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HH Presidential Archive
Hakainde Hichilema — 7th President of the Republic of Zambia
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Speech During the Official Opening of the Second Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly
📍 National Assembly, Lusaka, Zambia
Madam Speaker,
President Hichilema delivered this address on 9 September 2022 to mark the opening of the Second Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. The speech marked one year in office for the UPND New Dawn administration and reviewed progress made across key sectors of the economy and governance.
On the economy, President Hichilema acknowledged that development is not a straightforward journey but reaffirmed the administration's determination to fulfil its vision. He reported that inflation stood at a single digit of 9.9 percent for 2022 and that the government was working to stabilise the exchange rate of the kwacha against major currencies.
On debt restructuring, President Hichilema reported progress under the G20 Common Framework, which had resulted in a debt restructuring agreement with official creditors, according Zambia significant debt relief. Under the agreement, debt repayments were rescheduled by more than twelve years and interest rates were reduced to concessional levels for the next fourteen years. He expressed gratitude to the Official Creditor Committee, co-chaired by China and France, with South Africa as vice-chair.
On agriculture, he reported that 4,000 small-scale farmers had been provided with tractor-based mechanisation services in 2022, exceeding the annual target of 1,500 farmers. The government committed to continuing the construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of water harvesting and irrigation infrastructure to reduce over-dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
On mining, the President acknowledged the pain and frustration of citizens on the Copperbelt over the protracted process of resolving outstanding issues at Konkola and Mopani Copper Mines, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to resolving these matters in the interest of the people.
The President commended the Speaker and her two deputies for providing exemplary leadership to the House, and Her Honour the Vice President for ensuring that government business was conducted effectively and efficiently.