President Hichilema demands tighter audits and faster delivery as he swears in key officials

President Hakainde Hichilema has used the swearing-in of three senior appointees to sharpen his message on fiscal discipline, infrastructure delivery and economic diplomacy.

Speaking at State House this morning, the President charged newly appointed Controller of Internal Audit Jamie Mukuwa with strengthening oversight across government and closing procurement loopholes. He warned that public resources must never be misused, and that audit sampling must be thorough and impartial rather than selective. Early detection of irregularities, he said, is essential to protecting the programmes that matter most — including free education, school feeding and public sector recruitment. Every saving achieved through disciplined financial management, he added, translates directly into classrooms, desks and teachers.

The President also challenged new Director General of Public Private Partnerships Andiseya Lengalenga to accelerate project delivery. He cited major road schemes already being delivered through PPP models without placing excessive pressure on the treasury, and said Zambia must move more infrastructure off the government balance sheet through innovative financing.

Turning to diplomacy, President Hichilema tasked newly appointed High Commissioner to Nigeria Joseph Akafumba with prioritising economic returns over protocol. Foreign missions, he said, must focus on securing trade opportunities, partnerships and capital inflows while projecting a strong national image.

The President pointed to Zambia's falling inflation, down from above 23 per cent to single digits  as evidence that the reform agenda is working, creating space for lower interest rates and greater investment. Sustained growth, he said, remains the foundation for everything his government is trying to deliver.