PRESIDENT HICHILEMA APPOINTS FIRST FOUR MINISTERS, DEMANDS DISCIPLINE AND ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION

President Hakainde Hichilema today swore in the first four cabinet ministers, delivering a stern charge of accountability, national service, and the mission to grow Zambia.

The Head of State reminded the new leaders that public office requires humility, integrity, and hard work. He directed them to put Zambia above self, uphold confidentiality, and embrace collective responsibility. “There must be zero tolerance for corruption, waste, and abuse of office. Our ultimate mission is to deliver results for our people and grow Zambia,” he said.

Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane, appointed Minister of Finance, was instructed to enforce fiscal discipline and ensure prudent debt management. The President emphasised that investor confidence must be safeguarded, with economic growth translating into tangible benefits in citizens’ homes.

At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mulambo Haimbe was charged with advancing Zambia’s economic diplomacy. He was told to strengthen trade ties, attract foreign investment, and promote technology transfer, ensuring that missions abroad actively drive job creation and investment back home.

Dr Gilbert Siame, sworn in as Minister of Green Economy and Environment, received a directive to anchor green growth at the heart of national development. His mandate includes mobilising climate finance, creating green jobs, and balancing investment with the protection of forests, water resources, and the wider environment.

Prof. Roman Chilengi, appointed Minister of Health, was tasked with placing patient care at the centre of the ministry’s work. The President urged him to guarantee access to medicines and equipment, strengthen preventative healthcare, and eliminate systemic waste and procurement corruption.

Concluding the ceremony, President Hichilema reminded all appointees that the baseline for their tenure is clear: work hard, act with integrity, put Zambia first, and deliver measurable results