Zambia Election: Hichilema Seeks Growth as Opposition Faces Defeat

Zambia will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on August 13. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema is widely expected to defeat the Tonse‑Pamodzi Alliance, whose candidates include former Vice President Brian Mundubile and Makabi Zulu. Hichilema has warned the opposition that they will be left “in tears” after the vote and highlighted his government's record on infrastructure, health and education.

Investors are watching whether Zambia can secure a new $1.7 billion International Monetary Fund programme after the previous arrangement ended in January. The outcome will signal policy continuity and affect the country's post‑default economic recovery. Copper mining, accounting for about 70 % of export earnings, remains central to the economy, with projects from Vedanta, Barrick Gold and First Quantum Minerals continuing. A proposed mining local‑content law would raise domestic procurement from roughly 20 % to 40 % over the next three to four years, raising concerns about supplier capacity.

Hichilema also pointed to achievements such as the Lusaka‑Ndola road, increased Constituency Development Fund allocations, and large‑scale hiring of health and education staff. He pledged new market facilities and a modern health centre for the John Chinena community, underscoring his focus on sustaining growth while maintaining fiscal discipline.