President Hakainde Hichilema conducted a working visit to Choma District yesterday, where he engaged with local leadership and community stakeholders on national development priorities. The visit formed part of ongoing government efforts to monitor progress on key programmes and strengthen service delivery across the country. The President used the opportunity to outline government achievements and reinforce policy direction focused on improving livelihoods. Discussions centred on education, social protection, and community driven development initiatives. The visit also reflected the government’s broader goal of ensuring that national development reaches every district in a practical and measurable way.
A key highlight of the visit was the reaffirmation of government commitment to improving citizens’ livelihoods through sustained investment in education and human capital development. The President emphasized that the Free Education Policy continues to transform access to learning across the country, with more than 2.5 million children now attending school under the programme. This expansion has reduced barriers to education and increased opportunities for children from vulnerable households. The policy has also placed pressure on infrastructure and staffing, prompting continued investment in classrooms, teachers, and learning materials. Government officials noted that education remains a central pillar of long term national development and economic transformation.
The President also outlined progress in social protection programmes designed to reduce poverty and improve living standards in communities. The Constituency Development Fund has been positioned as a major driver of grassroots development, supporting projects in infrastructure, skills training, entrepreneurship, and local economic empowerment. Communities have increasingly benefited from projects that respond directly to local needs, including small scale business support and community infrastructure upgrades. The Social Cash Transfer Programme was also highlighted as a critical safety net for vulnerable households, ensuring basic support for families facing economic hardship. In addition, the Cash for Work Initiative continues to provide temporary employment while contributing to community development projects such as road maintenance and environmental conservation.
Another major focus of the engagement was the importance of sustaining development gains ahead of the 2026 General Election. The President stressed that continued stability and policy consistency are necessary to protect reforms and investments introduced since the current administration took office in 2021. He called for unity and collective responsibility in safeguarding progress made in education, social protection, and economic development. The visit also served as a platform to encourage citizens to remain engaged in national development processes and hold leadership accountable. As the country looks ahead, government messaging continues to focus on consolidating gains while expanding opportunities for all citizens across rural and urban areas.