LUSAKA - President Hakainde Hichilema has defended his government's economic record during an interview on BBC Focus on Africa, highlighting debt restructuring, economic stabilisation and increased maize production as key achievements of his administration.
Speaking to journalist Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, President Hichilema said his government inherited a debt-distressed economy in 2021 that had defaulted on its obligations and was experiencing negative economic growth.
He pointed to Zambia's debt restructuring as one of the major achievements of his administration, arguing that reduced debt-servicing costs had created fiscal space for increased investment and development.
However, Mr. Buyoya challenged the President on the gap between the government's macroeconomic indicators and the economic experiences of ordinary Zambians, particularly the rising cost of living.
The journalist noted that many households say the cost of living has increased significantly since Mr. Hichilema took office, despite improvements in some national economic indicators.
Mr. Buyoya also questioned the government's record on the price of mealie meal, referencing a pre-2021 election commitment by Mr. Hichilema to reduce the price of a 25-kilogram bag to K50.
The President rejected the suggestion that his government had failed on the issue, responding that the claim was not true.
He instead pointed to Zambia's maize production, saying the country had recorded its highest maize output since independence despite experiencing what he described as the worst drought in living memory two years earlier.
The discussion highlighted the distinction between national economic indicators and household-level economic pressures, with increased agricultural production not necessarily translating directly into lower retail prices for consumers.
President Hichilema was also asked about the increasingly competitive nature of the August 13 General Election.
He declined to interpret the tighter race as evidence of declining public confidence in his leadership, instead describing competition as an important and healthy feature of democracy.
The interview comes as the election approaches, with the President's campaign emphasising macroeconomic stabilisation, debt restructuring and agricultural production, while opposition parties continue to focus heavily on the cost of living and economic pressures affecting households.
Source: BBC Focus on Africa