This archive report was first published on 24 August 2021.
On August 24, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta joined ten other African Heads of State and Government in Lusaka to witness the inauguration of Zambia's new President Hakainde Hichilema.
At 59 years old, Hichilema was sworn in as the 7th President of Zambia, alongside his Vice President Mrs Mutale Nalumango, in a ceremony held at the National Heroes Stadium by Zambia's acting Chief Justice Michael Musonda.
President Hichilema emphasized his commitment to giving equal opportunities to all Zambians and ensuring that citizens enjoy their freedoms as guaranteed by the constitution.
"I am a simple village boy you have made the 7th President. This victory is for all Zambians, especially the youth who came out in great numbers to vote. We showed the whole world the resilience of our democracy," President Hichilema said.
He outlined his government's priorities for the first five years, focusing on restoring macroeconomic stability, debt sustainability, and ensuring no Zambian goes to bed hungry.
"We will focus on inclusion and not exclusion; unity and not division; and gathering and not scattering of our people," President Hichilema promised.
Leaders from across Africa commended Zambians for their peaceful elections, with President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi praising the country's strong democratic credentials.
