By Dr. Andrew Mwape, PhD — Secretary General, UPND USA/Canada Chapter
22 February 2026
Zambians living across North America and beyond often judge leadership through a different lens. Distance sharpens attention on policy outcomes rather than political theatre — the ease of investing back home, the security felt by relatives, and the respect attached to the Zambian identity in international spaces. From this vantage point, many within diaspora communities view President Hakainde Hichilema’s tenure as a turning point that has restored stability and renewed engagement with the country.
Dr. Andrew Mwape, Secretary General of the UPND USA/Canada Chapter, frames the current moment as one shaped by economic recovery, expanded social programmes and renewed investor confidence. Writing from within diaspora leadership structures, he describes a shift from hesitation to renewed pride among Zambians abroad.
Economic standing and global credibility
Diaspora professionals have long measured Zambia’s progress through its reputation in global financial circles. According to Mwape, years marked by debt distress and declining investor trust once made many Zambians reluctant to attach their professional identities to their homeland. He argues that the current administration has repositioned Zambia internationally, stabilising key economic indicators and rebuilding confidence among investors and development partners.
Within diaspora networks, he says, conversations about Zambia increasingly reflect optimism rather than concern, with some Africans from neighbouring countries expressing admiration for the country’s perceived recovery. That renewed confidence, he notes, has encouraged greater participation in investment and business initiatives linked to Zambia.
Social policies easing diaspora burdens
For many families abroad, remittances have served as an essential safety net. Mwape credits policies such as free education, expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursaries and skills training programmes with reducing financial strain on diaspora households that previously covered school fees and healthcare costs.
He describes these initiatives as a shift from dependence toward empowerment, allowing diaspora members to redirect resources into long-term investments, property development and entrepreneurship. Government recruitment drives for teachers, nurses and other civil servants are also presented as evidence of broader economic circulation, placing stable incomes into communities and strengthening domestic resilience.
Peace and political openness
Beyond economics, Mwape places strong emphasis on political climate. He recalls periods when diaspora voices felt cautious about returning home or speaking openly during election cycles. In his assessment, the current environment is calmer and more tolerant, creating a sense of reassurance for Zambians travelling back from abroad.
He links this atmosphere to renewed engagement between diaspora communities and local institutions, describing it as a restoration of personal connection to the country rather than a distant relationship shaped by uncertainty.
Investment pathways tailored to citizens abroad
Another area highlighted by diaspora advocates is the emergence of dollar-based investment opportunities. Mwape points to initiatives such as the NAPSA Zambia Kuchalo wealth creation fund, which allows Zambians overseas to co-invest in national development projects while earning returns denominated in foreign currency.
For diaspora investors, this represents a significant departure from earlier options limited largely to kwacha-denominated instruments. Supporters argue that such facilities reduce exposure to currency volatility while encouraging participation in domestic economic growth.
Market confidence and oversubscribed bonds
Mwape cites strong demand for Zambian government bonds as a signal of renewed international trust. Oversubscription, where investors offer more capital than requested, is presented as evidence that global markets view Zambia’s fiscal management more favourably. For diaspora communities watching from abroad, these developments serve as a barometer of stability and a measure of whether the country is perceived as a reliable partner in international finance.
A narrative shaped by diaspora experience
The perspective outlined by Mwape reflects a wider sentiment among supporters who credit President Hichilema with restoring national pride and credibility. He frames the administration’s policies as catalysts that have strengthened economic prospects, eased social pressures on families abroad and encouraged greater engagement between Zambia and its global citizens.
From this viewpoint, the diaspora’s call for continuity stems from lived experience — measured through remittance patterns, investment confidence and the emotional connection to home. For many of those watching Zambia’s trajectory from overseas, the question of leadership is tied directly to whether recent gains in stability and opportunity can be sustained.
This Mwape guy sounds like a complete moron and dunderhead….kulibonesha….Andrew Mwape Phd….my assss…he writes an article himself and at the same he sounds like someone else interviewed him and wrote the article…..bu pompwe and useless praise singer
Imagine! He is quoting himself after interviewing himself. Why didn’t he just call DeadNBC kikikikikiki!
Someone please give him a lesson in journalism or could it be psychology?
The diaspora calls for continuity, he lies. Did he consult all of us? One man can’t be a diaspora
DeadNBC has no boss so he couldn’t call. He could have gone to the press attache at the embassy they could have gladly obliged as goons
If he knew the squalor and poverty levels in our compounds, and that if he knew that PF left a bag of mealie meal at K120, the poor soul would not have misled himself the way he has done. Even saying he is seeing things from a vantage point. Bwana, we remain the 6th poorest country in the world, Ireen Khan the UN special rapporteur has said our human rights need to be worked on. Our minerals are going abroad, and we remain with crumbs, statutory obligations and salaries only.
Ask any Zambian in Zambia if their lives have improved after change of government in 2021, the honest answer will be a NO.
What confidence when the country is in free fall. We had a better economy under PF, Infact had it not been covid shutting down the world PF would have not defaulted. Currently recovery is only in statistics and not in the livelihoods of the people, remittances from abroad have been there from time immemorial, what peace when their cadres have been closing offices of elected officials, a head of state is chased with stones in Chingola, Is that in order. it will be good to see which segments or which people are over subscribing to these bonds, some things require eye opening. National pride with poverty levels this high? The economic conditions were bad in PF but worsened from 2021. We need to look for somebody with the capacity and the competence to deliver.
National Pride as the 6th poorest country in the word?
What’s the meaning of Sixth poorest country in the world?
Remember the other guy was saying things have improved and asking which country doubters lived in, the reality is that things have deteoriarated economically. With this post from this author, you can tell that it is the blind leading the blind. He is listening to a man who has lamentably failed, fair assessment with no bias in it
When you are in the diaspora you believe the propaganda. Reality only hits you when you are in country. Zambia has been at standstill for a long time economically, with past leaders being magnanimous and talking about challenges openly and devoid of mocking Zambians by self praise like the current unfortunate situation
Standstill??? Zambia has been walking backwards for 5 years!
Where in this modern world can you find a country without electricity for four years? In many countries in the north just one day would invite a state of emergency
Mr Phd….honestly how do you quote yourself….i want to know which university you went to…….he wants to sound like a journalist from Lusaka Times interviewed…..these are the same chaps who sends messages to themselves on whatsapp and pretend like he’s chatting with someone very important….Mr Phd just continue your diaper.com job and stop fooling Zambians
Mr Phd the so called Secretary General….kikikikikiki…iyo mwandi mwalikwata ama title mwebanensu…
What happened to earlier comments I saw here? About someone interviewing himself…
@Oboe Zefa
Mr PhD is a sick individual…..
Bane, mwalikwata jealous. I was home over the Christmas holidays. Had some documents to resolve in the 2 weeks I was there. Civic Center, NRC, all done in a week.
How long did it take and how much did you pay during the PF regime?
How short are your memories? You surely have forgotten the Amelikans and those panga welding cadres that were a terror in the townships?
There is peace now and things are falling into place. Anyone, other than PF! Never again.
The number and the direction the responses are pointing to tells the whole story. This PHD fella must be from some other country apart from Zambia.
He is very educated. Tell him where he has gone wrong and I am sure he will understand. Contradict with facts.
As a fellow diasporan, I have noticed the changes for the better when I get home. From the welcoming Immigration officers at the KKIA…to the minibus drivers on the Chelston-Chainda route:-)
Liar calling himself munthu
I frequently go home in Lusaka and the past 5 years I’ve seen nothing to write home about
The life of ba Tulyemo has not improved.
The life of criminal cadres has not improved.
The of some former PF officials has not improved.
The life of ba musasa mpolo has not improved.
Fictional economy is gone.
Real economy is functioning.
** Keep on crying and stay lazy**
Indeed @Nkana pa Kitwe. Running the country like a katemba is history. Do keep on crying and stay lazy.