President Hichilema calls for increased investment in…

President Hakainde Hichilema has called for increased investment in quality and affordable housing across the country, stating that access to decent accommodation is key to decentralised economic growth and national development. Speaking when he officiated at the opening of the new Zambia National Building Society (ZNBS) Head Office in Lusaka, President Hichilema said housing plays a critical role in attracting skilled professionals to emerging economic centres outside the capital. “When we speak about economic growth and decentralisation, we must also speak about where people live.

Housing is not a luxury; it is a basic requirement for dignity, stability and productivity,” President Hichilema said. The President noted that many young professionals hesitate to relocate to growing provincial towns due to inadequate housing and social infrastructure, a situation he said contributes to over-concentration of development in Lusaka. He urged ZNBS to position itself as a key player in delivering modern and affordable housing solutions nationwide, adding that technological advancements now make it possible for citizens to live and work productively anywhere in the country.

“Citizens should be able to live productively anywhere in Zambia without feeling disadvantaged,” he said. President Hichilema also commended ZNBS management for transforming the institution through prudent financial management, noting that the Society had moved from depending on government support to generating returns for its shareholders. “Instead of placing demand on the Treasury, Zambia National Building Society is now paying dividends, which is the kind of business we want to see,” he said.

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The Head of State further encouraged businesses and local authorities to adopt fair pricing models and prioritise quality service delivery, timely project completion and professional standards in infrastructure development. “Do not focus on excessive profit margins; build your reputation through fairness, quality and timely delivery,” President Hichilema advised. He reaffirmed the government’s support to institutions driving economic transformation and pledged continued efforts to remove operational bottlenecks through policy reforms and coordinated implementation mechanisms. President Hichilema said government reforms in debt restructuring, energy, mining and infrastructure development were creating a conducive environment for investment, including in the housing sector.

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