President Hakainde Hichilema was sworn in for a second term on Tuesday, promising to build on Zambia’s economic recovery while facing criticism over the country’s political climate.
Thousands of supporters of Hichilema’s UPND party gathered in Lusaka for the ceremony, which was attended by several African leaders.
“Having done the heavy lifting in our first term, the next five years is all about growth, expansion, opportunity and prosperity for all our people,” President Hichilema said.
The 64-year-old president was declared the winner of the August 13 election with 60% of the vote, according to official results. His main challenger, former minister Brian Mundubile, received 38%.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were arrested and charged with treason after surrendering to police last week. They have denied the allegations.
The election was accompanied by claims of intimidation and restrictions on opposition activity, raising concerns over Zambia’s reputation as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies.
Hichilema defended his record, pointing to falling inflation, rising foreign reserves, free primary and secondary education and the abolition of the death penalty. He acknowledged that the cost of living remained a concern.
Zambia, Africa’s second-largest copper producer, depends heavily on the metal, which accounts for about 70% of its export earnings. Yet more than 70% of the country’s population lives on less than $3 a day, according to World Bank data.
Hichilema said his second term would focus on moving the economy from stabilisation to growth, with wider access to opportunities for Zambians.
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