Hichilema Launches "Grow Zambia" Agenda in Second Term, Calls for Unity and Wealth Creation

LUSAKA. President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for his second and final term on Tuesday at a vibrant National Heroes Stadium, using his inauguration address to formally launch his "Grow Zambia" agenda and issue a sweeping call for national unity. Taking the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, alongside Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, the President marked the end of his first-term "New Dawn" administration. The focus, he announced to the thousands in attendance and millions watching across the country, is now firmly on economic expansion and shared prosperity. "Five years ago, you ushered us into office on the theme of the New Dawn. Today, we witness the birth of the Grow Zambia agenda," President Hichilema declared. "We are moving from stabilization to growth, effectively." ## The "Grow Zambia" Economic Vision Reflecting on his administration's first five years, the President pointed to several foundational achievements: the successful restructuring of Zambia's external debt, rebuilding international reserves, reducing inflation to an eight-year low, and stabilizing the kwacha. He also cited improved access to quality healthcare, resources reaching communities through an enhanced Constituency Development Fund, and expanded social protection programmes for vulnerable citizens. On governance, he pointed to the introduction of a proportional representation system that has added 116 seats for women, youth and persons with disabilities across the National Assembly and local authorities, and to the re-enrollment of 2.6 million out-of-school children through the government's free education policy. With that stabilization phase complete, Hichilema outlined an aggressive production roadmap for the next five years, which he dubbed the "10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 Vision." | Target | Sector | |---|---| | 10 million tonnes | Maize (food and regional security) | | 10,000 megawatts | Electricity generation | | 5 million | International tourist arrivals