President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue serving Zambians regardless of their political affiliation.

President Hichilema states the reason why distribution of resources such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is equal across the country for all citizens to partake in development.

President Hichilema was speaking during an engagement with United Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Province Structures at Mulungushi International Conference Centre, in Lusaka.

The Head of State added that the party has an agenda of working hard and ensuring that all Zambians benefit.

President Hakainde noted that in the last four years he has worked hard to resolve the problems he inherited, including the country’s debt.

The Head of State said that under his leadership, the country was the first to achieve debt restructuring which was sinking the country’s economy.

“Our job based on what we said in opposition for 23 years is to work for all Zambians.

Even during the drought disaster, we have been able to grow our economy at 5.3 percent per year,” he said.

President Hichilema explained that other achievements included the restoration of the law and order, payment of benefits to retirees and the increased CDF to K 40 million Kwacha per constituency.

The Head of State noted that about 2.3 million pupils have gone back to school due to the free education policy, meal allowances in higher learning institutions, construction of student hostels and fighting corruption.

He said that the government is not targeting anyone and there is no tribalism in the fight against corruption, adding that the proceeds have been channeled to developmental areas such as student bursaries, free education and CDF.

President Hichilema stated that all these are happening because Zambians voted him into office and that the journey must continue in order to improve the country.

“This year we have produced the largest amount of maize since independence

I want to thank our farmers across the country for the bumper harvest. We now want to irrigate the country under 500 hectares,” he added.

He encouraged the art of hard work in order to build the country, reminding that out of the 84 by-elections since 2021, 78 have been won as a result of working hard.

And President Hichilema assured that his administration is working towards addressing the electricity challenges by investing in other sources of energy such as solar and coal.

He implored the party structures to mobilise more members so that the party wins by 80 percent in 2026 to continue delivering good results for the people of Zambia.

The President emphasised on unity and discipline to continue, which has kept the party and country at large together.

Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata said it was a privilege to meet with the President to strategise going forward.

Ms Mulyata said that members are only waiting for instructions to enhance party mobilisation, stating that the Province will not disappoint in terms of bringing more members to the party.

UPND National Chairman Collins Maoma said that what the President has achieved in the last four years, no one will ever beat the score.

Mr Maoma acknowledged the order and discipline that has been restored in Lusaka stating that even as the country goes towards the 2026 polls, it continues.

Speaking at the same event, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda said members are the heart and engine of Zambia.

Mr Imenda reminded the structures that the electoral period has started and members should be ready to ensure the President continues to lead Zambia with more than 80 percent of votes.

And Political Advisor to the President Levy Ngoma was hopeful that through the interaction, President Hichilema gives clear instructions to the various party structures.

Meanwhile, UPND National Youth Chairman Gilbert Liswaniso warned those planning to use the party for personal campaigns during elections and later contest as independent.

Mr Liswaniso said the foundation had already been laid and all members to remain loyal to the party.

UPND Lusaka Province Chairman Obvious Mwaliteta said oppositions are disorganised, a situation he said is making it easy for the party to remain the most popular.

He added that the scores in the last four years included education, health, agriculture, mining, social protection, infrastructure, among other sectors in achieving development.

UPND Lusaka Province Youth Chairperson Anderson Banda said the youths remain committed to support President Hichilema because of his leadership.

Mr Banda encouraged the President to concentrate on delivering more development, adding that youths have benefited from programmes such as youth skills development, empowerment opportunities and job creation.

The women structures from the six districts and 12 constituencies in Lusaka Province remain intact and pledged their support in 2026.

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Elias Mubanga says the Zambian government is committed to developing policies that foster an ecosystem of innovation and process, ensuring the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both ethical and inclusive.

Mr Mubanga says the government wants to ensure that micro, small and medium enterprises and cooperatives have access to the digital infrastructure, skills and tools needed to harness the power of AI.

Mr Mubanga said this in a speech read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Assistant Director for Business Development and Grants, Chinyanta Chikula, at the 8th Zambia E-Commerce Expo and Conference in Lusaka.

The Minister added that e-commerce has transformed the way of doing business, becoming a dominant force in almost every industry.

Mr Mubanga stated that the convergence of e-commerce and AI, therefore presents an exceptional opportunity not only to accelerate economic growth but also redefine trade and innovation to compete on the global stage.

“Digital Commerce is the vehicle, but AI is the powerful engine that will propel us forward.

It enables Zambian businesses to scale up intelligently, breaking down barriers to cross border tradeable creating high-value jobs for our youths” Mr Mubanga said.

He commended the ERITE for organising an event aimed at promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing and partnerships among diverse industry segments and creating a platform for E-Commerce players to connect.

EAfrica Research Institute for Technology and Economics (ERITE) Board Chairperson Caleb Fundanga used the opportunity to commend the government for its decision to fund over 80 percent of the 2026 national budget with local revenues.

Dr Fundanga who is former Bank of Zambia Governor said its a record breaking decision that has never happened before, while commending the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) for its contributions.

And, Dr Fundanga stated the conference theme, shaping Africa’s digital future in the age of AI ensures that the continent becomes an active architect of its own digital destiny.

He noted the need to build robust infrastructure to support the data-intensive demands of technology.

“The conference was designed to equip participants with insights, connections and aspiration needed to navigate through the digital world,” Dr Fundanga said.

Patriotic Front (PF) member of Parliament Brian Mundubile has declared his readiness to lead the opposition into the 2026 general election, saying the United Party for National Development (UPND) government has “completely failed” to deliver on its promises. Speaking on Hot FM’s Red Hot Breakfast programme, the Mporokoso MP expressed that Zambians are weary of economic hardship, rising poverty, and unemployment. He argued that the current administration has lost touch with ordinary citizens and needs to be replaced by leaders with a people-centred agenda. To illustrate his point, he recounted stories from everyday Zambians struggling to make ends meet, emphasizing the growing frustration among the populace. Moreover, he highlighted the need for accountability, urging citizens to be more engaged in the political process to ensure their voices are heard.

Mundubile told listeners he was driven by a desire to serve the country and correct what he called the government’s failures. “The UPND has failed to inspire the people of Zambia,” he said. He discussed specific instances where the government had promised development but failed to deliver, such as in infrastructure and healthcare. “I have looked at the gaps and many failures on the part of government and realised that I can make a difference. My first goal is to put Zambia first and prioritise Zambians,” Mundubile asserted. He proposed detailed plans for reforms in education and healthcare, committing to ensure that every Zambian has access to quality services.

He said rural areas remain trapped in poverty despite successive anti-poverty programmes. “Poverty levels average 50 to 60 per cent, but in Mporokoso, Kasama and other rural areas, it is as high as 76 per cent. Whatever you do, you need solutions that create employment,” he added. Mundubile elaborated on various initiatives he intends to implement, such as microfinance programs aimed at empowering local entrepreneurs and enhancing agricultural productivity. He believes that investing in rural development is crucial for the overall economic growth of the nation, and he shared success stories of individuals who have transformed their lives through such initiatives.

The law-maker criticised the government for failing to generate jobs or expand opportunities for youth and women. He stated that economic injustices and division had left citizens hopeless and called for mobilisation to remove the UPND from office next year. Mundubile highlighted the importance of creating a conducive environment for business and entrepreneurship, advocating for policies that support small and medium enterprises. He expressed concern over the youth unemployment crisis in Zambia, proposing partnerships with private sector stakeholders to facilitate job creation and skill development programs.

Mundubile said his ambition to lead the PF and contest the presidency remained intact following the death of former president Edgar Lungu in June. He promised to pursue policies that encourage investment in agriculture and mining to achieve sustainable employment and poverty reduction. He explained how these sectors could be catalysts for economic transformation by attracting both local and foreign investments. Furthermore, he pledged to implement reforms that ensure the equitable distribution of resources generated from these industries, prioritizing the needs of vulnerable communities.

He also urged opposition parties to present a united front based on shared patriotism and service to the nation. “This ambition is driven by patriotism,” he said. “We need leaders who will prioritise the country before themselves.” Mundubile emphasized the need for collaboration among various political entities to enhance democratic governance and effectiveness in addressing the nation’s challenges. He expressed hope for a new political culture that promotes transparency and accountability, inviting citizens to hold their leaders to higher standards.

Mundubile’s declaration sets the stage for intense competition within the PF as the party seeks to rebuild after Lungu’s death and re-establish itself as a credible alternative to the ruling UPND. He outlined his vision for the party, focusing on revitalizing its grassroots network and engaging with voters to restore trust and confidence in the political system. As the 2026 elections approach, Mundubile remains committed to championing the interests of the Zambian people and hopes to foster a political environment that encourages active participation and informed decision-making among citizens. Ultimately, his goal is to create a Zambia where every citizen can thrive, and he believes that with the right leadership, this vision is attainable. mundubile