Hichilema wins second term as Zambia’s president

Hakainde Hichilema won a second term as Zambia’s president on Tuesday, taking 60 % of the vote in the country’s most important election. The official count was briefly suspended after attacks on election officials in the capital, Lusaka, and in several rural districts. Hichilema’s victory was certified by the Independent Electoral Commission on Monday, confirming his return to power.

Zambia is Africa’s second‑largest copper producer, supplying a key component for batteries, wind turbines and electric cars. Copper is a linchpin of the global shift to clean energy, and its price has surged as demand from China and the United States climbs. The country’s economy is heavily tied to the metal, so who leads Zambia matters to investors, governments and the broader energy transition.

The election followed a turbulent 2021 campaign. Hichilema, the former businessman, defeated long‑time incumbent Edgar Lungu in a tight race that saw dozens of deaths, arrests and accusations of fraud. International observers described the vote as largely free and fair, but opposition leaders complained of intimidation and irregularities. Hichilema’s margin of victory is the largest in Zambia’s recent history, giving him a mandate to push reforms and strengthen rule of law.

Looking ahead, Hichilema has pledged to liberalise the mining sector, improve tax collection and curb corruption. He will need to balance the interests of Chinese and American investors with national control over copper exports. His government will also face pressure to deliver on social spending and infrastructure projects. The result will shape Zambia’s role in the global copper market and influence how the country navigates its relationships with the world’s major powers.