President Hichilema pushes energy and mining projects over coffee, backs Kawambwa tea for government offices

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed government's commitment to accelerating key infrastructure projects in the energy and mining sectors through faster, more flexible decision-making.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, the Head of State revealed he had concluded a "coffee catch-up" with selected ministries aimed at fast-tracking priority national projects.

"We have just concluded a coffee catch-up with selected ministries to accelerate key infrastructure projects in the energy and mining sectors," President Hichilema wrote.

He stressed that bureaucratic procedures must not slow down national development, adding that meaningful decisions can sometimes emerge from informal but focused engagements.

"We are committed to ensuring that bureaucracy and formalities do not hinder progress. Sometimes, meaningful decisions can be made over a simple coffee conversation," he said.

During the meeting, the Secretary to the Cabinet presented a newly packaged assortment of Kawambwa tea. In response, President Hichilema directed that all government offices and parastatals begin procuring the locally produced tea to support domestic industry and create jobs.

The move, he said, will promote local value chains and strengthen production in rural areas such as Kawambwa.

"Accordingly, to support local industry and create jobs, we guided that government offices and parastatals should begin procuring Kawambwa tea," he stated.

The President reaffirmed his administration's focus on job creation, industrial growth and efficient service delivery, adding: "We remain committed to delivering for all our people."