By NATION REPORTER
ZAMBIANS should expect much more from President Hakainde Hichilema in the years ahead, having laid a solid foundation for the country’s economic progression and creating opportunities for citizens in his first four years in office, State House has said.
Clayson Hamasaka, the State House Chief Communications specialist says since President Hichilema assumed office in 2021, the country had witnessed transformation in the economy, education, agriculture, governance and national unity, adding that it is on course to long-term prosperity.
He pointed to the successful debt restructuring programme, which he said had unlocked resources for growth, jobs and essential services, while massive investment pledges, amounting to over US$86 billion with US$12 billion already actualised, were driving opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, mining and energy.
Mr Hamasaka said the country’s economy is expected to be the fastest growing in Africa this year, with projections of more than six percent growth.
On education, he highlighted that free education had been restored from primary to secondary school level, ensuring every child had a chance to learn.
He also noted that Government had recruited 41, 000 teachers, the largest recruitment drive in the nation’s history, which had strengthened schools while creating new jobs.
In agriculture, he said the country had achieved its largest maize harvest in history, which had boosted food security and stabilised supply.
This, he said, was accompanied by reforms to improve productivity and expanded support to farmers.
Mr Hamasaka also cited the massive expansion of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which had grown from K1.6 million to K36.1 million per constituency, empowering communities to drive their own development initiatives.
He added that the country had regained its culture of tolerance and political peace, with freedoms for citizens, civil society and the media being respected under the current administration.
President Hichilema, in his message marking the four years in office, reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that progress continues to reach ordinary citizens.
“In four years we have laid the foundation for growth and opportunity – but this is only the beginning,” President Hichilema said. “We must now build further, so that every citizen feels the benefits of this progress in their daily lives. Together, let’s deliver Zambia’s harvest.”
Mr Hamasaka emphasised that while challenges remain, the government would not relent in driving development and improving the welfare of all Zambians.