Economic growth must mean something at the dinner table – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has acknowledged that the cost of living is still challenging for many families, stating that economic stabilisation must now translate into tangible improvements in household welfare.

Speaking when he delivered his inauguration speech at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on on September 1, 2026, President Hichilema unveiled his “Grow Zambia” agenda, pledging to more than double the size of the economy and create more jobs and business opportunities during his second term.

“We know that for many families, the cost of living has remained challenging, and that the benefits of our stabilisation have not yet been felt at every level. We hear you,” he said.

The President, under the agenda, outlined ambitious targets of producing 10 million tonnes of maize, generating 10,000 megawatts of electricity, attracting five million tourists, and producing three million tonnes each of copper and soya.

He said Government would work with the private sector to expand mining, agriculture, tourism and energy, while accelerating infrastructure development and industrial transformation to create more opportunities for Zambians.