By 
President Hakainde Hichilema says he is not a stooge of the imperialists, stating that his loyalty is to Zambians in whose benevolence he has the rare privilege of governing the country.
The President was speaking during the launch of the Oxford Handbook on the Zambian Economy in Lusaka on Tuesday at Mulungushi International Conference Center where he addressed concerns raised during his time in opposition and clarifying his stance on national issues.
“I am not a stooge of the imperialists.
“I am a stooge of Zambians,” Hichilema said, denying accusations that he had been influenced by foreign interests during his tenure.
The remarks come in the wake of widespread criticism from opposition parties who had previously accused him of prioritizing external relations over local concerns.
The President also took a swipe at the Zambian public, expressing his dissatisfaction with what he saw as a lack of appreciation for the country.
“Zambians don’t appreciate the country they were born in. Just because of one drought, they are complaining,” he stated, urging citizens to look at the bigger picture and take responsibility for the country’s development.
Meanwhile, Hichilema urged citizens to prioritise domestic investment and shift their perspective on investment opportunities, rather than relying solely on foreign investors.
“Zambians should shift their thinking from using huge pieces of land for residency,” he added.
The President stated that land was a valuable resource and urged Zambians to consider alternative economic uses for it that could drive growth, rather than focusing primarily on building large, luxurious homes on it.
“Yes, resources are limited but policy choices we make are what matters,” he mentioned.
President Hichilema further encouraged parents to instill a strong work ethic in their children.
“There are certain nationally agreed upon policies that must be changed regardless of who comes in power,” he pointed out.
At the same event, Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, encouraged economists to use the book as a tool for fostering sustained economic growth.
“With this book, we can keep our children in school and permanently change the course of the economy of the country in the positive direction,” he added.
Musokotwane urged Zambians to take inspiration from countries that once lagged behind Zambia in resources but have since achieved greater economic stability and balance.
He noted that Zambia could only prosper if it produced more. “Zambia needs to produce more finished products for local consumption and export,” he stated.
At the same event, president of the Economic Association of Zambia, Oswald Mungule, said the book identified key areas requiring focus to achieve a more balanced economy.
“It shows us that we need to examine the matrix we use in the economy to determine which ones are useful and which ones are not,” he said.
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