HICHILEMA THE MOST TRAVELLED PRESIDENT
Welcome Back, President Hakainde Hichilema
Mr. President, welcome back from yet another series of international trips. We cannot help but notice that you have travelled abroad more frequently than any of your predecessors, all within a remarkably short span of time. You have consistently touted these trips as opportunities to secure business deals, attract investments, and foster economic growth. However, the pressing question remains: where are the results?
A Review of the Facts
Here is a review of the promises made during your trips:
United States – 2021
Your Excellency, following your visit to the United States, you promised new investments in Zambia’s mining, energy, and agricultural sectors. Yet, more than three years later, these investments have failed to materialize. Zambia’s mining sector continues to face challenges, including fluctuating copper prices and a lack of local beneficiation. Most notably, the country has yet to see large-scale investments that would create mining jobs or enhance local value addition, as you promised.
China – 2022
During your trip to China, you assured Zambians that you had secured financial support for infrastructure development and debt relief. While agreements were signed to ease Zambia’s heavy debt burden, the country’s external debt remains among the highest in Africa, standing at over $14 billion. Promises of debt restructuring have not delivered the expected relief. Instead, the Zambian government continues to struggle with repayment deadlines, and the Chinese financing you promised has yet to translate into significant infrastructure improvements.
India – 2022
Your visit to India was framed as a strategic move to enhance Zambia’s agricultural exports, improve food security, and establish agricultural technology partnerships. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Zambian farmers still grapple with limited market access, high input costs, and inadequate infrastructure. Despite promises of new technologies, the agriculture sector remains stagnant, with no noticeable improvements in productivity or export volumes.
United Kingdom – 2022
In the UK, you pledged to secure trade and investment deals that would revitalize Zambia’s energy and infrastructure sectors. However, Zambia continues to suffer from rolling power outages and energy insecurity. The country’s infrastructure remains in dire need of investment, and your trip failed to bring about any significant new energy projects or trade agreements that could alleviate these challenges. The UK’s promised investments have not materialized, leaving Zambia’s energy crisis unresolved.
United Arab Emirates – 2022
During your visit to the UAE, you claimed that Zambia would benefit from new investments in energy, agriculture, and trade. Yet, the large-scale renewable energy projects you spoke of have not been realized in a way that benefits the average Zambian. The agricultural sector still faces issues related to value addition, storage facilities, and access to both regional and international markets. Farmers remain without the promised support, and food security challenges persist.
The Facts Speak for Themselves
• Zambia’s external debt has reached critical levels, with no substantial progress in restructuring loans, despite multiple trips and high-profile promises. The country remains at the mercy of creditors, with no real change in the fiscal landscape.
• Youth unemployment remains alarmingly high, with no new job opportunities arising from your foreign engagements. Zambians continue to struggle for jobs, despite repeated promises tied to these international trips.
• Over 50% of Zambia’s population depends on agriculture, yet there has been no significant progress in market access, technology adoption, or productivity improvements. The sector continues to languish despite repeated assurances of foreign support.
• Load shedding has become a regular feature of Zambian life, affecting both households and businesses. The energy sector remains poorly funded and inefficient, despite promises of foreign investment.
Mr. President, it is difficult to ignore the reality: these frequent international trips—filled with promises and handshakes—have not translated into meaningful change for the Zambian people. The agreements signed during your travels appear to have benefited others more than the citizens of Zambia.
It is time for you to explain:
• Where are the jobs you promised?
• Where are the investments that were supposed to transform the economy?
• Where is the debt relief that was meant to ease Zambia’s financial strain?
The international community may be impressed by your global outreach, but the Zambian people are still waiting for tangible results that improve their daily lives.
We demand transparency and accountability. The promises made during your travels must now be backed by concrete action. The people of Zambia deserve to know how the agreements signed on foreign soil will directly benefit them—not just those within your inner circle.
Zambians are tired of waiting. It is time to show us the fruits of your diplomacy.
I hear it’s cold in Japan—and well, the economy here is just as cold. We hope you won’t make it any colder.
Ephraim Shakafuswa
Member – Tonse Council of Leaders
#TiliTonse
HICHILEMA THE MOST TRAVELLED PRESIDENT
