Zambia’s Hichilema Wins Second Term as Opposition Makes Strong Showing

August 18, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has won a second term in office, securing about 60 percent of valid votes in an election in which his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, won 38 percent, according to results released by the electoral commission early Tuesday.

The result gives Hichilema another five-year mandate after his first term was marked by efforts to stabilise an economy emerging from a pandemic-era debt crisis.

Mundubile’s performance was stronger than expected, however, reflecting voter frustration over persistent economic pressures despite improvements in Zambia’s macroeconomic position.

Hichilema, 64, made his economic record a central theme of his campaign. He took office in 2021 amid a sovereign debt crisis and has since overseen efforts to restore fiscal stability and improve relations with international lenders.

Mundubile, making his first presidential bid, argued that improvements in headline economic indicators had yet to translate into meaningful gains in household living standards.

The election was Hichilema’s seventh presidential contest. His experience in national politics and the advantages of incumbency had made him the expected winner, while Mundubile sought to capitalise on dissatisfaction over the pace at which economic improvements have reached ordinary Zambians.

The result leaves Hichilema with another term to pursue economic reforms while facing pressure to translate macroeconomic gains into stronger living standards.

Source: FSX Business News