Hichilema wins re-election as Zambia's president with pledges to double economy

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, 64, won re-election on Tuesday with roughly 60% of the vote, defeating his main rival Brian Mundubile. Campaigning on Zambia's economic recovery, he pledged to double the size of the economy, create jobs and expand opportunities for households in his second term.

From humble beginnings to businessman

Known as "HH", Hichilema comes from Monze district in southern Zambia and often recalls walking to school barefoot before earning a government bursary to study at the University of Zambia, later pursuing business administration at the University of Birmingham in the UK. He built substantial wealth through financial consulting, property and cattle ranching. Before his 2021 victory over then-president Edgar Lungu, he suffered five election defeats. In 2017 he spent four months in prison on treason charges, later dropped, after his convoy allegedly failed to yield to Lungu's motorcade.

Rebuilding the economy

When Hichilema took office in 2021, Zambia had defaulted on its debt and was facing one of its worst economic crises since independence. He negotiated debt restructuring deals with international creditors, restored ties with global lenders and drew investment into the copper sector, the mainstay of the economy. Despite expectations of austerity, he expanded social spending, introducing free secondary education that brought an estimated 2.3 million children back into school, alongside increased cash transfers and community funding. Even so, many Zambians say living costs and food prices remain a major burden.

Criticism over dissent

Analysts say Hichilema's corporate-style management has concentrated decision-making in the presidency, leaving little space for dissenting voices. Opposition figures and civil society groups, including Catholic bishops and a UN special rapporteur, have accused his government of using law enforcement to silence critics and curb free expression. A cyber law passed last year has also drawn criticism from rights groups as vaguely worded and enabling interception of communications. Hichilema denies suppressing democratic freedoms, saying prosecuting lawbreakers is not the same as restricting rights.