Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has high expectations for President Hakainde Hichilema’s address to Parliament on the progress made in the application of Zambia’s national values and principles this Friday. TI-Z sees this address, which is mandated by Article 9 (2) of the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Act No 2 of 2016, as an opportunity for the head of state to provide specific direction towards key issues related to good governance and integrity, sustainability, and democracy, among others, all of which form part of the country’s national values and principles.
With that in mind, our expectation is that the President will address the following:
- Integrity in Out-of-Court Settlements
We expect the President to unequivocally address concerns regarding the increasing use of out-of-court settlements at the State Chambers. There is a growing perception that these settlements are being manipulated to benefit individuals aligned with the ruling United Party for National Development, and we expect the President to commit his government to introduce transparency measures that will ensure that legal processes are not compromised for political or personal gain.
- Access to Information Act – Full Operationalization
While the Access to Information Act has been enacted, its effectiveness depends on the finalization of operational guidelines and rules. In our view, the President should therefore provide a definitive timeline for this process, ensuring that citizens, media, and civil society can fully utilize the law to promote transparency and accountability.
- Public Declaration of Assets, Liabilities, and Interests
In line with Zambia’s commitment to fighting corruption, we expect the President to unconditionally outline his plan to publicly declare his assets, liabilities, and interests before the 2026 elections. He should further commit to ensuring that all Cabinet Ministers and senior public officials do the same. This move will not only enhance public trust but also set a new standard for political accountability in Zambia.
- Commitment to Fighting Corruption and Improving Zambia’s CPI Score
We expect the President to outline concrete efforts to fight corruption and urge him to commit to increasing Zambia’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) score to at least 50/100. These efforts should include strengthening oversight institutions such as the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) and ensuring that high-profile corruption cases are prosecuted effectively and without political interference.
- Public Debt Management and Fuel Crisis
One of the most pressing economic concerns currently is Zambia’s rising fuel-related public debt, which has grown from $600 million in 2021 to $735 million by the end of 2024, despite the removal of fuel subsidies. The President must therefore outline clear strategies to manage this debt and stabilize fuel prices, which continue to drive inflation and increase the cost of living for ordinary Zambians.
- Strengthening Public Procurement and Financial Management
The Auditor General’s report and the Secretary to the Cabinet’s appeal for stricter measures against corruption in public procurement both highlight systemic weaknesses within Zambia’s public sector. We therefore expect and urge the President to address these concerns by committing to reforming procurement processes, enforcing accountability, and ensuring that corrupt officials face legal consequences.
- Environmental Accountability – Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited Pollution Case
It is also our expectation that the President will address the recent environmental pollution case on the Copperbelt, which has raised serious concerns about the responsible extraction of natural resources. We further urge him to commit his administration to holding the offending company Sino Metals Leach Zambia Limited accountable, ensuring adequate compensation for affected communities, and enforcing stricter environmental regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- Roadmap for Constitutional Reform
Zambia’s constitutional reform process has been delayed, and there is growing concern over the lack of transparency and public engagement. We therefore expect the President to give a categorical position on his government’s intentions on the constitutional reform process, including a clear roadmap and mechanisms for citizen participation, if government is still committed to the process. If the commitment for constitutional reform no longer exists on the part of government, we expect the President to be very honest with the Zambian people in communicating the reasons for what would be a change in position.
In conclusion, TI-Z urges President Hichilema to use this address to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance, all of which are pertinent to the effective realisation of Zambia’s national values as outlined in Article 8 of the constitution. It is our hope that the address will go beyond mere rhetoric but provide concrete actions that will reassure Zambians that the government remains focused on fighting corruption, strengthening democratic institutions, and driving sustainable economic development.
Maurice K. Nyambe (Mr.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
