This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
On the eve of his departure from office, President Edgar Lungu reflected on his 10-year tenure, highlighting the significant investments made in Zambia's infrastructure. Speaking on Monday, Lungu emphasized that his administration's legacy would be the numerous infrastructure projects undertaken during his time in office.
However, the massive loans taken from countries like China to finance these projects have raised concerns over Zambia's debt burden. The country's economic slump has also led some Zambians to fear that the infrastructure projects may become white elephants.
President-elect Hakainde Hichilema is set to be sworn into office on Tuesday, marking the end of Lungu's presidency. The transition comes after Hichilema's victory in the August 12 elections, which was partly attributed to Zambia's growing debt.
“Tomorrow I leave office with a sense of pride, proud of the many achievements that my government scored in the past 10 years under the leadership of our President Michael Sata, and when I took over the reins,” Lungu said in his farewell speech.
“Most of these achievements are cast in concrete and cannot be erased now or in the near future. Posterity will look at the infrastructure we have built across the country with gratitude. That is a legacy we leave with you,” he added.
