Zambia is preparing for a major national election in August, with President Hakainde Hichilema expected to seek a second term in office. The election will be closely watched across southern Africa because it will test public support for Hichilema’s economic reforms, debt-management policies and promises to improve living conditions.
The country has faced difficult economic conditions in recent years, including high food prices, unemployment, drought-related pressure on electricity supply and the long-term impact of heavy public debt. While the government says it has made progress in stabilising the economy, many families continue to face rising living costs.
President Hichilema came to power in 2021 after defeating former President Edgar Lungu. His victory was seen as an important democratic transition in Zambia, where voters chose a new government after years of frustration over the economy, corruption allegations and debt problems.
The upcoming election will show whether voters believe the government has delivered enough progress during its first term.
According to Reuters, Hichilema is considered the favourite to win another term, but the election is expected to focus heavily on economic issues. Voters are likely to judge the government based on food prices, jobs, electricity shortages, public services and the overall cost of living.
Zambia is one of Africa’s major copper-producing countries. Copper is extremely important for the global economy because it is used in electricity networks, electric vehicles, construction, mobile phones, renewable-energy projects and industrial equipment.
The country’s mining sector is a major source of export income and government revenue. Zambia hopes that rising global demand for copper, especially because of electric vehicles and clean-energy infrastructure, will help strengthen its economy.
However, mining wealth does not always lead to immediate improvement in daily life for ordinary people. Many citizens still face unemployment, limited access to stable electricity and high prices for basic goods.
Food prices have become a major political issue. Zambia has been affected by drought conditions linked to the El Niño weather pattern. Lower rainfall has damaged crops and reduced hydroelectric power generation.
Hydropower is important for Zambia because the country depends heavily on water-based electricity generation. When water levels fall in dams and rivers, electricity production can drop, leading to power cuts.
Power shortages can affect homes, small businesses, factories, hospitals, schools and farms. Businesses may need to use expensive generators, while families can face long periods without electricity.
The government has said it is working to improve power supply by investing in solar energy, new transmission lines and other energy projects. But such projects take time, and many voters are likely to focus on the current situation rather than long-term promises.
Zambia’s debt situation is another major issue. The country became Africa’s first COVID-era sovereign default in 2020 after failing to make payments on international debt.
A sovereign default happens when a government cannot repay money it owes to lenders on time. This can make it harder for the country to borrow in the future and can damage investor confidence.
Since taking office, Hichilema’s government has worked with the International Monetary Fund, foreign lenders and other partners to restructure Zambia’s debt. Debt restructuring means changing repayment terms so that the country has more time or better conditions to repay what it owes.
The government says this process has helped restore confidence in Zambia’s economy. It has also argued that financial reforms are necessary to prevent another debt crisis.
But critics say that economic reforms have not yet created enough jobs or reduced pressure on households. Opposition parties are expected to use this argument during the election campaign.
The political environment in Zambia will be closely monitored by regional organisations, election observers and international rights groups. Zambia has generally been seen as one of southern Africa’s more stable democracies, but elections can still bring tension, especially when economic conditions are difficult.
Opposition groups may challenge the government over issues such as the cost of food, youth unemployment, electricity cuts and alleged limits on political activity.
The government is likely to highlight its work on debt restructuring, anti-corruption measures, mining investment and economic recovery. It may also point to efforts to attract foreign investment in copper, agriculture, renewable energy and infrastructure.
For young voters, employment is expected to be one of the biggest concerns. Zambia has a young population, and many young people are looking for stable work opportunities.
Jobs in mining, construction, technology, agriculture and small business development will likely become key campaign topics. Young voters may also demand better education, skills training and access to finance for small businesses.
Agriculture is another important sector. Many Zambians depend on farming for income and food. Drought conditions have created concern about maize production, livestock and rural livelihoods.
Maize is a staple food in Zambia, and changes in production can affect food prices across the country. If harvests are weak, families may face higher prices for mealie meal, a common maize-based food product.
The government may need to balance support for farmers with the need to control public spending. This is a difficult task because subsidies and emergency food support can help households, but they can also increase pressure on government finances.
The election will also be important for Zambia’s international relationships. The country has economic ties with China, Western governments, international lenders and regional African partners.
Zambia’s copper reserves make it strategically important in the global race for critical minerals. Countries and companies are looking for reliable supplies of minerals needed for batteries, electric vehicles and renewable-energy technology.
A stable election and clear economic policy could help Zambia attract more investment. Investors usually look for political stability, reliable laws, infrastructure and predictable tax policies before committing large amounts of money.
However, public trust will remain central. Economic numbers may improve on paper, but voters will judge the government based on whether they feel improvement in their daily lives.
For families, the most important issues may be the price of food, the availability of electricity, school costs, healthcare access and job opportunities.
The August election will therefore be more than a contest between political parties. It will be a test of whether Zambia’s economic recovery is reaching ordinary citizens.
As campaigning begins, President Hichilema will try to convince voters that his government has put Zambia on a more stable path. Opposition leaders will argue that the country needs faster action on jobs, food prices and public services.
The final result will shape Zambia’s political direction and economic policy for the next several years.