Zambia votes: Hichilema seeks second term after debt overhaul

Zambia goes to the polls on Thursday in a one-day election that will determine whether President Hakainde Hichilema earns a second five-year term. The vote comes after a turbulent period in which the southern African nation — one of the world's leading copper producers — emerged from a sovereign debt default that had strained its economy.

Zambia defaulted on debt repayments to China and other creditors in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the financial pressures facing many developing economies. Hichilema, elected a year later, has since overseen the restructuring of more than $12 billion in debt owed to foreign governments and private lenders. Inflation has eased and the national currency, the kwacha, has strengthened under his watch.

His administration has set an ambitious target of tripling annual copper output to 3 million metric tons by 2031 — a goal that would position Zambia among the world's top producers of the critical mineral, ahead of the United States and China.

Hichilema, 64, is a former financial services executive and one of the country's largest cattle ranchers. He leads the United Party for National Development and won the presidency in 2021 after five unsuccessful attempts dating back to 2006.

He faces 13 challengers, with analysts identifying Brian Mundubile, 55, as his strongest rival. Mundubile, a law graduate, leads the opposition Tonse Alliance and emerged as its leader in January after internal disputes within the coalition.

Despite macroeconomic improvements, many Zambians say the benefits have not reached ordinary households. High food and energy costs remain a concern, and critics argue that stability has not translated into tangible progress for the country's roughly 22 million people.

"You expect a minimum of three years to be able to drive an economic agenda and turn around a country," said economist Trevor Hambayi. "That has passed and they've had five years. But these effects have not yet trickled down to the Zambian people."

Campaigning this week, Hichilema promised more schools, health facilities, roads, and jobs. "We love you so much and this is why we are working round the clock to lower the cost of living," he said.

The opposition has also accused the government of stifling dissent. On Tuesday, the Tonse Alliance said a law enforcement raid on its offices resulted in the seizure of vehicles, communication equipment, and other items, alleging the action was politically motivated to disrupt its campaign.

Zambia gained independence from Britain in 1960 and was a one-party state from 1973 to 1991. Since then, power has changed hands among several parties and alliances.

The political rivalry between Hichilema and his predecessor, the late Edgar Lungu, was notably bitter. While Lungu was president, Hichilema was imprisoned for four months in 2017 on treason charges after a dispute over a motorcade. Lungu later claimed he was effectively under house arrest during Hichilema's first term and had to leave the country secretly for medical treatment in South Africa.

Lungu died in South Africa in June 2025, sparking a yearlong dispute between the government and his family over burial arrangements. The government pushed for repatriation and a state funeral, while the family cited Lungu's wish to avoid such a ceremony presided over by Hichilema. South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favor of the family, though burial plans remain unannounced.

China is Zambia's largest foreign investor, particularly in copper and cobalt — minerals essential for electronics, electric vehicles, and emerging technologies. The United States has also shown interest in these resources, though Zambia has alleged Washington tied mineral access to a proposed $2 billion health agreement, a claim the U.S. has denied.

Around 8 million voters are registered for Thursday's election, which also includes parliamentary and local government contests. Zambia's presidential election requires a candidate to secure more than 50% of the vote to win outright, raising the possibility of a second round if no one achieves that threshold.