Four days before the close of the year, President Hakainde Hichilema earned a place on a list of the best performing global leaders of 2025, compiled by the Telegraph, in recognition of his role in stabilising and rebuilding Zambia’s economy after years of fiscal distress.

The recognition comes against the backdrop of Zambia’s difficult economic position when Hichilema assumed office in August 2021. At the time, the country was facing a deep economic crisis marked by high external debt, weakened investor confidence, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Zambia had defaulted on its debt obligations in 2020, becoming the first African country to do so during the pandemic period, a development that further constrained access to international credit markets.

The economic strain was compounded by climatic shocks. Prolonged droughts linked to the El Niño weather pattern affected agricultural output and reduced electricity generation, placing additional pressure on food security, energy supply, and overall economic performance. These challenges unfolded at a time when public finances were already stretched, and key sectors of the economy were struggling to recover.

Since taking office, Hichilema’s administration has prioritised economic stabilisation and fiscal reform. Central to this effort has been a comprehensive debt restructuring process aimed at easing repayment pressures and restoring debt sustainability. Through negotiations with creditors, Zambia secured a framework that reduced immediate repayment obligations and provided the economy with fiscal space to recover and reorient public spending.

The reform programme also focused on strengthening public finance management and restoring confidence in state institutions. Measures were introduced to improve expenditure control, enhance transparency, and reinforce accountability across government operations. These steps were intended to address longstanding concerns over fiscal discipline while laying the groundwork for economic recovery.

As a result of these reforms, Zambia’s economic outlook has improved. The economy is projected to grow by 5.8 percent in 2025, reflecting increased activity across key sectors. The mining industry, which remains central to Zambia’s economy, is expected to reach record levels of production and revenue, driven by increased investment, improved operational conditions, and favourable global demand for minerals.

The publication’s judges cited these developments in their assessment, praising Hichilema for turning around an economy once described as a “basket case” and repositioning it as an example of discipline and reform. They said the reform agenda had helped restore investor confidence, strengthen key institutions, and embed careful financial management within government operations.

In addition to economic management, the assessment noted Hichilema’s approach to diplomacy. Observers said the President has pursued a balanced foreign policy that protects Zambia’s national interests while maintaining constructive relations with a broad range of international partners. This approach has supported Zambia’s efforts to re-engage the international community and attract investment without compromising policy autonomy.

Hichilema has previously stated that Zambia’s foreign relations are guided by pragmatism and non-alignment, emphasising cooperation based on mutual benefit rather than geopolitical rivalry. He has said Zambia remains open to working with all partners in pursuit of economic development and national stability.

The recognition places Hichilema alongside other international leaders named on the 2025 list, including United States President Donald Trump, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The inclusion reflects the publication’s assessment of leadership performance across diverse political and economic contexts during the year.

For Zambia, the recognition underscores the progress made since 2021, following a period marked by economic contraction, debt distress, and institutional strain. While challenges remain, the reforms undertaken have shifted the country from crisis management toward a phase focused on stability and growth.

Hichilema has said the progress recorded reflects collective national effort and the commitment to reform despite difficult circumstances. The administration maintains that its priority remains sustaining economic recovery, supporting productive sectors, and ensuring that improved macroeconomic indicators translate into tangible benefits for citizens.

Cabinet has approved measures aimed at reducing fuel pump prices, a move intended to ease pressure on households and businesses grappling with rising transport and production costs.

The decision follows sustained increases in fuel prices that have affected public transport fares, goods distribution, and the cost of essential services. Fuel costs form a significant component of the broader cost of living, influencing prices across multiple sectors of the economy.

Officials involved in the decision say the measures are designed to address key cost drivers within the fuel pricing structure. These include supply chain costs, financing arrangements, and logistical factors that contribute to the final pump price paid by consumers.

Cabinet’s action reflects growing concern over the impact of fuel prices on economic activity. Transport operators have repeatedly flagged the burden of high fuel costs, citing reduced margins and increased operating expenses. For households, higher fuel prices translate into increased transport fares and higher prices for food and other necessities.

The approved measures are expected to involve adjustments to procurement arrangements and pricing mechanisms within the fuel supply system. By addressing inefficiencies and cost pressures, the intervention aims to create room for price reductions at retail outlets.

Cabinet has also considered the broader economic implications of fuel pricing, including inflationary pressures and their effect on purchasing power. Fuel price increases have historically triggered knock-on effects across the economy, making their moderation a priority for economic management.

Industry players say any reduction in pump prices would provide immediate relief to transport operators and consumers. Lower fuel costs could help stabilise public transport fares and reduce distribution costs for goods, particularly food items that rely on road transport.

The measures come amid ongoing discussions on energy affordability and supply security. Authorities have emphasised the need to balance price stability with reliable fuel availability, ensuring that interventions do not disrupt supply chains.

Cabinet’s decision signals an active approach to managing fuel costs within the broader framework of economic stability. While the specific scale of reductions will depend on implementation details, the move is expected to influence pricing in the near term.

Fuel pricing remains sensitive to both local and international factors, including exchange rates and global oil markets. Cabinet’s intervention seeks to mitigate domestic cost pressures within this context, using available policy tools to cushion consumers.

Implementation of the measures will involve coordination among relevant agencies responsible for procurement, regulation, and distribution. Monitoring mechanisms are expected to be put in place to assess the impact on pump prices and ensure intended benefits reach consumers.

Transport operators and businesses will be watching closely to see how quickly the measures translate into lower prices at the pump. For households, any reduction would offer some relief amid broader cost pressures affecting daily life.

The Cabinet decision underscores the central role of fuel pricing in economic management and the importance of timely interventions to address cost pressures that affect both businesses and consumers.

United Front Only Path to Defeating HH, Says Aka

Veteran politician c says Zambia’s opposition parties will not succeed in removing Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development unless they form a united front, warning that continued fragmentation weakens their collective ability to challenge the ruling party.

He says no single opposition party has the capacity on its own to defeat the UPND, arguing that the current political environment demands cooperation rather than competition among opposition movements. In his view, the repeated failure to build unity has left many citizens disillusioned and uncertain about the opposition’s readiness to govern.

Mbikusita-Lewanika says opposition parties have spent too much time divided by internal disagreements, leadership rivalries, and competing ambitions, instead of focusing on shared objectives. He argues that without a common platform and coordinated strategy, opposition parties risk repeating past cycles in which leadership changes fail to deliver meaningful reform.

He says the challenge facing the opposition goes beyond merely changing individuals in office. According to him, Zambia requires a broader reset anchored in democratic principles, institutional accountability, and national consensus. That task, he argues, cannot be achieved by fragmented political forces acting independently.

Mbikusita-Lewanika says many Zambians are eager for political change but are increasingly frustrated by the inability of opposition leaders to present a united alternative. He maintains that citizens who place their hopes in opposition movements expect collaboration rather than public displays of division.

He warns that ongoing disintegration within opposition ranks sends a damaging signal to the electorate, creating doubts about leadership maturity and organisational discipline. In his assessment, voters are unlikely to entrust power to groups that struggle to manage their own internal affairs.

The veteran politician says unity does not require identical ideologies or the abandonment of individual party identities. Instead, he argues that opposition parties must recognise the urgency of cooperation in pursuit of shared national objectives. Differences, he says, can be accommodated within a broader framework of collective action.

He says opposition leaders must rise above personal ambitions and ego-driven politics, which he identifies as major obstacles to unity. In his view, leadership that prioritises personal advancement over national interest weakens the broader cause and delays meaningful political progress.

Mbikusita-Lewanika says history shows that opposition success in Zambia has often depended on collaboration and strategic alignment. He argues that lessons from previous political transitions should inform current efforts to build a credible alternative capable of competing effectively in national elections.

He also speaks to the structure of political power, noting that the current configuration makes it difficult for isolated parties to mobilise sufficient national support. According to him, a united front would allow opposition parties to pool resources, harmonise messaging, and present a clearer choice to voters.

He says time is not on the opposition’s side as the 2026 general elections approach. Continued delays in forging unity, he warns, reduce the window for effective mobilisation, voter engagement, and policy articulation. Without decisive action, he says, opposition parties risk entering the election period weakened and divided.

Mbikusita-Lewanika urges opposition leaders to reflect on the consequences of prolonged disunity. He says the stakes extend beyond party fortunes to the broader health of Zambia’s democratic system. In his view, a credible opposition is essential for accountability and political balance.

He says unity should be treated as a national imperative rather than a tactical option. According to him, cooperation among opposition parties is not merely about winning elections, but about restoring public confidence in democratic competition and leadership responsibility.

Socialist Party leader Fred M’membe says Zambians are experiencing deep and widening economic pain, but many are responding with silence rather than open protest, a situation he warns should not be mistaken for comfort or acceptance.

He says households across the country are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, including higher food prices, transport fares, fuel costs, and other basic expenses that form the backbone of daily life. According to M’membe, the pressure is being felt across income levels, but is most severe among low-income earners, informal workers, and the unemployed.

M’membe says the gap between household income and daily expenses has continued to widen, forcing families to adopt survival strategies that mask the extent of hardship. These include reducing meal portions, delaying rent and utility payments, withdrawing children from certain activities, and postponing medical treatment. In many cases, extended family networks have become the main safety net.

In urban centres, transport costs have emerged as a major burden, consuming a significant portion of monthly income for workers who rely on public transport. Food prices, particularly for essential staples, have continued to strain household budgets, leaving little room for savings or emergencies. For many families, daily spending decisions are now driven by necessity rather than choice.

Rural communities face a different but equally severe set of challenges. Agricultural households are grappling with rising input costs, limited access to markets, and unpredictable earnings tied to weather patterns and seasonal demand. In some areas, income from farming no longer covers basic household needs, forcing families to rely on remittances or casual labour.

M’membe says unemployment and underemployment, particularly among young people, have compounded the situation. Many households depend on a single income earner to support several dependants, increasing vulnerability when that income is disrupted or stretched thin. He notes that young people without stable employment remain a growing source of economic pressure within families.

He argues that public silence does not reflect satisfaction, but rather exhaustion and resignation. In his view, many citizens no longer believe that speaking out will produce immediate relief, leading them to focus on survival instead of collective action. This fatigue, he says, explains why hardship is often discussed privately rather than expressed openly.

Healthcare access has also been affected by financial pressure. Some families delay seeking medical attention due to cost, while others rely on informal remedies or community assistance. Education expenses continue to weigh heavily on parents and guardians, with uniforms, supplies, and transport costs stretching already limited resources.

M’membe says silence should not be interpreted as stability. Prolonged hardship without meaningful relief, he warns, can deepen frustration beneath the surface. When economic pressure persists without visible improvement, public calm may conceal growing discontent rather than genuine confidence.

He says leadership must pay attention to lived realities rather than relying on the absence of protests or public outcry as a measure of success. Addressing economic pressure, he argues, requires acknowledging the hardship citizens are experiencing and responding to it directly.

M’membe says Zambians are not silent because they are unaffected, but because many feel trapped between rising costs and limited options. Without deliberate efforts to ease pressure on households, quiet endurance may continue even as conditions worsen across communities.

Patriotic Front presidential aspirant Brian Mundubile says the continued delay in holding the party’s convention is creating confusion within the opposition movement, warning that uncertainty over leadership is weakening internal coordination and direction.

Mundubile says the PF cannot function effectively without convening its highest decision-making body to elect leadership and settle outstanding internal questions. He says prolonged postponement of the convention has left party members unclear about authority, decision-making structures, and the way forward as the country approaches the 2026 general elections.

He says a political party derives legitimacy and organisational stability from clear internal processes, and failure to activate those processes undermines confidence among members and supporters. According to Mundubile, the PF’s structures at national, provincial, district, and constituency levels require clear leadership to operate cohesively.

Mundubile says internal confusion has persisted because leadership questions remain unresolved, and that the only recognised mechanism to address them is the party convention. He maintains that without electing leadership through this process, disagreements and uncertainty will continue to affect mobilisation and planning.

The PF has experienced internal divisions since losing power in 2021, with rival claims over leadership and control of party structures. These disputes have spilled into the public domain and affected the party’s ability to project unity. Mundubile says the convention is necessary to bring finality to these issues and allow the party to reorganise.

He says party members require certainty over who holds authority to issue instructions, coordinate activities, and represent the party nationally. In the absence of a convention, Mundubile says confusion has filtered down to lower structures, affecting communication and organisational discipline.

Mundubile is among several figures positioning themselves within the PF ahead of the next election cycle. He says the leadership contest must be resolved through established party procedures rather than prolonged administrative arrangements that leave members in limbo.

He says opposition parties face increased scrutiny as the 2026 elections draw closer, and that organisational weakness undermines credibility. Mundubile says the PF risks losing momentum if it fails to resolve its internal leadership questions in good time.

He adds that clarity of leadership is central to rebuilding confidence among supporters and strengthening the party’s ability to engage the electorate. Mundubile says uncertainty weakens mobilisation efforts and complicates strategic planning.

Mundubile also speaks to broader opposition challenges, saying fragmented leadership and delayed internal processes have contributed to disorganisation across opposition politics. He says unity and discipline within parties are essential if opposition groups are to present credible alternatives.

He says the PF must demonstrate internal democracy by allowing delegates to elect leadership through the convention. According to Mundubile, this process would not only resolve leadership disputes but also reaffirm the party’s commitment to constitutional procedures.

Mundubile says the longer the delay persists, the more difficult it becomes to stabilise the party ahead of national elections. He maintains that members are increasingly seeking clarity and direction, and that continued postponement risks deepening frustration.

He says a properly convened convention would allow the party to reset, clarify leadership, and refocus on national issues. Mundubile insists that internal order is a prerequisite for effective opposition politics.

Power Utility Spent $46.1m Servicing Debt in 2024

ZESCO Limited paid a total of US$46.1 million toward servicing its debt obligations in 2024, according to figures contained in the company’s latest annual report.

The disclosure places renewed focus on the financial pressures facing Zambia’s state-owned electricity utility, which continues to manage legacy debt while sustaining power generation, transmission and distribution operations nationwide.

The annual report outlines that the debt servicing costs were incurred as part of ZESCO’s existing loan and financing arrangements, entered into to support infrastructure development, power generation expansion and network upgrades over previous years. The report indicates that debt obligations remain a significant expenditure line for the utility, affecting cash flow and operational flexibility.

ZESCO’s debt portfolio comprises both external and domestic financing, accumulated through various power projects and system investments aimed at meeting growing electricity demand. These include generation facilities, transmission lines and rehabilitation of ageing infrastructure across the country.

According to the report, debt servicing in 2024 formed part of ZESCO’s broader financial management strategy, which prioritised meeting repayment schedules while maintaining operational continuity. The company reported that loan repayments and interest costs were met in line with agreed terms during the year under review.

The report further shows that ZESCO continued to operate within a challenging financial environment marked by high operational costs, currency exposure on foreign-denominated debt and ongoing capital requirements for power system stability. These pressures persist against the backdrop of increasing demand for electricity from households, mining operations, agriculture and industrial users.

ZESCO’s financial position has remained under scrutiny in recent years due to its central role in Zambia’s energy sector and the wider economy. The utility’s performance has direct implications for industrial productivity, mining output and household access to reliable power.

The annual report notes that despite the debt burden, ZESCO continued to supply electricity across the country while undertaking measures to stabilise its operations. These included efforts to manage operational expenses, improve revenue collection and engage with stakeholders on long-term financial sustainability.

The report does not indicate any default on debt obligations during the year, stating that payments were made as scheduled. However, it acknowledges that debt servicing continues to place strain on available resources, underscoring the importance of financial discipline and strategic planning.

ZESCO’s debt servicing profile has been shaped by past investment decisions aimed at expanding generation capacity and strengthening transmission infrastructure. While these investments were designed to support long-term energy security, they have also resulted in substantial repayment commitments.

The report highlights the need for sustained reforms within the energy sector to balance infrastructure development with financial viability. It also underscores the importance of policy coordination, cost-reflective tariffs and improved efficiency to support the utility’s financial position.

ZESCO remains a key institution in Zambia’s energy landscape, with its financial performance closely monitored by government, industry players and consumers. The disclosure of the US$46.1 million debt servicing figure provides a clearer picture of the scale of obligations the utility continues to manage.