President Hichilema has delivered – Sikwindi

By BARNABAS ZULU

UPND member Sikwindi Situla has praised President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, saying the country is witnessing tangible economic transformation anchored on investment inflows, mining revenues and clear national production targets.

Mr Situla said the country’s economic direction had improved significantly under the current leadership, pointing to developments in the mining sector as evidence of progress.

“From US$12 billion investment to US$14 billion mine tax revenue, Hakainde Hichilema delivers,” Mr Situla said.

He said Zambia had shifted from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on production and wealth creation.

“Here we are today. By simply placing the right person in office, the country has shifted from a consumption-based economy to genuine national wealth creation,” he said.

Mr Situla said the mining sector was expected to remain a key driver of national revenue, adding that the outlook was now more optimistic.

“The story is significant, and the nation hears it now: Zambia expects to reap over US$14 billion in tax revenue from mines, following an investment attraction of US$12 billion,” he said.

He also highlighted the government’s long-term production agenda under the 10-10-5-3-3-1-1 framework, which outlines targets in agriculture, energy, mining and tourism.

“Ten million metric tons of maize production, 10, 000 megawatts of electricity generation, five million tourist arrivals, theee million metric tons of copper, three million metric tons of soya bean production, one million metric tons of wheat production and 1 billion USD worth of beef production and export,” he said.

Mr Situla said the government was addressing key national challenges while pursuing economic restructuring.

“We are steadily and systematically tackling hunger, debt, hate speech, and tribal denigration and moving towards shared opportunities for national wealth creation,” he said.

Mr Situla expressed confidence that the country would attain middle-income status through production-led growth.

“A country producing big in mining, manufacturing, agriculture and a tourism magnet is what we are destined to be,” he said.

Ends.