Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema campaigns for re‑election as August vote tests his economic record

Zambia is preparing for a presidential election on 13 August 2026. Incumbent President Hakainde Hichilema, who took office in 2021 after inheriting a sovereign‑debt default, is favoured to win a second term but faces a strong challenge from opposition leader Brian Mundubile. The contest is being portrayed as a referendum on Hichilema’s economic record, with inflation falling to 6.5 % in June, IMF growth forecasts of 4.3 % for the year and foreign‑investment gains cited as successes, while many households still complain of high living costs.

Critics accuse the government of restricting dissent, pointing to a new cyber‑crime law and recent constitutional changes that expand parliament. Opposition meetings have reportedly been disrupted by police. Hichilema has been touring the country, urging voters in Mpongwe, Kitwe, Chibombo, Kabwe and other districts to support the United Party for National Development (UPND) to “protect the gains” in education, health, infrastructure and agriculture.

Analysts note that Hichilema’s traditional strongholds—Southern, North‑Western and Western provinces—historically backed him since 2006. A commentary piece questions whether voters in these regions will continue to support him despite accusations of corruption, tribalism and undemocratic behaviour, or shift to issue‑based voting.

The election will therefore test both the administration’s macro‑economic recovery and its political legitimacy ahead of the August poll.