President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the Zambian Government’s commitment to improving the lives of citizens by investing in agriculture, social protection, infrastructure, employment, mining and public service delivery. Speaking during his working visit to Chisamba District in Central Province, the President outlined a wide range of initiatives aimed at accelerating national development and ensuring that economic growth benefits communities across the country. His address focused on practical measures designed to strengthen food security, create employment opportunities, improve healthcare and transport infrastructure, and support small-scale miners. The visit also highlighted the administration’s continued efforts to enhance governance and improve service delivery in both rural and urban areas. The announcements reflect the Government’s broader development agenda of building an inclusive economy while addressing the everyday challenges faced by Zambian families.
One of the key messages delivered by President Hichilema was the importance of maintaining peace, political freedom and national unity. He stated that Zambia has made significant progress in creating an environment where citizens are free to move throughout the country and participate in political activities without intimidation or discrimination based on political affiliation. According to the President, this progress strengthens democracy and encourages greater public participation in national development. He emphasized that peaceful coexistence creates a stable environment for investment, business growth and economic expansion. By promoting political tolerance and protecting democratic freedoms, the Government aims to build confidence among citizens, investors and development partners.
Agriculture remained one of the central themes of the President’s address, with several reforms announced to improve the welfare of farmers. President Hichilema revealed that the Government will introduce digital payment systems for maize purchases to ensure that farmers receive payment within two to three days after delivering their maize. Faster payments are expected to improve cash flow for farmers, allowing them to prepare more effectively for future planting seasons and meet household financial obligations. The digital system is also intended to increase transparency, reduce delays and improve efficiency in maize marketing. By modernizing agricultural payments, the Government hopes to strengthen confidence in the sector and encourage increased production.
The President also announced the expansion of the Farmer Input Support Programme, commonly known as FISP, to ensure that more farmers receive fertilizer and seed packages. He said the Government intends to end the practice of farmers sharing agricultural inputs, which often limits productivity and reduces crop yields. Expanding access to farming inputs will help small-scale farmers cultivate larger areas of land and improve food production across the country. Increased agricultural output will contribute to food security while creating additional income opportunities for farming households. The expansion of FISP demonstrates the Government’s continued focus on supporting agriculture as one of the key drivers of Zambia’s economy.
Beyond agriculture, President Hichilema outlined plans to strengthen social protection programmes that support vulnerable citizens. He announced that more beneficiaries will be included in the Social Cash Transfer programme, providing additional financial assistance to households facing economic hardship. The Government also plans to expand the Cash for Work initiative, which creates temporary employment opportunities while improving community infrastructure and public facilities. Skills training programmes will also be increased to equip young people and unemployed citizens with practical knowledge that improves their chances of securing employment or starting businesses. These initiatives are intended to reduce poverty while promoting economic participation and long-term self-reliance.
Employment creation within the public sector was another major achievement highlighted during the visit. President Hichilema noted that his administration has employed more than 45,000 teachers within four years and eleven months, describing the recruitment drive as an unprecedented milestone since Zambia gained Independence. The recruitment of thousands of teachers has helped reduce staffing shortages in schools while improving access to education in many communities. More teachers also contribute to smaller classroom sizes and better learning outcomes for pupils across the country. The President said investing in education remains one of the Government’s highest priorities because it lays the foundation for future national development.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in the President’s address as he outlined several projects aimed at improving public services. He stated that every constituency has now received an ambulance, a Constituency Development Fund vehicle and a Police vehicle to strengthen healthcare services, local development and public safety. These investments are expected to improve emergency response times while enhancing the delivery of essential government services. President Hichilema further announced plans to construct a district hospital in Chisamba, which will improve access to quality healthcare for residents. In addition, the Government intends to upgrade important road networks to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and support economic growth across the district.
The President also acknowledged the importance of expanding digital infrastructure by pledging to improve mobile network coverage throughout Chisamba District. Better telecommunications services will make it easier for residents to access digital financial services, educational resources, healthcare information and government services. Improved network coverage also supports businesses by strengthening communication and expanding access to online markets. President Hichilema emphasized that digital connectivity has become an essential part of modern economic development. Expanding communication infrastructure will therefore contribute to greater inclusion and improved opportunities for communities that currently experience limited network access.
Mining development formed another important part of the President’s message during his visit. He announced that the Government will issue more mining licences to support miners and enable them to operate safely and legally within the formal economy. Formalizing mining activities is expected to improve regulatory compliance while increasing government revenue and protecting workers. President Hichilema also revealed plans to establish a formal market for gold, creating greater transparency and fair pricing for gold producers. He further discouraged the use of mercury in gold processing because of its harmful effects on water sources, public health and the environment, emphasizing the need for more sustainable mining practices.
The announcements made during President Hakainde Hichilema’s working visit to Chisamba District demonstrate a comprehensive approach to national development that combines economic growth with improved public services and social welfare. From faster digital payments for maize farmers and expanded agricultural support to increased social protection, infrastructure investment, education, healthcare and responsible mining, the Government has outlined several initiatives intended to improve the quality of life for Zambians. These commitments reflect an effort to strengthen both rural and urban communities while creating opportunities for long-term economic prosperity. As these programmes are implemented, many citizens will be watching closely to see how they translate into measurable improvements in their daily lives. The visit reinforced the administration’s commitment to building a more inclusive, productive and resilient Zambia through practical investments that benefit people across every sector of society.