President Hakainde Hichilema has shared that politics is merely the vehicle to leadership and not the destination, emphasising that the real duty is in delivering economic development.
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The Head of State added that that once in office, the true leadership should be the ability to drive growth, expand opportunity and improve livelihoods.
During the Digital Government Africa Summit yesterday, President Hichilema challenged African leaders to redefine the value of public service by measuring success through investment in people, infrastructure and innovation rather than political survival.
The president also underscored the need for inclusive economic systems that create jobs, support vulnerable populations and raise domestic revenues to fund essential services such as healthcare, education and social protection.
“An Africa that creates opportunity for all regardless of background or status, is the Africa we must build. One that takes care of the old, the sick, the retired, and the disabled through sustainable growth,” he added.
President Hichilema pointed to digitalisation as a key driver of this transformation, calling it the ‘accelerator’ for Africa’s growth.
“We cannot grow our economies or trade more among ourselves if we continue to operate in silos. We need digital platforms built for Africa, by Africa,” he said.
President Hichilema further reiterated that the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will depend on how well African nations embrace digital technologies to connect markets, simplify cross-border trade, and improve access to services.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba October 8, 2025
