Zambia expands cabinet to 30 ministries under President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed 24 new ministers following a parliamentary approval to restructure the government, increasing the total number of ministries to 30. The reorganization aims to support the “Grow Zambia” economic program and comes as the nation negotiates a $1.47 billion, three-year IMF program.

Key structural changes include the separation of the Energy Ministry into two distinct portfolios: Peter Kapala will lead the Ministry of Electricity, while Makozo Chikote heads the Ministry of Petroleum. The Commerce, Foreign Trade and Industry portfolio has also been split, with Caroline Katotobwe appointed to Commerce and Exports and Noel Nkoma leading Industry.

In the education sector, Douglas Syakalima has been named Minister of Skills and Higher Education, while Harry Kamboni takes charge of the Ministry of Education. Other notable appointments include Brenda Tambatamba as Minister of Mines, Collins Nzovu for Infrastructure, and Patrick Mucheleka for Lands. These reforms follow Hichilema’s re-election to a second term in August.