President Hakainde Hichilema has warned against any attempts to foment anarchy as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections, emphasizing that security agencies will be on standby to maintain peace and unity.
Speaking during the ceremonial opening of the Fifth Session of the 13th National Assembly, themed “Consolidating Economic and Social Gains towards a Prosperous, Resilient and Equitable Zambia,” President Hichilema said the government would ensure the law takes its course against any illegal activities.
“As we approach the elections, we will not allow any attempt to bring anarchy. The security wings will be on standby to arrest any perpetrators of illegal activities,” he said.
On corruption, the President rejected claims of selective justice, stressing that there were no sacred cows.
“When it comes to fighting corruption, we do not look at ethnicity or political persuasion. No one is being spared—whether employed during the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), Patriotic Front (PF), or United Party for National Development (UPND),” he said.
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President Hichilema also highlighted numerous achievements over the past four years.
He noted that about 2.4 million vulnerable people had benefited from the Cash for Work initiative, introduced as a climate change mitigation measure, and stressed that refinements will ensure it promotes hard work rather than dependency.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting social sectors to reduce poverty. In the mining sector, he said companies should not profit at the expense of the land that sustains livelihoods.
He announced that international tourism had grown from 554,000 visitors in 2021 to 2.2 million in 2025, attributing the rise to initiatives such as visa abolition and infrastructure upgrades.
Plans are underway to ensure each province has an airport meeting international standards, unlocking economic growth, tourism, and global connectivity, he said.
Education achievements include the creation of over 8,400 additional bed spaces across all eight public universities and the construction of more than 2,800 classroom blocks nationwide through an expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
On transport, President Hichilema confirmed that Zambia had reached an agreement with China to revitalize the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA).
He further acknowledged the importance of strategic fuel reserve infrastructure to safeguard national fuel supply and assured that the government was working tirelessly to resolve ongoing power outages.
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