By EDITORZAMBIA
As copper prices surge toward historic highs and the Kwacha
posts some of the strongest gains globally this year, Zambia
finds itself in a rare but welcome position of economic
momentum, institutional confidence, and growing political
consolidation around President Hakainde Hichilema.
The numbers are not speculative rhetoric, but indicators
anchored in global commodity markets and fiscal planning
since copper is the backbone of Zambia’s export economy
barrelling towards the $13,000 per ton mark on the London
market amid supply concerns and rising demand. 
As Africa’s second largest producer of the metal, Zambia is
riding this wave with renewed strength because the Kwacha has
responded accordingly, appreciating by 0.6 percent against the
United States dollar to reach its strongest level since early
November 2025, placing it among the leading performing currencies
on the continent this year.
This rally is not accidental but a product of disciplined fiscal
messaging and credible macroeconomic stewardship as the
secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa has noted confirming
that larger than expected mining revenues will be channelled
into a stabilisation mechanism described as a rainy-day fund.
The principle is simple but profound since revenues above
budgeted projections will not be squandered but saved to
cushion the country when commodity cycles inevitably cool.
In a mineral-dependent economy, long exposed to boom and
bust volatility, this marks a strategic shift toward prudence.
Economic confidence is often the first referendum on political
leadership and markets reward predictability and punish
confusion.
The strengthening of the Kwacha signals international confidence in
Zambia’s policy direction and export outlook since investors do
not trade currencies based on slogans or online noise.
They respond to fundamentals like rising copper output,
disciplined treasury planning and improved revenue
management, which are tangible fundamentals.
This economic performance has found resonance beyond
financial markets crossing to traditional leadership, who are the
cornerstone of Zambia’s social fabric, who have expressed open
endorsement of the administration’s trajectory.
Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people, speaking at
Laweni in Mtenguleni Village recently described President
Hichilema, as the best performing Head of State he has observed
in his 43 years on the throne.
Such praise is neither casual nor impulsive since chiefs are on
the ground and observe development at community level,
where policies translate into clinics, schools, feeder roads, and
agricultural inputs.
The expansion of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)
has become a visible instrument of grassroots transformation.
In rural and peri-urban constituencies, CDF allocations are
building classrooms, equipping health posts, and empowering
youth cooperatives.
Agriculture Minister Mtolo Phiri has confirmed that farmers
nationwide have been paid, reinforcing confidence in the
farming season.
Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba has also highlighted the
organisation of national cultural ceremonies such as N’cwala,
reinforcing cultural continuity alongside economic reform.
Equally significant is endorsement from voices once associated
with the previous administration. Former presidential press
aide to the late Edgar Chagwa Lungu Amos Chanda has publicly
stated that he sees no real contender capable of mounting a
serious challenge to President Hichilema in the forthcoming
polls.
His assessment is grounded not in sentiment but in observation
of opposition fragmentation and lack of cohesive leadership.
When a communicator closely linked to a former Head of State
acknowledges structural advantage on the part of the
incumbent, it signals shifting political currents.
Contrast this with the confusion emanating from certain online
platforms like EMV Emmanuel Mwamba Verified that present
controlled digital exercises as a national opinion of the popularity
of presidential candidates.
Political science is unequivocal. A credible poll must be
randomised, geographically representative, independently
administered and methodologically transparent.
Phone ins, moderated comment sections, and closed digital
ecosystems do not meet this threshold, and when one individual
controls the broadcast narrative, moderates participation, and
amplifies selective outcomes across affiliated pages – the result is not measurement but performance.
President Hichilema’s growing appeal appears rooted less in
spectacle and more in performance. Massive youth
engagement, infrastructure visible at constituency level and
improved fiscal messaging has generated momentum that
extends beyond party structures.
The Kwacha’s rise and copper’s rally are not merely economic
statistics. They are signals of restored credibility.
As Zambia approaches the August general election, the
conversation will inevitably intensify. Yet beneath the noise lies
a simple equation.
The copper wave may eventually recede, as all commodities
cycles do. That is precisely why the establishment of a
stabilisation fund matters.
It demonstrates foresight rather than opportunism besides
signalling governance that anticipates tomorrow rather than
consuming today.
The Kwacha’s performance is measured in global markets and
copper is verified on international exchanges, not on moderated
timelines.
Political strength, like economic strength, ultimately rests
on fundamentals rather than manufactured applause.
