Namwala, Zambia – President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving national food security by encouraging every district in Zambia to become agriculturally self-sufficient. Speaking during the launch of maize harvesting at his own farm in Namwala District on Wednesday, the President underscored the importance of hard work, local production, and leadership by example in transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector.
“Our intention is clear,” President Hichilema declared. “Each district should be able to feed itself and produce a surplus that can be sold to urban areas. That’s the only way we can be food secure as a nation.”
Highlighting his active participation in farming, the President said his involvement is not symbolic, but a demonstration of practical leadership. “This President is saying we are not just talking, we are not just saying things by word of mouth, we are doing them by providing leadership,” he said. “I expect other leaders in the country to follow suit.”
President Hichilema, a long-time farmer and businessman, used the platform to challenge Zambians to embrace a culture of hard work, particularly in agriculture. “I do not expect a country of laziness,” he said. “I expect a country of hard workers who produce, not just for themselves, but for the greater good of the nation.”
The launch event was attended by several government and community leaders, including Members of Parliament, the Council Chairperson, Cabinet Ministers, and local Chiefs, who the President urged to be actively involved in promoting farming at the grassroots level. “That is why we are giving this example,” he added. “Let us all lead from the front.”
President Hichilema also emphasized the broader national economic impact of a strong agricultural sector, noting that increased production not only improves food availability but also reduces dependency on imports and supports job creation in rural areas. “Agriculture is key to economic transformation,” he said. “If we all contribute, Zambia will not only feed itself but become a breadbasket for the region.”
The President’s remarks come at a time when the country is intensifying efforts to adapt to changing climate conditions, boost productivity, and enhance rural livelihoods. With Zambia’s vast arable land and untapped water resources, the government aims to position farming as a core driver of inclusive growth.
As the maize harvest season begins, the President’s message sets a tone of urgency and accountability, especially for public officials, urging them to take an active role in national development through tangible actions rather than rhetoric.
With his own farm as a living example, President Hichilema is calling on all Zambians—from ordinary citizens to top leaders—to roll up their sleeves and contribute to Zambia’s journey toward food security and economic resilience.