Malawi, Botswana political shift not for Zambia, Simmuwe

Malawi, Botswana political shift not for Zambia, Simmuwe

By Mast Reporter

THE United Party for National Development (UPND) has denounced citizens and stakeholders, suggesting that Zambia will experience a change of government next year, similar to political shifts witnessed in neighbouring Malawi and Botswana.

UPND media director Mark Simuuwe cautioned against such comparisons, saying they demonstrate a lack of understanding of the geopolitical and economic realities in Zambia.

“Unlike Malawi, Zambia has rolled out transformative programs such as the K40 million Constituency Development Fund (CDF), vocational skills training for over 200,000 youths, and the pioneering ‘cash-for-work’ initiative. These interventions are not taking place in Malawi or Botswana,” Simuuwe said.

He emphasised that Zambia’s economy was among the fastest-growing in the world, with GDP growth projected at nearly 6 percent according to Bloomberg, while Malawi and Botswana were facing economic challenges.

“Botswana’s economy has struggled due to falling diamond prices, and Malawi continues to depend on Zambia for maize imports after years of poor harvests,” he said.

Simuuwe cited Zambia’s recruitment of 42,000 teachers, bumper maize harvests enabled by government-supported credit facilities and irrigation, and a steady inflow of foreign direct investment in mining, energy, and infrastructure.

“These are tangible achievements that set Zambia apart from its neighbors. To suggest that Zambia’s political situation mirrors that of Malawi or Botswana is not only misleading but also ignores the stability and progress our people are experiencing under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership,” he said.

He reiterated that Zambia was on a firm path of peace, stability, and economic transformation.

“Our neighbors may learn from us, but Zambia cannot be compared to them. The 2026 elections will be a referendum on the visible progress we have made in creating jobs, stabilizing the economy, and empowering citizens. We have 11 months before we get to the polls,” said Simuuwe.