The Editor Zambia
President Hakainde Hichilema entered office in 2021 at a time when Zambia was weighed down by economic instability, shrinking investor confidence, political intolerance, and widespread public frustration.
Nearly five years later, even critics are finding it difficult to ignore the transformation that has taken place under the UPND administration. 
It is for this reason that traditional leaders such as Chief Machiya believe that if given another mandate, President Hichilema could achieve even greater things for the country.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Luansobe-Machiya-Ngabwe road project, Chief Machiya said the President had “worked wonders within a short period of time.”
Those remarks reflect the growing sentiment among many Zambians who believe the country has regained direction after years of uncertainty.
One of the clearest achievements of President Hichilema’s first term has been economic recovery and stability. When the UPND took over government, Zambia was battling unsustainable debt, high inflation, a weakening currency, and low investor confidence.
The economy had become fragile, with ordinary citizens struggling under the weight of rising prices and unemployment.
Under President Hichilema, however, Zambia has managed to restore confidence among cooperating partners and international financial institutions.
Debt restructuring negotiations that once appeared impossible began yielding results, giving the country breathing space.
Investor confidence has also improved significantly, with renewed interest in mining, agriculture, and energy sectors.
The Kwacha has shown periods of stability compared to previous years, while inflation has gradually eased.
The mining sector, which is the backbone of Zambia’s economy, has particularly benefited from consistent policy direction.
Government’s push to increase copper production has attracted fresh investment and revived optimism on the Copperbelt and North-Western Province. This renewed economic direction has sent a strong message that Zambia is once again open for business.
Beyond economics, President Hichilema has also earned praise for restoring the rule of law. For years, many citizens complained that state institutions had become compromised and selective in the application of justice.
Political violence, intimidation, and abuse of public institutions had become common features of governance.
Under the current administration, there has been a deliberate effort to allow institutions to operate independently. Citizens today enjoy greater freedom of expression, while opposition political parties are able to hold meetings with far less interference than before. The atmosphere of fear that once characterised national politics has considerably reduced.
Equally important has been the fight against cadreism. Markets, bus stations, and public institutions had in previous years become centres of lawlessness controlled by political cadres who intimidated ordinary citizens and operated above the law.
President Hichilema made a firm commitment to dismantle cadreism, and many Zambians agree that public spaces have become more orderly and accessible as a result.
The anti-corruption crusade has also become a defining feature of the administration. While corruption remains a challenge that no government can completely eliminate overnight, the UPND administration has demonstrated greater willingness to pursue accountability.
Investigations into suspected abuse of public resources have signalled that no one should be above the law regardless of political connections.
Critics may argue about the pace of economic improvement, especially considering the continued high cost of living.
However, it is important to recognise that the damage inherited by the current administration could not be repaired instantly.
Economic recovery is often gradual, particularly for a country emerging from debt distress and years of financial mismanagement.
Perhaps President Hichilema’s greatest achievement has been giving Zambia a renewed sense of direction. His administration has consistently projected an image of discipline, economic reforms, and long-term planning.
Policies such as free education, recruitment of teachers and health workers, and infrastructure development have shown a government attempting to invest in the future rather than merely surviving politically.
If these achievements have been recorded within one term under difficult economic circumstances, supporters believe a second term could deliver even more significant results.
With debt restructuring advancing, investor confidence improving, and key reforms already underway, a second mandate could allow the president to focus more aggressively on job creation, industrialisation, energy security, and rural development.
That is why Chief Machiya’s remarks resonate with many citizens. They are rooted not merely in political loyalty but in the belief that Zambia has finally found stable leadership with a clear developmental vision.
Whether one agrees fully with the UPND or not, it is difficult to deny that the country today appears more orderly, more respected internationally, and more focused on long-term recovery than it was five years ago.
