PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled the Grow Zambia Agenda, a five-year national development programme aimed at more than doubling the size of the economy, creating jobs and improving living standards. Officially opening the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly today under the theme “Grow Zambia: An Agenda for Inclusive Growth and Opportunity for Every

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PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled the Grow Zambia Agenda, a five-year national development programme aimed at more than doubling the size of the economy, creating jobs and improving living standards.

Officially opening the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly today under the theme “Grow Zambia: An Agenda for Inclusive Growth and Opportunity for Every Zambian,” President Hichilema said Government in its second term will focus on consolidating macroeconomic stability and translating gains into tangible benefits for citizens.

He highlighted progress made in restoring macroeconomic stability, restructuring public debt, strengthening fiscal discipline, rebuilding international reserves and restoring investor confidence, alongside expanded access to education and support for vulnerable households.

The President noted that constitutional reforms had enhanced representation in Parliament, with 20 women, 15 youths and five persons with disabilities elected, plus six additional women selected through proportional representation and quotas.

Commending citizens for participating in the August 13, 2026 General Election, President Hichilema called for national unity, stressing that political differences should not undermine shared development aspirations.

President Hichilema set eight annual national targets under what he termed the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1-1 framework:

– 10 million metric tonnes of maize

– 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity

– Five million international tourist arrivals

– Three million metric tonnes of copper

– Three million metric tonnes of soya beans

– One million metric tonnes of wheat

– One million metric tonnes of sugar

– US$1 billion in annual beef exports

He identified agriculture, livestock, mining, tourism, manufacturing and energy as key drivers of growth, with housing, healthcare and the creative arts also contributing.

On agriculture, he cited a record 5.1 million metric tonnes of maize in the last farming season and outlined plans to expand irrigation to 500,000 hectares, increase the cattle population to 11 million and strengthen livestock production.

He further outlined plans to attract mining investment, increase tourist arrivals from 2.5 million to five million annually, promote locally made products, expand exports and develop provinces into economic hubs.

On energy, the President stressed energy security, with plans to raise generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts, diversify energy sources, develop regional fuel pipelines and strengthen transport infrastructure.

He said digital transformation remains a national priority, focusing on wider internet connectivity, digitalised public services, cybersecurity and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence.

The President cited the recruitment of more than 42,000 teachers and 18,000 health workers, and the return of more than 2.6 million learners to school, with continued investment planned in skills development, healthcare, water and sanitation, affordable housing and social protection.

He reaffirmed Government’s commitment to decentralisation through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which has increased from K1.6 million to K40 million per constituency, and stressed accessible justice, effective public service delivery, accountability and the fight against corruption.

He identified public-private partnerships, joint ventures and capital market instruments as financing mechanisms for the Grow Zambia Agenda, and called on Government, the private sector, civil society, traditional and religious leaders and citizens to work together.

President Hichilema urged citizens to uphold patriotism, peace and national unity in pursuit of the national interest before declaring the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly officially open.

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