Who Leads Zambia?

Leadership

Hakainde Hichilema

President of Zambia

Political Party

UPND

Inaugurated

Aug 24, 2021

Term Ends

2026

Next Election

Aug 2026

Born

Jun 4, 1962 in Monze, Zambia

Country Population

20M

Continent

Africa

Hakainde Hichilema became president in August 2021 after running six times. A cattle herder turned businessman and one of Zambia's wealthiest people, he won in a landslide on promises of economic reform. He has pursued debt restructuring with the IMF, anti-corruption measures, and education expansion. His persistence in running despite losing five previous elections is widely admired.

Government

Capital

Lusaka

Official Language(s)

English

Currency

Zambian Kwacha (ZMW)

Government Type

Presidential Republic

Area

752,618 km²

Zambia is a landlocked Southern African country known for Victoria Falls (shared with Zimbabwe), one of the world's largest waterfalls. It is Africa's second-largest copper producer and has significant agricultural potential. Zambia has a strong democratic tradition and has experienced multiple peaceful transfers of power. The country faces challenges from debt, poverty, and climate-related drought.

Zambia is a presidential republic. President Hakainde Hichilema (widely called 'HH') of the United Party for National Development (UPND) was inaugurated on August 24, 2021, defeating incumbent Edgar Lungu with 57.9% of the vote. His story is remarkable: a cattle herder who grew up in rural poverty, became a businessperson (ran a Big Four accounting firm), and ran for president in 2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016, and finally won in 2021. He previously spent 127 days in jail under Lungu's government on treason charges widely seen as political. The next election is in August 2026. The National Assembly has 167 seats.

Economic Snapshot

GDP

$29.2B

GDP Per Capita

$1,450

Income Group

Lower-middle income

Trade Balance

Surplus in good years (copper-driven); deficit during price downturns

Inflation

12.9% (ZamStat, 2023)

Zambia's copper story dates to the 1920s when colonial prospectors discovered the Copperbelt. Under British colonialism and then as a 'company colony' (Rhodesia), copper revenues flowed primarily to foreign shareholders. Independence (1964) under Kenneth Kaunda nationalized the mines (ZCCM: Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines), but mismanagement, falling copper prices, and oil shocks in the 1970s-80s created a debt crisis that forced Zambia into IMF structural adjustment in the 1990s, which re-privatized the mines. Hichilema's presidency represents the third attempt to break the copper dependence cycle. His approach: attract foreign mining investment on better terms, reduce corruption in the sector, diversify into agriculture and tourism, and complete the IMF debt restructuring to access capital markets again. Progress has been meaningful but Zambia's debt legacy (external debt at approximately 150% of GDP at peak) creates structural constraints. Emerald mining is Zambia's most underappreciated economic asset. The Kagem mine (Gemfields' 75%; Zambian government's 25%) has produced some of the world's finest emeralds. Zambian emeralds are increasingly recognized by major jewelry houses (Graff, Cartier) as equal or superior to Colombian emeralds in clarity and color.

Major Industries

• Copper Mining (world's 2nd largest copper producer; Konkola, Lumwana, Kansanshi mines)
• Cobalt (significant byproduct of copper mining)
• Tourism (Victoria Falls; Kafue NP; South Luangwa NP; Lower Zambezi NP)
• Agriculture (maize, sugar, soybeans, cotton)
• Gold (growing sector)
• Hydropower (Kariba Dam; Kafue Gorge; key for regional power)

Zambia is known for: Zambia is the world's 2nd largest copper producer (after Chile), with the Copperbelt province in northern Zambia being one of the world's richest copper zones. Victoria Falls ('Mosi-oa-Tunya': 'The Smoke That Thunders') is shared with Zimbabwe. South Luangwa National Park is considered one of Africa's finest wildlife sanctuaries. The Kafue National Park, at 22,400 km², is one of Africa's largest national parks.

Trade Profile

Zambia's trade balance depends heavily on copper prices; high copper prices generate surpluses, low prices deficits. The 2015-2016 copper price collapse was a major factor in Zambia's fiscal deterioration that led to the 2020 default. Since then, elevated copper prices (driven by EV demand) have improved Zambia's finances.

Top Exports

• Copper (70% of exports)
• Cobalt
• Gold
• Emeralds
• Zinc
• Agricultural products

Top Imports

• Petroleum
• Machinery
• Consumer goods
• Vehicles
• Food
• Electronics

Export Destinations

• Switzerland
• China
• United Arab Emirates
• South Africa

Import Partners

• South Africa
• China
• UAE
• India
• Congo DRC

The world depends on Zambia for: Copper (world's 2nd largest; essential for EV and renewable energy transitions), cobalt, and premium emeralds

Zambia depends on the world for: Petroleum, machinery, consumer goods, food, and vehicles

Global Role

Zambia's global significance is its role as the world's 2nd largest copper producer (critical for the EV transition), the world's largest quality emerald producer, co-stewardship of Victoria Falls, and President Hichilema's remarkable 6-try-to-win democratic story.

• Zambia is the world's 2nd largest copper producer after Chile; copper is essential for EV motors, wiring, and renewable energy infrastructure; Zambia's production is critical for the clean energy transition
• Zambia's Kagem mine (operated by Gemfields) is the world's most productive emerald mine; Zambian emeralds are considered among the world's finest quality
• Hakainde Hichilema ran for president 6 times over 15 years before winning; during one campaign, he was arrested and jailed for 127 days on treason charges; his persistence is one of Africa's most remarkable democratic stories
• Zambia's 2020 default (first African country in COVID era) and subsequent debt restructuring under the G20 Common Framework highlighted the China debt challenge: Chinese creditors initially resisted restructuring comparable to Western creditor terms
• David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, was the first European to see Victoria Falls (1855); he named it after Queen Victoria; 'Livingstone' (the Zambian town) is named after him
• Kariba Lake (formed by Kariba Dam; shared with Zimbabwe) is the world's largest artificial lake by volume (180 km³)
• Zambia's debt-to-GDP ratio peaked at approximately 150% before the IMF program; it was among Africa's most financially stressed nations

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the current President of Zambia?

Hakainde Hichilema (known as 'HH') has been President since August 24, 2021. His path to power is remarkable: a cattle herder who grew up poor, became a successful businessman, and ran for president six times over 15 years (2006, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2021) before winning. During one campaign, he was arrested and imprisoned for 127 days on treason charges widely seen as politically motivated. His 2021 victory with 57.9% was Zambia's most decisive election in decades.

Why is copper so important to Zambia?

Copper accounts for approximately 70% of Zambia's export earnings and is critical for government revenues. Zambia is the world's 2nd largest copper producer after Chile. Copper demand is growing rapidly due to the clean energy transition: EVs require approximately 80 kg of copper each (vs. 25 kg for conventional cars), and solar and wind installations require significant copper wiring. This makes Zambia's Copperbelt increasingly strategically significant globally.

Does Zambia have Victoria Falls?

Yes, Victoria Falls is shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River. The Zambian side (near the town of Livingstone, named after explorer David Livingstone) offers unique experiences including 'Devil's Pool,' a natural rock pool at the very edge of the falls where visitors can swim during low-water season (August-December). Zimbabwe's side has better panoramic views. Both sides have significant tourist infrastructure. The falls were first visited by a European (Livingstone) in 1855.

Related Countries

• Zimbabwe: Shares Victoria Falls and Kariba Dam; SADC partner; both on Zambezi River
• Congo DRC: Northern neighbor; Copperbelt extends into DRC (Katanga); major copper competitor
• China: Major copper buyer; significant mining investment; debt creditor during 2020 default restructuring
• South Africa: Dominant import source; SADC partner; transit route to global markets
• Tanzania: Northern neighbor; TAZARA railway connects Zambia to Dar es Salaam port
• Mozambique: SADC partner; Nacala port is a key Zambia corridor