Also known as: President Hakainde Hichilema · Hichelema · Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema · President Hichilema · current president Hakainde Hichilema
Zambian president who secured reelection on 13 August 2026 with 2.96 million votes and was sworn in for his second term.
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The Namibian
Hakainde Hichilema is incumbent president seeking re-election on United Party for National Development ticket
“incumbent president Hakainde Hichilema, who is seeking re-election on the United Party for National Development ticket”
EU observers flag delays in Zambia electionInformanté
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election for a second term
“Zambia held presidential, parliamentary and local government elections on Thursday, with President Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term after taking office in 2021.”
Zambia suspends vote counting over violenceThe Namibian
President Hakainde Hichilema sought a second term
“The election has been closely watched, with president Hakainde Hichilema seeking a second term against opposition candidate Brian Mundubile and other presidential contenders.”
Young voters put jobs and opportunities on Zambia’s ballotThe Namibian
Hakainde Hichilema urged voters in Mandevu to back the ruling UPND
“Zambia heads to the polls on Thursday, with president Hakainde Hichilema urging voters in Mandevu, Lusaka province, to back the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND).”
Zambia heads to polls as Hichilema rallies MandevuThe Namibian
Hakainde Hichilema defeated then-incumbent Edgar Lungu in 2021
“Hichilema is seeking another term in office after first winning the presidency in 2021, defeating then-incumbent Edgar Lungu.”
Zambia heads to polls as Hichilema rallies MandevuInformanté
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema identified transport infrastructure as central to the country's economic transformation
“Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has identified transport infrastructure as central to the country's economic transformation, saying improved roads will strengthen regional trade, support tourism, reduce transport costs and improve access to markets and essential services.”
Zambia upgrades key Namibia trade corridor in K4.9 billion road investmentThe Namibian
Hakainde Hichilema ended national mourning period after four days during legal dispute
“Hichilema, who had been expected to receive Lungu's body, subsequently ended the national mourning period after four days while the legal dispute unfolded.”
Zambia accepts SCA ruling in Edgar Lungu burial disputeThe Namibian
President Hakainde Hichilema is Lungu's successor
“It is the latest episode in a row over what should happen to his remains following a long-standing feud between Lungu and his successor, President Hakainde Hichilema.”
Zambia’s government takes possession of ex-president’s body in repatriation rowThe Namibian
President Hakainde Hichilema defeated Lungu in 2021 elections by a huge margin
“He had led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, when he lost elections by a huge margin to Hichilema.”
Zambia’s government takes possession of ex-president’s body in repatriation rowThe Namibian
Hakainde Hichilema is current President of Zambia
“He had led Zambia from 2015 until 2021, when he lost elections by a huge margin to current President Hakainde Hichilema.”
Family of Zambia's ex-President Lungu dismiss poisoning allegation – lawyersZimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, 43, and his wife Lucy Muteke were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera rural area east of Harare on Wednesday evening. The cause of the crash was not immediately known and investigations were under way.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, 43, and his wife Lucy Muteke were among six people killed when a helicopter crashed in the Marondera rural area east of Harare on Wednesday evening. The cause of the crash was not immediately known and investigations were under way.
2 October 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's second-term inauguration in Lusaka, where she urged him to use his renewed mandate to unite the country, strengthen democracy, and ensure all citizens benefit from national resources. Hichilema promised to move Zambia from economic stabilisation to growth and extended unity to those who voted against him.
2 September 2026 · New Era →
Hakainde Hichilema, sworn in for his second term, pledged to shift focus from economic stabilisation to delivering tangible progress through job creation, expanded growth, and development reaching households across Zambia. He called on citizens to produce more domestically, increase exports, and support businesses while assuring international partners of Zambia's commitment to peace, democracy and regional stability.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined regional and international leaders in Lusaka for the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for his second five-year term. Hichilema pledged to shift his administration's focus from economic stabilisation to growth and expanding opportunities.
1 September 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah travelled to Lusaka to attend the inauguration of Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema for his second term, joining other SADC leaders and international dignitaries at the ceremony at National Heroes Stadium.
1 September 2026 · Informanté →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah attended the African Union's 21st extraordinary session in Luanda, where African leaders renewed calls for the continent to take greater financial responsibility for its own peace and security priorities rather than relying on external funding.
1 September 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has congratulated Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election following Zambia's August 2026 elections, pledging to deepen cooperation between the two nations. Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic culture and maintaining peace and unity during electoral processes.
28 August 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia's Independent Patriots for Change has congratulated Zambia's re-elected president Hakainde Hichilema while urging full transparency in election management and raising concerns over ballot secrecy and incomplete reconciliation at polling stations.
19 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema secured reelection on 13 August with 2,965,326 votes against opponent Brian Mundubile's 1,856,218, calling for intensified efforts to deliver development across the country. Hichilema acknowledged opposition voters and his UPND party highlighted record parliamentary representation and priorities including job creation and improved livelihoods.
18 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The European Union Election Observation Mission said Zambia's general elections were largely well organised and transparent, but identified delays in opening polling stations, overcrowding at some stations, and continued barriers to participation for women and persons with disabilities.
17 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambia's Electoral Commission suspended the counting and announcement of election results nationwide after reports of violence targeting election officials and theft of marked ballot papers from ballot boxes. The suspension, announced on Friday with immediate effect, will be reviewed within 24 hours.
14 August 2026 · Informanté →
Zambians voted with concerns over the economy, rising cost of living, and unemployment, with young people emerging as an important political force. President Hakainde Hichilema sought a second term against opposition candidate Brian Mundubile and other contenders, with about 8.7 million registered voters and largely peaceful polling.
14 August 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambia held elections on Thursday for president, parliament, and local government representatives. President Hakainde Hichilema campaigned in Mandevu, Lusaka province, on Wednesday, pledging continued investment in roads, schools, clinics and social services, and urging voters to support the ruling UPND.
12 August 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah signed a book of condolences at the Zambian High Commission in Windhoek on behalf of Namibia, honouring former Zambian Vice President Dr Guy Scott and reaffirming the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
22 July 2026 · Informanté →
Zambia has signed contracts worth K4.9 billion (about N$4.3 billion) to rehabilitate the Livingstone-Sesheke Road, a strategic transport corridor linking the country to Namibia through the Trans Caprivi Corridor and Port of Walvis Bay. The project, now in the implementation stage with contractors mobilised to site, is expected to boost regional trade, tourism, and cross-border connectivity.
15 July 2026 · Informanté →
The Zambian government says it will not pursue further legal action following a South African Supreme Court of Appeal judgment in a dispute with former president Edgar Lungu's family over his burial. The government had disagreed with the ruling but will accept it, ending a legal dispute that began after negotiations between the government and Lungu's family collapsed and the family chose to bury him in South Africa rather than repatriate his remains to Zambia.
24 June 2026 · The Namibian →
Former Botswana president Festus Gontebanye Mogae, aged 86, died in Gaborone over the weekend. Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and current Botswana President Duma Gideon Boko paid tribute to Mogae as a distinguished statesman and principled leader whose presidency strengthened regional cooperation through SADC.
11 May 2026 · New Era →
Zambia's government has taken possession of former president Edgar Lungu's body, who died in South Africa in June, overriding his family's wishes for a private burial. A South African court previously ruled the government could repatriate the body for a state funeral, and the family's appeal has now lapsed, though they dispute this and have sought an urgent high court order to return it to the funeral home.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambia's government has taken possession of the body of former president Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa 10 months ago, despite the family's wishes for a private burial. A South African court last August ruled the government could repatriate the body for a state funeral, and the family's appeal attempt has lapsed.
23 April 2026 · The Namibian →
The family of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who died in South Africa last June, has dismissed allegations that he was poisoned, telling South African police the claims are "unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence." The denial comes as the family continues a legal battle with Zambia's government over whether Lungu should receive a state funeral at home or be buried privately in South Africa.
18 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambia's High Court has ordered the forfeiture of assets worth more than $1.3 million from Dalitso Lungu, son of former President Edgar Lungu, including 79 vehicles and 23 pieces of property. The court ruled that Lungu and his company failed to provide credible explanation for how the assets were lawfully acquired, finding his employment history and income insufficient to account for the acquisitions.
11 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Zambia's government rolled out free primary and secondary education in 2022, driving enrolment of over 2.3 million additional learners and achieving a 70% Grade 12 pass rate—now the administration's flagship achievement as it enters August elections. Opposition parties acknowledge the policy's popularity but criticize overcrowded classrooms and implementation challenges, while the government frames growth as a positive consequence requiring continued infrastructure investment.
10 February 2026 · The Namibian →