President Hichilema Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Corruption

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration's zero-tolerance approach to corruption, past, present, and future, as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Zambia Anti-Corruption Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema emphasised that corruption undermines development and erodes public trust in government and national institutions.

The conference, held under the theme "Collaborative Actions for Integrity and Transparency in Elections," brought together government officials, international partners, and civil society to discuss integrity in electoral processes.

President Hichilema said there is a need to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens can report corruption without being exposed or threatened. He added that stolen assets must be restored to their rightful owners so recovered funds can be channeled into other sectors of the economy.

The Head of State noted that the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court demonstrates government's resolve to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of corruption and financial crimes.

President Hichilema said government will continue strengthening oversight bodies including the Anti-Corruption Commission, Financial Intelligence Centre, Office of the Auditor General, Public Protector, and Judicial Complaints Commission.

He further noted that elections must not lead to conflict, as unrest can reverse economic gains, and highlighted the need to counter misinformation on social media as an emerging threat to society.