President Hichilema opens Fourteenth National Assembly, setting out the Grow Zambia Agenda

President Hakainde Hichilema today officially opened the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly in Lusaka, setting out the Grow Zambia Agenda for his second term.

Accompanied by First Lady Mutinta Hichilema, the President was received at the National Assembly grounds with a ceremonial parade by the 2nd Infantry Battalion of the 1st Infantry Brigade of the Zambia Army, alongside the Salute Troop of the Zambia Army Artillery. He was accorded the Presidential Salute before inspecting the Guard of Honour.

Delivering his address under the theme “Grow Zambia: an agenda for inclusive growth and opportunity for every Zambian”, the President said the past five years had restored macroeconomic stability and laid a strong foundation for transformation. He noted that inflation had fallen from over 24% in August 2021 to 6.1% in September 2026, and that international reserves were at their highest level ever.

Over the next five years, the Government aims to more than double the size of the economy. Its priorities are growing the economy, connecting the nation, improving living standards, building an efficient public sector and financing the future.

The President set out ambitious annual targets, including 10 million tonnes of maize, 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation, 5 million international tourist arrivals, 3 million tonnes of copper and USD 1 billion in beef exports.

He also welcomed a more inclusive Parliament, with 20 more women, 15 more young people and five more persons with disabilities now serving as Members of Parliament.

“The future we seek cannot be delivered by the Government alone,” the President said, calling for unity, patriotism and hard work.