By linking unity with economic empowerment, he framed development as a shared journey requiring cooperation between government, private sector and communities.
Hichilema closed by urging lawmakers to continue working across political divides, stressing that Zambia’s strength lies in its ability to manage differences through dialogue rather than confrontation. He described the Constitution as the foundation guiding the country’s path forward, stating that morality, integrity and equality remain essential to building a stable and prosperous society.
Step by step and winning.
Step by step……… marching backwards