ANDD Urges Mr. Hichilema’s Government to Shift Focus to Livelihoods 

By Alain Kabinda

By Alain Kabinda

The Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on securing a renewed mandate, urging Government to shift its attention from political contestation to improving the livelihoods of Zambians.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka, ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda said the conclusion of the electoral process should now pave the way for Government, the private sector and other stakeholders to focus on economic development, job creation and improved public services.

                                                                 Mr.  Samuel Banda

“With the elections now over, the focus of the country must shift from political contestation to the issues that affect the lives and livelihoods of Zambians,” Mr Banda said.

He said ANDD welcomed Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda, which it described as an important framework for advancing national development, economic growth and improved livelihoods.

Mr Banda said the agenda should prioritise productive sectors, sustainable domestic economic growth, investment, employment creation and the empowerment of local businesses.

He said economic growth should translate into tangible improvements in household incomes, employment opportunities, public services and opportunities for Zambians to participate meaningfully in the economy.

He further called for greater local benefits from investments in the mining sector, saying the industry remained critical to Zambia’s economic prospects.

The organisation cited investments involving Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Mopani Copper Mines, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and the Mingomba Mine as having the potential to increase copper production, attract investment and create employment.

However, Mr Banda said increased investment and mineral production should result in broader economic benefits for citizens.

He said such benefits should be reflected through increased employment, greater participation of Zambian businesses in the mining value chain, skills development and improved livelihoods in mining communities.

Mr. Banda commended Government’s efforts to strengthen local participation through the Local Content Framework.

Mr Banda said Zambian-owned businesses, contractors, suppliers, professionals and workers should have meaningful opportunities to participate in the mining value chain.

He also recognised progress made by KCM and FQM in promoting local content and encouraged other mining companies to comply with local content requirements and establish business models that create genuine opportunities for Zambian enterprises.

On the renewed Government mandate, Mr. Banda added that the 2026 electoral outcome presented an opportunity for the administration to accelerate implementation of its development agenda while addressing concerns over the cost of living, household incomes, employment and the cost of doing business.

Mr Banda stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

“A renewed mandate must also come with renewed responsibility. Government and institutions must remain open to scrutiny, criticism and meaningful citizen participation,” he said.

Mr. Banda also urged the private sector and civil society organisations to continue contributing to national development while holding public institutions accountable.

On national unity, Mr Banda said political differences were legitimate in a democracy but should not become a source of division or violence.

He called on political leaders and citizens to uphold peace and place national interests above partisan considerations.

“The next five years should be judged not simply by political promises, but by tangible outcomes for the Zambian people,” Mr Banda said.

He said ANDD would continue supporting national development initiatives, advocating for accountability and good governance, and promoting economic inclusion for ordinary Zambians.

“Let Zambia move forward,” Mr Banda said.