President Hakainde Hichilema has instructed the Minister of Justice, Hon. Princess Kaune MP, to defer the ongoing legislative process on Bill No.7 of 2025 to allow for broader public consultations. The decision highlights the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, participatory, and consensus-driven approach in shaping Zambia’s transformative legislative reforms.
This directive follows an extensive consultative meeting held at State House on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. During the engagement, President Hichilema hosted Church leaders, representatives from Church Mother Bodies, and over 30 civil society organizations. The meeting offered a platform for diverse voices to share their views on the proposed legislation, reflecting the President’s open-door policy on matters of national interest.
To ensure that the proposed amendments reflect the collective aspirations of the Zambian people, President Hichilema has guided the Minister of Justice to collaborate closely with the Church, civil society groups, and other key stakeholders in reviewing the current legislative roadmap. This step underscores the President’s belief in responsive governance and his constitutional duty to listen to citizens.
In addition to the deferral of Bill No.7, President Hichilema reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing the NGO Act and the NGO Bill. The objective is to safeguard the independence and operational freedom of non-governmental organizations across the country. Recognizing the essential role that a vibrant and autonomous civil society plays in strengthening Zambia’s democracy, the President emphasized the importance of ensuring that NGOs operate without undue constraints.
The government’s latest decision reflects a steadfast dedication to reforms that truly capture the needs and aspirations of all Zambians. By prioritizing dialogue and inclusivity, the government hopes the national conversation will now focus on the substantive content of the proposed amendments, ensuring that they deliver meaningful and lasting change for the nation.