HH Rallies Choma, Promises Economic Recovery Despite Power Challenges
President Hakainde Hichilema addressed hundreds of supporters at the Choma Cricket Club this afternoon, delivering a message that balanced acknowledgment of ongoing challenges with renewed commitment to economic transformation as the country heads toward the August 2026 general elections.
Speaking in Southern Province, a traditional stronghold for his United Party for National Development (UPND), the President made clear his administration's determination to continue what he described as essential reform work. "2026 is a must win so we can continue to do the work we have been doing," President Hichilema told the enthusiastic crowd.
Economic Progress Amid Challenges
The President's address comes as Zambia experiences notable economic recovery, with the kwacha recently emerging as the world's best-performing currency against the US dollar. The local currency's remarkable strength has been attributed to successful debt restructuring efforts, improved copper revenues, and restored investor confidence in the country's economic management.
"We bring the mines back, more copper, more dollars," President Hichilema declared, referencing his administration's efforts to revitalize Zambia's crucial mining sector. The President emphasized that economic growth remains the cornerstone of his government's strategy: "Seek ye economic growth, other things will fall into place – jobs, business opportunities, income."
Acknowledging the Power Crisis, Progress Being Made
President Hichilema directly addressed the country's electricity crisis, acknowledging the hardship load shedding has caused Zambians while noting that the situation is improving.
"We are sorry about load shedding. We are working on it, but there is still work to be done," the President said, adding that his government aims to increase coal-fired power generation to 2,500 megawatts as part of a comprehensive solution to the energy deficit.
Citizens across the country have reported reduced load shedding hours in recent weeks as government interventions begin to take effect, offering relief to businesses and households that have endured months of power cuts.
The comments reflected the President's consistent approach of speaking directly to citizens about difficulties they face while outlining concrete plans for improvement.
Foundation Work Complete, Growth Ahead
President Hichilema framed his first term as a period of essential repair work following years of economic mismanagement. "We know there is still work to be done. We were correcting the errors – debt restructuring, the damage in the mines, law and order," he explained.
The President suggested that with foundational reforms now largely in place, a second term would focus on leveraging these achievements for tangible improvements in citizens' lives. "There is still a lot of work ahead of us," he noted, while emphasizing that his administration's approach centers on unity and service.
Campaign of Care and Partnership
In what appeared to be an early framing of his 2026 campaign message, President Hichilema positioned his administration as one driven by compassion and genuine concern for citizens' wellbeing. "We care for you, we love you," he told supporters. "When we care for each other, we work for each other, we deliver."
The President suggested this approach represents a deliberate contrast with opposition politics: "We use love and care for our people to conquer hatred."
Strong Momentum Heading into August 2026
With just seven months until Zambia's general elections, President Hichilema's Choma address signals the intensification of campaign efforts built on a foundation of economic achievements and policy reforms. The UPND has historically enjoyed strong support in Southern Province, and the President's combination of tangible economic progress – including the kwacha's world-leading performance and successful debt restructuring – alongside his willingness to acknowledge ongoing challenges appears to be resonating with voters.
As power supply improves and the benefits of economic stabilization become increasingly visible in citizens' daily lives, President Hichilema's re-election campaign is gaining momentum. The August 2026 elections are shaping up as an opportunity for Zambians to endorse the completion of reforms that have already yielded measurable results, with the promise of accelerated prosperity once the foundational work is fully consolidated.