President Hakainde Hichilema says Government has confronted the country’s electricity challenges head-on, significantly reducing load shedding hours and, in some areas, eliminating power cuts completely.
Addressing the nation on progress made in the application of National Values and Principles, President Hichilema commended citizens for their patience during the period of prolonged electricity disruptions.
“We want to address our fellow citizens directly. We acknowledge the pain and inconvenience you experienced during those challenging times, and we thank you all for your patience and support throughout,” he said.
The President stated that his administration is implementing far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening energy security and ensuring a more stable power supply for the country.
“These measures include the establishment of solar power stations, the expansion of clean coal-powered electricity generation and the already- successful importation of electricity. Hydro-electricity generation and expansion will continue,” President Hichilema stressed.
“The UPND new dawn administration is focused on promoting equality, social justice and non-discrimination in the provision of electricity to our people. We have successfully completed almost 60,000 new connections, through the rural electrification authority.”
Meanwhile, the Head of State urged Zambians to demonstrate patriotism by consistently meeting their tax obligations, stating that responsible tax compliance is key to sustaining national development.
“To continue the provision of vital services, including nationwide free education, the government depends on effective revenue collection. A responsible and caring society demands a responsible and fair tax system,” he said.
He noted that Government has modernized and simplified tax administration through digital platforms, making it easier for citizens and businesses to comply with their tax obligations.
President Hichilema also highlighted progress made over the last four years in promoting local products and supporting domestic enterprises, citing the issuance of Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025 on the promotion of local content in the mining sector as a major reform designed to strengthen Zambian-led businesses.
According to the President, the Local Content Policy has created increased opportunities for local suppliers to secure contracts, resulting in job creation and business growth.
“Public procurement has also been reformed to give special preference and positive discrimination to locally produced goods and services, which again, means more jobs, business opportunities, and income for Zambians and the treasury,” he noted.
In the employment and labour sector, President Hichilema disclosed that 518,183 members of the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) had accessed their 20 percent partial withdrawal, amounting to K10.6 billion as of January 2026.
“This is tremendous, and it is life changing for our people. We have also extended pension coverage to the informal sector, which accounts for over 70 percent of our workforce. We have increased the minimum wage and enhanced legislation on occupational safety and health, in line with our decent work agenda,” President Hichilema stated.
He said these interventions have improved income security, enhanced financial resilience, and broadened social protection coverage for many Zambians.
