Zambia: Zambia's President, Hichilema, Sworn in for Second Term

What the report says

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has been sworn in for a second term after winning the August election, according to Daily Trust’s reporting republished by AllAfrica. The ceremony took place on Tuesday in Lusaka and drew large crowds of supporters, along with a small number of African leaders. In his address, Hichilema said his government would focus on growth, expansion and broader access to opportunity after what he described as the difficult work of stabilizing the economy in his first term.

The report says Hichilema has been credited with helping steer Zambia through an economic recovery after the country defaulted on its sovereign debt in 2020. It notes that inflation fell, foreign reserves increased, and his administration abolished the death penalty and introduced free primary and secondary education. At the same time, critics argue that many households have not yet felt enough improvement in living standards, a concern Hichilema acknowledged by referring to the cost of living.

The article also places the vote in a tense political climate. It says the election was marked by allegations of intimidation, bias toward the government and restrictions on the opposition. The main challenger, former provincial minister Brian Mundubile, was later charged with treason, which he denies. Zambia remains a major copper producer, and its economy is closely tied to the sector, making the outcome significant for both domestic politics and investor confidence.