President Hichilema thanks Zambians, Urges Patience as Zambia Records Reform Gains

President Hakainde Hichilema has thanked the people of Zambia for their trust and belief in him and the UPND administration, as the government continues to work through the challenges that remain.

President Hichilema said there will be some pain along the way to achieving the targets the country has set for itself.

He stated that in the four years of the UPND administration, 94% of Zambia’s debt has been restructured, freeing resources for other development undertakings. He said Zambia’s upgrading of sovereign credit ratings, together with its exit from default status, has made the country a viable location for investment.

The President cited the free education policy, which has seen over 2.3 million learners return to school, and the enhanced Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which is facilitating development, as some of the achievements of his administration.

President Hichilema made these remarks at a press briefing at State House today, saying his government will continue to work hard and smart to offer opportunities and better lives for the people of Zambia.

He acknowledged the challenges that remain, including those in the energy sector.

“In all that we do, we are single-minded to work, and we need to work harder to get an even better rating,” President Hichilema said.

He called on Zambians to stay the course and work towards a mindset shift from instant gratification to production and investment.

He called for the protection of the gains made so far, warning that failure to do so would result in the country bearing the cost of regression.

“Some of the arguments are based on a conflicting culture of the past and what this government is propagating; change takes time,” President Hichilema said.

He said the seeds of progress are clear for all and called for love and unity amongst all citizens