UPND unveils ambitious blueprint for jobs, growth and lower living costs

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has unveiled its 2026 Manifesto, presenting a far-reaching plan to create jobs, expand economic opportunities, reduce the cost of living and accelerate national development under the theme “Zambia Forward, Together.” The document positions the party’s first five years in office as a period of economic rescue and rebuilding, while setting out a vision for a second term focused on delivery, growth and improved living standards for ordinary citizens.

At the centre of the manifesto is a simple political message prominently featured in the document: “Bally Loves. Bally Cares. Bally Delivers. But there is still more work to be done.” The slogan reflects the governing party’s argument that significant progress has already been made, but that Zambia’s transformation remains unfinished and requires continued implementation of reforms and investments.

The manifesto begins by highlighting what the party considers its major achievements between 2021 and 2026, including the introduction of free education, debt restructuring, expansion of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), recruitment of thousands of teachers and health workers, restoration of international confidence in Zambia’s economy and the reduction of inflation to single digits. The UPND argues that these achievements have created a stable platform upon which broader economic growth can now be built.

Looking ahead, the party identifies job creation as its overriding national priority.

Two million jobs at the heart of the agenda

The manifesto commits to working with the private sector to create two million new jobs, with deliberate emphasis on opportunities for young people and women. Government plans include expanding entrepreneurship programmes, establishing a Youth Enterprise Growth Fund and increasing access to financing for small and medium-sized businesses.

The party also pledges to more than double Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training (TEVET) enrolment, enabling more than 100,000 young people to access industry-linked training, internships and employment opportunities.

According to the manifesto, industrial parks, logistics corridors, farm blocks and value-addition centres will be developed across the country to ensure economic opportunities reach every province and district.

Agriculture positioned as the backbone of growth

Agriculture occupies a central place in the UPND’s vision for the next five years.

The party has set a target of producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize, including three million metric tonnes under irrigation, alongside one million metric tonnes of wheat and three million metric tonnes of soya beans. It also aims to place an additional 500,000 hectares under irrigation as part of efforts to reduce dependence on rainfall and improve climate resilience.

The manifesto proposes significant investment in irrigation infrastructure, mechanisation, agro-processing facilities, storage systems and digital agricultural services. Government also intends to continue reforming the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) while expanding access to agricultural finance and extension services.

In the livestock sector, the party is targeting a cattle population of 11 million head and annual beef exports worth US$1 billion, supported by disease-control programmes, improved veterinary services and expanded market access.

Mining expansion and industrialisation

Mining remains one of the pillars of the proposed development strategy.

The UPND has set a target of increasing annual copper production to three million metric tonnes, more than tripling current production levels. To achieve this, the manifesto promises support for new large-scale mining projects, expanded exploration activities, stable mining policies and improved geological mapping.

The party also intends to promote value addition in critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, nickel and rare earth elements, with greater emphasis on domestic processing and industrial development.

Alongside mining, the manifesto outlines plans to transform Zambia into a regional manufacturing hub by reducing production costs, supporting industrial investment and leveraging regional trade opportunities under SADC, COMESA and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Powering Zambia’s future

A major feature of the manifesto is its commitment to ending power insecurity and supporting economic growth through expanded electricity generation.

The UPND has set a target of increasing national generation capacity from about 3,400 megawatts to more than 10,000 megawatts through investments in solar, hydro, wind and thermal energy projects.

Government also plans to strengthen the national grid, expand rural electrification and support mini-grid and off-grid solutions to ensure more communities have access to reliable electricity.

The party argues that reliable energy will be essential for supporting growth in mining, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

Building infrastructure and a digital economy

The manifesto places strong emphasis on infrastructure as a driver of economic productivity.

Planned interventions include upgrading major road corridors, rehabilitating rail networks, modernising border infrastructure and developing logistics hubs to improve trade efficiency and lower transport costs.

Government also intends to expand broadband connectivity, digitise public services and connect more than 100 rural communities to the digital economy through the Smart Village Programme. The manifesto further outlines plans for a 24-hour economy in selected urban centres and border towns to unlock new investment and employment opportunities.

Reducing the cost of living

Acknowledging the pressures faced by many households, the UPND says reducing the cost of living will be one of its principal objectives.

The manifesto argues that long-term improvements in living standards depend on job creation, increased agricultural productivity, stable prices, affordable access to finance and sustained macroeconomic discipline.

It also promises continued support for vulnerable households through social protection programmes while expanding opportunities for families to participate in productive economic activities.

Education, health and human development

The party has pledged to protect and strengthen free education while expanding classroom infrastructure and recruiting additional teachers.

A key promise is the establishment of public universities in provinces that currently do not have one, including Luapula, Northern, North-Western, Western, Southern and Eastern provinces. The manifesto also proposes major expansion of vocational and technical education to equip young people with practical skills for a changing economy.

In health, Government plans to continue recruiting medical personnel, expanding healthcare infrastructure and improving the availability of essential medicines. Greater emphasis will also be placed on prevention, mental health services and preparedness for future public health emergencies.

Five pillars for the next five years

The UPND’s programme is organised around five broad pillars:

Growing the Economy through jobs, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and tourism.

Connecting the Nation through energy, transport infrastructure and digital connectivity.

Serving the People through education, healthcare, water, housing and social protection.

Building an Efficient, Effective and Delivery-Oriented Public Sector through governance reforms and accountability.

Financing the Future through investment mobilisation, public-private partnerships and access to capital.

The manifesto presents a vision of Zambia moving beyond economic stabilisation towards accelerated growth, industrialisation and expanded opportunity. Through ambitious targets on jobs, agriculture, mining, energy and infrastructure, the UPND is seeking to persuade voters that the foundations have been laid and that the next phase should focus on delivering tangible improvements in livelihoods across the country.

For the governing party, the message is clear: the first term was about fixing the fundamentals; the next term, it says, will be about delivering growth, jobs and prosperity for all Zambians. And as the manifesto repeatedly reminds voters: “Bally Loves. Bally Cares. Bally Delivers.”

Download the Manifesto here

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has defended the nomination of President Hakainde Hichilema and Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, arguing before the Constitutional Court that the presidential ticket satisfied all constitutional and legal requirements during the nomination process.

The Commission has asked the court to dismiss a petition filed by Charles Longwe, who is challenging President Hichilema’s eligibility to stand in the August 13 general election.

According to court documents referenced in newspaper reports, ECZ maintains that all procedures prescribed under the Constitution and electoral laws were followed during the nomination exercise and that there was no basis for invalidating the President’s candidature.

The matter has emerged as one of the most prominent legal disputes of the election period because it concerns the presidential ballot and the eligibility of a sitting Head of State seeking re-election.

ECZ’s response places the nomination process itself at the centre of the proceedings.

The Commission argues that the nomination of President Hichilema and running mate Nalumango complied with the legal framework governing presidential elections and that all relevant requirements were met at the time nomination papers were submitted and accepted.

The petition by Longwe seeks judicial intervention regarding the validity of the nomination process and has drawn attention from political parties, legal practitioners and election stakeholders because of its potential implications for the presidential race.

Court proceedings relating to candidate eligibility have become a recurring feature of Zambia’s electoral landscape, particularly during nomination periods when disputes arise over constitutional interpretation and procedural compliance.

In this case, ECZ has taken the position that the nomination process was conducted lawfully and in accordance with established electoral procedures.

The Commission’s defence is expected to form a key part of the court’s consideration of the matter.

The challenge comes at a time when political parties are intensifying campaign activities ahead of polling day.

President Hichilema, who is seeking another term in office, remains the presidential candidate of the United Party for National Development (UPND).

The ruling party is expected to formally launch its election manifesto today as it seeks to secure another mandate from voters.

The Constitutional Court proceedings are unfolding alongside a series of other election-related petitions involving nominations, candidate eligibility and constitutional interpretation.

Several matters concerning parliamentary and independent candidates have also been brought before the courts in recent weeks, reflecting the increasingly active role of judicial institutions in resolving electoral disputes.

While the outcome of the case remains in the hands of the court, ECZ’s response makes clear that the electoral body intends to vigorously defend the nomination process conducted during this year’s presidential nominations.

The Commission maintains that its actions were consistent with the law and that there are no grounds to interfere with the candidature of President Hichilema and Vice-President Nalumango.

The Constitutional Court is expected to determine whether the petition raises issues requiring further intervention or whether ECZ’s position should prevail.

The decision is likely to be closely followed because it concerns the nomination of the incumbent President and could shape legal discussions surrounding electoral procedures ahead of the August 13 general election.

For now, ECZ remains firm that the presidential ticket met all constitutional requirements and that the nomination process was conducted in accordance with the law.