On 9 October 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema officially opened the First Session of the Fourteenth National Assembly, outlining the Government’s development priorities for the next five years under the theme “Grow Zambia: An Agenda for Inclusive Growth and Opportunity for Every Zambian.”
The address highlighted economic growth, job creation, improved living standards, public-sector efficiency and national development. The President also emphasized the Government’s commitment to the democracy of Zambia and uphold the rule of law; safeguard the stability Zambia has worked so hard to preserve. The agenda has been well received by the general public, recognizing that respect for the rule of law creates an enabling environment for civil society and also the actualization of human rights, however other stakeholders such as University of Zambia historian Professor Bizeck Phiri raised concerns about President Hakainde Hichilema’s failure to appoint a full Cabinet before the official opening. The concern is backed by the emphasis from civil society organizations such as Peoples Action for Accountability and Good Governance in Zambia (PAAGZ), which, in a statement welcoming the President Hichilema’s recognition of the arts and creative economy emphasized the need to appoint a Minister responsible for the arts to ensure that the sector is well recognized and benefits according to the Agenda.