President Hichilema appoints 24 Cabinet Ministers, 10 Provincial Ministers … warns against complacency

President Hakainde Hichilema has appointed 24 Cabinet Ministers and 10 Provincial Ministers, cautioning the newly sworn‑in leaders against complacency, bureaucracy, and self‑interest.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony at State House today, President Hichilema said appointments to public office are a call to work and not an opportunity for comfort or personal advancement.

The President told the ministers and provincial leaders to place national interests above personal considerations, warning that failure to do so would undermine government performance.

“Put national interest above your own. It will be pretty easy for you to make decisions in your portfolios when you advance national interest above your personal interest. If you switch that understanding, you will be found wanting very quickly,” he said.

President Hichilema warned that excessive bureaucracy is still frustrating investment and slowing economic activity.

Citing challenges surrounding export permits, he questioned the existence of overlapping approval systems involving multiple government institutions.

“Why do you have duplicities in the issuance of export licenses? What does that mean? Confusion,” he said, directing ministries to harmonise their operations and remove barriers affecting the private sector.

The Head of State said government had already created a stable economic environment through debt restructuring, lower inflation and reforms in key sectors, and urged the Ministers to ensure investors receive efficient support.

On energy and infrastructure, President Hichilema called for accelerated implementation of projects aimed at achieving the country’s target of 10,000 megawatts of electricity generation and expanding petroleum pipeline connectivity in the region.

He also directed leaders to resolve disputes delaying major investments, including a proposed US$200 million mining project in Sinda District in Eastern Province.

“That is a national asset,” the President said, urging officials to engage affected communities and unlock investment opportunities capable of creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

President Hichilema further warned against arrogance and poor treatment of citizens, saying public office demands discipline and hard work.

“The days of being a minister as a graduation into laziness and just hanging around are gone. Let us have a habit of hard work and enjoying our work. The focus is delivery,” he said.

The ceremony saw the swearing-in of 24 Cabinet Ministers, among them Ambrose Lufuma (Defence), Clement Andaleki (Home Affairs and Internal Security), Moses Moyo (Agriculture), Brenda Tambatamba (Mines and Minerals Development), Peter Kapala (Electricity), Makozo Chikote (Petroleum), Princess Kasune (Tourism), Collins Nzovu (Infrastructure and Urban Development), Patrick Mucheleka (Lands), Elvis Nkandu (Information and Media) and Jack Mwiimbu (Justice).

Also sworn in were 10 Provincial Ministers, including Mwabashike Nkulukusa (Central Province), Emmanuel Kasambo (Copperbelt Province), Obvious Mwaliteta (Lusaka Province), Edgar Singombe (Southern Province) and Yamikani Phiri (Eastern Province).

President Hichilema subsequently directed the Secretary to the Cabinet to convene strategic sessions for ministers, permanent secretaries and senior officials to strengthen coordination and improve delivery across government.