When President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) assumed office in 2021, Zambia was teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Years of corruption, mismanagement, and reckless borrowing had left the country’s finances in shambles. Many expected the worst—an economy on the verge of total collapse. Yet, today, Zambia stands on firmer ground, not by luck but through the deliberate and steadfast efforts of HH’s leadership.
Despite inheriting an economy burdened by enormous debt, inflation, and widespread poverty, HH has managed to stabilize the nation and steer it toward a path of recovery. This is no small feat, as turning around an economy, particularly one as damaged as Zambia’s, takes years of commitment, strategic planning, and bold reforms.
The Challenges of Transitioning to Power
HH entered office with high expectations from the Zambian people, but he also faced the harsh reality of what his predecessors had left behind. A broken economy, crippling debt, and an infrastructure that barely functioned were just the beginning. The scale of mismanagement, where public funds were looted at every level, was staggering. However, HH’s leadership has shown that turning around a country requires more than just promises—it requires action, tough decisions, and patience.
While the progress may feel slow to some, it is undeniable that Zambia is moving forward. In the last two years, HH’s government has worked tirelessly to restore investor confidence. Mines are reopening, agricultural initiatives are growing, and businesses are beginning to expand again. These are signs that the long-term stability of Zambia’s economy is being built, step by step.
The Results of Steady Leadership
Under HH’s leadership, the government has succeeded in stabilizing inflation and managing the volatile kwacha. While the currency has not yet reached its ideal strength, it is far from the freefall that characterized the previous administration. This is a testament to the hard work being done to restore fiscal discipline and economic order.
But it’s essential to recognize that economic recovery takes time. Investments do not yield immediate returns, and many of the reforms implemented by HH’s administration will take years to bear fruit. The key now is to maintain the course, avoid political instability, and continue on the path that has begun to show positive results.
The Risk of Political Instability
As Zambia’s economy begins to stabilize, it’s crucial that Zambians do not risk undermining this progress by embracing political instability. A change in government at this critical juncture would send shockwaves through the economy, disrupt investments, and unravel the steady progress HH has made. We are on the cusp of recovery, and any sudden shifts in leadership would only set us back years, if not decades.
Let’s be clear: the alternative to HH’s leadership is not just a change in government; it’s a return to the disastrous mismanagement and corruption of the past. A return to the Patriotic Front (PF) regime would be a disaster for Zambia. These are the same leaders who drove the country into debt without creating any lasting infrastructure or economic gains. They enriched themselves while ordinary Zambians bore the brunt of their reckless governance. The people who plundered Zambia’s resources now lurk in the shadows, hoping for a second chance to return to power. We cannot allow that to happen.
The Need for Continuity and Stability
Zambia needs a leader who understands the importance of continuity and stability. HH has proven that he is capable of learning and adapting, and his leadership is becoming more refined as he matures in office. He has shown a willingness to evolve, which sets him apart from other leaders who have remained stagnant. In his second term, HH will have the experience and wisdom necessary to continue building Zambia’s economy and ensure that the nation is not susceptible to the same mistakes that led to its economic demise.
Zambia needs a second term for HH to solidify the progress made and protect the country from falling back into the trap of corruption and mismanagement. It is not a favor to HH but a vote for Zambia’s future—a future where opportunity, prosperity, and justice are not reserved for the elite but are accessible to all.
A Call for Patriotic Leadership
As Zambians, we must look beyond short-term political gains and focus on the long-term stability and prosperity of our nation. This is not the time to gamble with our future or to fall prey to opportunists who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the people. We need leadership that values the nation over personal wealth, a leader who will continue to build on the work he has started.
A second term for HH is not merely about securing power for him; it is about securing a brighter future for Zambia. It is about ensuring that the seeds of recovery planted in the last two years continue to grow, providing hope for future generations.
The upcoming 2026 election is not just about who will be president; it’s about what kind of Zambia we want to leave for future generations. HH’s leadership has already begun to turn the tide, but the job is far from over. To ensure that Zambia remains on the path to economic stability, growth, and prosperity, we must support HH in his second term.
The decision to support HH is a decision to protect the Zambia we all deserve—a nation that is strong, self-sufficient, and free from the corruption and mismanagement of the past. Let us stand united, let us be patriotic, and let us give HH the mandate to finish the work he has started. Our future and the future of generations to come depend on it.
