Hichilema Targets Doubling of Zambia’s Economy Post-2026…

Speaking during the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) National Delivery Day at theMulungushi International Conference Centre, President Hichilema said the ambitious target would be achieved “God willing, courtesy of the people of Zambia.” “We want to grow the economy and double it… we are in sight to more than double this economy,” he said. The Head of State explained that thePresidential Delivery Unit(PDU), established in March 2023, was created to accelerate the implementation of key government priorities and improve service delivery. He said the initiative aligns with government’s broader objective of enhancing economic growth and improving living standards.

President Hichilema further emphasised the need for provinces to leverage their natural resources and comparative advantages to drive local and national economic growth. “We need the mindset to change, then drive the regional economy… the endowments are there,” he said, adding that regions with untapped potential would be targeted to boost productivity. Zambia’s economy grew by 4.5 percent in the first quarter of 2025, recovering from a slower pace in 2024 despite challenges such as drought and low electricity supply.

TheInternational Monetary Fund(IMF) has projected that Zambia’s economy will grow by 6.2 percent this year, a figure the President said he aims to surpass. He noted that provinces such asLuapula Provincehave the potential to contribute significantly more to the national economy if their resources are fully utilised. Where are the comments I saw earlier on this article?