President Hichilema Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Corruption

President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated his unwavering commitment to fighting corruption, emphasizing that it remains a central pillar of his campaign promises. He stated that his election was driven by the desire to deliver economic and social development anchored on prudence in governance, including tackling corruption.

The President acknowledged that, in the political sphere, there is often an unspoken understanding that confronting corruption is frowned upon, with those leading the fight risking a loss of popularity. However, he stressed that he is not afraid to confront the scourge, affirming his determination to ensure development through economic recovery and a mindset shift that rejects corrupt practices.

He encouraged members of the public to report any misconduct by government officials that contradicts his directive on corruption, adding that both the private and public sectors must reject corruption because it erodes public trust in government.

“Consistency is important in the fight against corruption; even those who get government jobs should not behave like those before them. There is a need to separate public assets from private assets,” he said.

President Hichilema made these remarks when he officiated at the 2025 Zambia Anti-Corruption Conference organised by Transparency International Zambia (TIZ) under the theme “Collaborative Action for Integrity and Transparency in Elections,” held in Lusaka today.

He further highlighted the need to close institutional loopholes that hinder the fight against corruption, noting that the government is working towards a stronger legal framework that prevents perpetrators from escaping accountability. He cited the use of digital platforms as one of the measures to reduce corruption.

The Head of State also underscored that his government is actively driving economic and social development as a tool in combating corruption. He urged the conference to partner with the government and identify gaps in the anti-corruption fight and called on political parties, including the UPND, to sign the Electoral Integrity Charter formulated by the organisers, stressing that it will be binding among participating parties.