UK envoy, stakeholders laud President Hichilema on…

The State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Hakainde Hichilema at Parliament in Lusaka today, has sparked a range of positive reactions from key stakeholders, emphasising commitments to democracy, development, and social progress. In an interview with the media shortly after the address, UK Ambassador to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, highlighted the strong partnership between the United Kingdom and Zambia, rooted in shared values of democracy and the rule of law. Ms Terzeon expressed optimism about the upcoming August elections, noting Zambia’s robust electoral history.

“It was really good to hear the President reaffirm that the elections will be free, fair, and credible,” Ms Terzeon stated. She emphasised the importance of a vibrant civil society, active media, and opposition parties in ensuring electoral integrity ahead of the August elections. Ambassador Terzeon also praised the President’s focus on inclusive development, underscoring the necessity for all Zambians to access education, social protection, and opportunities for women and girls.She stressed that these initiatives are vital to strengthening the UK-Zambia partnership, particularly in responsible mining and economic growth.And Chief Choongo, who is also House of Chiefs Chairperson, commended the President’s stance on social issues, particularly child marriage.“All the Chiefs have agreed to abide by the country’s regulations, and we are pleased that the President has addressed child marriage categorically,” he said.Chief Choongo further highlighted the significance of the free education policy, which has helped curb child marriages by removing barriers that previously led to early marriages.He urged parents to enroll their children in school and assured traditional leaders’ support for the President’s agenda.The Chief also called for peace during this year’s elections.“As traditional leaders, all political players are our children,” he added.Meanwhile, London Publishing Director for Asempa Confidential, Patrick Smith, noted that following President Hichilema’s address, he was impressed with government’s strides in fostering free education, high teacher recruitment as well as health care policies in the country.

Ambassador Terzeon also praised the President’s focus on inclusive development, underscoring the necessity for all Zambians to access education, social protection, and opportunities for women and girls. She stressed that these initiatives are vital to strengthening the UK-Zambia partnership, particularly in responsible mining and economic growth.And Chief Choongo, who is also House of Chiefs Chairperson, commended the President’s stance on social issues, particularly child marriage.“All the Chiefs have agreed to abide by the country’s regulations, and we are pleased that the President has addressed child marriage categorically,” he said.Chief Choongo further highlighted the significance of the free education policy, which has helped curb child marriages by removing barriers that previously led to early marriages.He urged parents to enroll their children in school and assured traditional leaders’ support for the President’s agenda.The Chief also called for peace during this year’s elections.“As traditional leaders, all political players are our children,” he added.Meanwhile, London Publishing Director for Asempa Confidential, Patrick Smith, noted that following President Hichilema’s address, he was impressed with government’s strides in fostering free education, high teacher recruitment as well as health care policies in the country. She stressed that these initiatives are vital to strengthening the UK-Zambia partnership, particularly in responsible mining and economic growth.

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And Chief Choongo, who is also House of Chiefs Chairperson, commended the President’s stance on social issues, particularly child marriage.“All the Chiefs have agreed to abide by the country’s regulations, and we are pleased that the President has addressed child marriage categorically,” he said.Chief Choongo further highlighted the significance of the free education policy, which has helped curb child marriages by removing barriers that previously led to early marriages.He urged parents to enroll their children in school and assured traditional leaders’ support for the President’s agenda.The Chief also called for peace during this year’s elections.“As traditional leaders, all political players are our children,” he added.Meanwhile, London Publishing Director for Asempa Confidential, Patrick Smith, noted that following President Hichilema’s address, he was impressed with government’s strides in fostering free education, high teacher recruitment as well as health care policies in the country. And Chief Choongo, who is also House of Chiefs Chairperson, commended the President’s stance on social issues, particularly child marriage. “All the Chiefs have agreed to abide by the country’s regulations, and we are pleased that the President has addressed child marriage categorically,” he said.Chief Choongo further highlighted the significance of the free education policy, which has helped curb child marriages by removing barriers that previously led to early marriages.He urged parents to enroll their children in school and assured traditional leaders’ support for the President’s agenda.The Chief also called for peace during this year’s elections.“As traditional leaders, all political players are our children,” he added.Meanwhile, London Publishing Director for Asempa Confidential, Patrick Smith, noted that following President Hichilema’s address, he was impressed with government’s strides in fostering free education, high teacher recruitment as well as health care policies in the country.

“All the Chiefs have agreed to abide by the country’s regulations, and we are pleased that the President has addressed child marriage categorically,” he said. Chief Choongo further highlighted the significance of the free education policy, which has helped curb child marriages by removing barriers that previously led to early marriages.He urged parents to enroll their children in school and assured traditional leaders’ support for the President’s agenda.The Chief also called for peace during this year’s elections.“As traditional leaders, all political players are our children,” he added.Meanwhile, London Publishing Director for Asempa Confidential, Patrick Smith, noted that following President Hichilema’s address, he was impressed with government’s strides in fostering free education, high teacher recruitment as well as health care policies in the country.

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