Leadership, Promises, and the Harsh Realities of Zambia’s Economy
By Kumwesu reporter.
In Zambia’s ever-evolving political landscape, the contrasting presidencies of Hakainde Hichilema and Edgar Lungu highlight a familiar pattern the soaring hopes of election victories often clashing with the unforgiving weight of economic realities.
Though their leadership styles and policies differ, both leaders have faced the same ultimate judge: the Zambian people.
This article takes an in-depth look at their rise to power, the economic struggles that defined their terms, and the growing sense of discontent among citizens grappling with the rising cost of living.
Edgar Lungu’s Journey to State House:
Edgar Lungu became Zambia’s president in 2015 after the death of Michael Sata. Positioned as Sata’s political successor, Lungu promised to continue the Patriotic Front (PF)’s legacy investing in infrastructure, expanding access to jobs, and boosting economic growth.
In the early years, Lungu’s administration focused on large-scale infrastructure projects new roads, bridges, and public buildings which were hailed as development milestones.
However, this came at a cost. By the time of the 2021 elections, Zambia’s foreign debt had surged to $14.7 billion. The country’s economic woes worsened as inflation soared and the cost of living became unbearable for many citizens.
Despite Lungu’s bold claim that he would “hand over power to himself,” Zambians rejected him at the polls, frustrated by the economic strain and growing accusations of cadre violence and corruption.
Hakainde Hichilema’s Triumphant Victory:
Hakainde Hichilema’s historic win in 2021 was rooted in a campaign of hope and reform. His “Bally will fix it” mantra resonated with a population yearning for relief from high prices and unemployment.
Hichilema promised to tackle corruption, cut the cost of fuel and mealie-meal, and stabilize the economy.
For many, his victory symbolized a fresh start a chance to undo the damage of the PF era. His inauguration sparked celebrations across the country as citizens looked to him as a beacon of economic recovery.
Despite their different political approaches, both Lungu and Hichilema have struggled against the same formidable opponent Zambia’s economic crisis.
Lungu’s Economic Legacy:
Under Lungu, Zambia’s external debt spiraled to $14.7 billion by 2021, as confirmed in Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane’s budget speech. This included:
$12.99 billion in central government external debt
$1.56 billion in guaranteed debt for state-owned enterprises (SOEs)
$164.52 million in non-guaranteed debt for SOEs
Alongside this mounting debt, everyday life grew more expensive:
Mealie-meal rose from K70 in 2016 to around K150 by 2021.
Cooking oil increased from K40 to K120 for a 2-liter bottle.
Fertilizer prices spiked from K250 to K700 per 50kg bag.
Fuel prices climbed steadily, driving up transport costs.
These hardships, coupled with the perception of widespread corruption and violent PF cadres, fueled Lungu’s downfall.
Hichilema’s Economic Reality:
Fast forward to 2025, Hichilema’s presidency has been defined by his struggle to balance inherited debt and rising living costs. Zambia’s foreign debt has now ballooned to $21.6 billion by December 2024 a staggering leap from Lungu’s $14.7 billion. This includes:
A $1.8 billion loan from the IMF
$750 million from the World Bank Group
$750 million in fuel debt
Despite his promises, the cost of living has worsened:
Mealie-meal now costs about K450 per 25kg bag — nearly three times higher than under Lungu.
Fuel has doubled, rising from K17 per liter in 2021 to K35 in 2025.
Cooking oil has soared to K180 for 2 liters.
Bus fares continue to rise, hitting low-income households the hardest.
Hichilema has repeatedly attributed these increases to global economic shocks, inherited debt, and the removal of subsidies particularly on fuel. While these explanations have some merit, they have done little to ease public frustration.
For many, the economic pain feels more severe now than it did under Lungu, and citizens are beginning to wonder whether the promises of a better life under the UPND were genuine or simply sugar-coated campaign rhetoric.
Though they represent opposing political ideologies, Lungu and Hichilema share a common struggle the balancing act between lofty campaign promises and harsh economic realities.
Lungu banked on infrastructure projects, which critics say pushed Zambia into unsustainable debt. Hichilema, meanwhile, has prioritized economic reform and debt restructuring, but these long-term goals have not translated into short-term relief for struggling households.
The Zambian people, however, measure leadership not by policy speeches or debt figures but by their daily realities:
Can I afford a bag of mealie-meal this month?
Will I have enough for transport to work?
How much more will school fees rise this year?
For the average citizen, complex economic explanations offer little comfort when they are unable to put food on the table.
What remains clear is that Zambians hold the ultimate power the power to remove leaders who fail to deliver.
In 2021, it was this power that unseated Lungu. Now, in 2025, murmurs of dissatisfaction are growing louder as Hichilema battles rising debt and skyrocketing prices.
With the 2026 elections approaching, the question is no longer about campaign promises it is about delivery.
Will Zambians use their vote once again to demand change if their economic burdens remain unresolved?
The lesson for any Zambian leader is simple: winning an election takes promises, but keeping power requires action. And in Zambia, the people are watching with growing impatience.
March 1, 2025
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