of Rwanda, Republic of Mozambique, from the International Conference on the Great Lakes region, from the United Arab Emirates, Republic of Angola, Republic of the Democratic—or rather the Democratic Republic of Congo, and from the African Union. And like I said, we'll continue to announce the arrivals of different heads of state and government and other representatives as they liberate.
Members of the panorama, performers in the panorama experience, those that are in position at the moment, you may resume your drumming and dancing the panorama. You may resume as the parade makes its way in.
So what you are seeing are live pictures from the National Heroes Stadium, where we are expecting President-elect Hakainde Hichilema to come through any moment from now as he takes the oath of office for the second term of office, a renewed mandate leading the country. We will be bringing you these pictures until the closing of the program.
The arrival of the prime minister... So far, dignitaries are coming in and taking their position. We have representation from within the region and representation at the highest level from Namibia, from Eswatini, and other leaders from within the Southern African bloc and beyond, the United States of America, taking their positions as we wait for the coming through of the president-elect and the vice president-elect.
The parade has been mounted. Men and women in uniform have taken their place. This is a sign that any moment from now, we'll see the president-elect and the vice president coming through into the auditorium.
Once again, these are live pictures from the 2026 inauguration ceremony of President-elect Mr. Hichilema. Under Article 105 of the Zambian Constitution, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Dr. Mumba Malila, has already taken his position. We have other dignitaries that are already in the stadium. They have taken their positions, and more dignitaries are still coming through.
Once again, we will make sure that you don't miss a single part of this event. You will be able to see the live pictures both before and after the inauguration ceremony, making sure that we capture every moment, every detail for you to be able to live the moment of activities that are taking place here at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka today, the 1st of September, 2026.
This is more than a ceremony. It marks the beginning of another presidential term. It is a moment for Zambia to reflect on the journey of the last five years, the economic and social changes experienced by citizens, and the expectations that accompany this renewed mandate. President-elect Hakainde Hichilema comes into this inauguration having secured victory in the 13th August 2026 presidential election, as the country is transitioning into a new presidential term.
The attention of Zambians across the country is slowly shifting and focusing on the promises made to Zambians on job creation, cheaper and more reliable electricity, agricultural productivity, investment, mining infrastructure, and an economy whose growth is felt in the homes and businesses of ordinary Zambians or citizens.
And it all starts from here from the National Heroes Stadium. We will continue bringing you the color, the voices, the expectations, and the analysis surrounding this historic occasion as the president-elect prepares to take the oath of office for his second term.
It is important to mention that the president is a well-known businessman and economist who entered frontline Zambian politics in 2006 when then leader of the United Party for National Development, UPND, Anderson Mazoka passed on. The president-elect spent more than 15 years in opposition, contesting five presidential elections before finally winning the presidency in 2021. His political journey was marked by repeated electoral defeats, but in 2021 he won the general elections.
Today, the man who spent years seeking the presidency from the opposition benches begins his second term and final constitutionally permitted five-year term with a renewed mandate to govern Zambia. When the president took office in August 2021, Zambia was emerging from a severe economic crisis including the 2020 sovereign debt default, high debt, inflation, and currency depreciation.
The UPND administration therefore placed considerable emphasis on debt restructuring, fiscal discipline, engagement with the IMF and other international financial institutions to ensure that there is restoration of investor confidence and the rebuilding of the mining sector. So far, major reforms have been implemented in the mining sector.
But what is also important to mention is that there has been a significant social policy component. Free education has been expanded. Social protection programs have been strengthened. The government has vigorously promoted the Constituency Development Fund. Programs are going on in the agriculture sector and other measures are being put in place to ensure that resources are taken closer to communities so that these communities can benefit from the national cake.
The first term administration was largely, as he argued, about putting the house in order, restructuring Zambia's debt, restoring macroeconomic stability, rebuilding confidence, and creating fiscal space for social programs. The challenge that the president may face in the second administration is therefore different.
Live pictures from the National Heroes Stadium on ZANIS TV.
Ladies and gentlemen, announcing the arrival of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya. His Excellency Dr. William Ruto.
Live pictures from the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. We have just witnessed the arrival of the President of the Republic of Kenya, Mr. William Ruto.
Announcing the arrival of the President of Botswana, His Excellency Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana.
Ladies and gentlemen, announcing the arrival of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
That is Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
Ladies and gentlemen, announcing the arrival of Madame Shen Yueyue, President Xi Jinping's special envoy, the Vice Chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. She is at vice president level from the People's Republic of China, Madame Shen Yueyue.
Ladies and gentlemen, announcing the arrival of the Vice President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango.
As the Vice President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Her Honor Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, MP... And there she is. There she is, Her Honor, our very own Vice President-elect.
Announcing the arrival of the service chiefs.
Ladies and gentlemen, fellow countrymen and women, I would now like to invite the Chief Justice Procession, the Chief Justice Procession to make its way to the dome and take their position. And thereafter we will also invite the visiting heads of state and government that are with us currently in the holding room to also be ushered out and take their seats in the dome. So very soon we'll be witnessing the Chief Justice Procession, followed by our heads of state and government that are visiting from neighboring countries.
Announcing, ladies and gentlemen, the arrival of His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe. His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe.
May I now invite us all to stand? May we all stand where we are for the Chief Justice Procession as well as for the visiting heads of state and government as they make their way into the dome to take their seats. Please stand where you are, ladies and gentlemen. May we all be standing.
Please take your seats. Please take your seats. Thank you very much.
We are getting ready to receive the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia. May I ask Tengi, Tengi to please be ready on stage. We will let you know when to start singing, but Tengi, please get ready as soon as the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema—as soon as the motorcade arrives, as you can see, it's on its way. Tengi, I hope you're ready, Tengi.
And may I now ask that all the visiting heads of state and government please come into the dome. All visiting heads of state and government, please come into the dome now. Tengi, I hope you're ready.
Your excellencies, visiting heads of state and government... Your excellencies, the visiting heads of state and government, please be in the dome. Please usher the visiting heads of state into the dome.
The President-elect of the Republic of Zambia will proceed to the saluting dais for the presidential salute. And concurrently up in the air, there will be K-8 in strike formation flying from west to east and L-15 in tiger formation flying from north to south as part of the salute to the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia. A round of applause. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, receive the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia.
May I request our distinguished cameramen that you have your designated place. Please cooperate. You cannot stand in front of the parade. It is sacred. Can you please, cameramen, go to your designated places kindly.
Shall have the national anthem from the guard of honor. Presidential salute! Present arms!
It is my honor to invite the president-elect to get into the dome where the seat is. We shall remain standing for the opening prayer when the president joins their excellencies in the main dome. Your Excellency Mr. President, we shall remain upstanding for the opening prayer, which will be led by the Chaplain Brigadier General Reverend Dr. Shadrack Mwale, Director General, Religious and Moral Services, Zambia Army.
Your Excellency Mr. President, Your Excellencies visiting heads of state, scripture reading: "In their hearts, people plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." Shall we pray?
Lord, we thank you for this inauguration ceremony of the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and the Vice President-elect, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango. We pray that God you will equip them with grace, wisdom, and knowledge to lead the people of Zambia. Like a potter, mold them to be instruments of your peace, healing, unity, and hope that comes with a new dawn.
Fulfill your scripture by blessing their party manifesto. Establish their plans and guide them step by step as they lead your people. We also thank you for all the elected members of parliament, the mayors, council chairpersons, local government counselors. We speak and command a blessing upon the incoming cabinet, government officials, and all support staff of the president and the vice president of the Republic of Zambia.
This morning we commit this occasion of inauguration ceremony into your divine hands. Bless the president and the vice president as they take oaths. Bless all the distinguished heads of state and government including all the people of Zambia as they witness this ceremony. Lord, we ask you to allow your Holy Spirit to overshadow this ceremony from beginning until the end. For we make this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Your Excellencies, Mr. President, we may take our seats.
Your Royal Highnesses present, the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and the First Lady, Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema. Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government. Your Excellencies Representatives of Heads of State and Government. Your Honor the Vice President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Mutale Nalumango, Member of Parliament, and the Second Gentleman, Bishop Dr. Max Nalumango. Former vice presidents of the Republic of Zambia, former first ladies of the Republic of Zambia.
The Honorable Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, State Counsel, Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia; the Honorable Mrs. Nelly B.K. Mutti, State Counsel, Member of Parliament, Speaker of the National Assembly; my lords and ladyships, judges of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court; the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Mrs. Mwangala Zaloumis, State Counsel; the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick K. Kangwa; the service chiefs; 2026 aspiring opposition presidential candidates present; members of the UPND Alliance Council of Presidents; members of the UPND National Management Committee; members of parliament-elect; Your Worship the Mayor-elect of the City of Lusaka; invited mayors-elect and council chairpersons-elect; leaders of political parties present; local and international election observers present; permanent secretaries; senior government officials; members of the diplomatic corps; the acting District Commissioner for Lusaka; representatives of church mother bodies; members of the clergy; members of the press; distinguished invited guests; ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to the inaugural ceremony of the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and Vice President-elect, Her Honor Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, on this day of Tuesday, 1st September 2026, here at the National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka. Your Excellencies, Mr. President, immediately after these remarks, I will invite the Secretary to the Cabinet, Mr. Patrick K. Kangwa, for the introductory statement, after which he shall invite the Chief Justice. The Registrar of the Judiciary will make citations before the inaugural sessions to proceed with the Chief Justice taking his position to guide during this auspicious occasion. I am Brigadier General Reverend Dr. Henry Matifeyo, working in conjunction with Ms. Namakau Muyumbana, Mr. Fred Mukando, and Ms. Jacqueline Chishimba.
The Secretary to the Cabinet. The President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and the First Lady, Mrs. Mutinta Hichilema. Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government. Your Excellencies Representatives of Heads of State and Government. Your Honor the Vice President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, MP. Former vice presidents of the Republic of Zambia, former first ladies of the Republic of Zambia. The Honorable Justice Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia. The Honorable Mrs. Nelly B.K. Mutti, SC, MP, Speaker of the National Assembly. My lords and ladyships, judges of the Supreme Court, Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court. The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Zambia, Mrs. Mwangala Zaloumis, SC. And allow me, Your Excellencies, to ride on the other protocols already established.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, I warmly welcome Your Excellencies and distinguished guests to this historic national occasion. We are gathered here today in solemnity and celebration to witness the inauguration of the President-elect Mr. Hakainde Hichilema and the Vice President-elect Mrs. Mutale Nalumango. This momentous occasion belongs to the Zambian people.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, on 13th August 2026, we braved the cold to elect our leaders. Zambians through the ballot have been emphatic. Zambians have voted for continuity. Zambians have voted for national unity. Zambians have voted for national development and prosperity. Zambians chose to return Mr. Hakainde Hichilema as president and subsequently Mrs. W.K. Mutale Nalumango as vice president. It is therefore only appropriate for us to extend our hearty congratulations to the president-elect and the vice president-elect on the victory.
The government also wishes to extend our congratulations to all our elected political leaders. We also thank all the citizens that participated in the last general elections at all levels: presidential, parliamentary, and local government. Your participation is a testament to our growing democracy.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, this inauguration ceremony derives its authority from our constitution. Under Article 104, the president-elect is sworn into and assumes office in accordance with Article 105. The constitution further provides that the president-elect is this after being sworn in by the Chief Justice or, in the absence of the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice under Section 16 of the Transitional Period and Inauguration of President Act Number 32 of 2016. The handover of the instruments of power and authority between the outgoing and incoming president does not apply in the event where the incumbent has been reelected into office.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, allow me to express gratitude and appreciation to the members of the transitional and inauguration committee that have worked over the last 60 days to put this inauguration together. This appreciation also extends to all who worked with the committees. Thank you all.
Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, the defining moment we all have been waiting for is now upon us. It is now my distinct honor to call upon His Lordship, the Honorable Chief Justice of Zambia, Dr. Mumba Malila, SC, to commence the proceedings of inauguration. Your Lordship, the Chief Justice.
Whereas an election to the office of president was held on 13th August 2026 pursuant to Articles 47, 101, and 110 of the Constitution of Zambia. And whereas His Excellency Hakainde Sammy Hichilema was in the said election duly reelected as President of the Republic of Zambia. Now, therefore, I invite the Honorable the Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Mumba Malila, to the podium. My Lord.
At this point, I wish to invite the President-elect of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Sammy Hichilema, to step forward and take the oath of office. Mr. President-elect, please hold the Bible in your right hand and read the documents.
Thank you very much. Thank you very much. I, Hakainde Sammy Hichilema, having been duly elected to the office of President of the Republic of Zambia, do swear that I will faithfully and diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions in this high office; that I will uphold and maintain the constitution and the laws of Zambia; and that I will dedicate my abilities to the service and welfare of the people of Zambia without fear, favor, or ill will. So help me God.
The president is now signing the oath of office after being sworn in, the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. This means the oath of office is a solemn declaration and commitment by the president to faithfully perform the duties of the office, uphold and defend the constitution, and serve the people and the Republic of Zambia. By signing the oath of office, the President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema formally assumes the office of President of the Republic of Zambia for another five-year term.
This marks the beginning of the president's new mandate, a renewed commitment to serve the Zambian people, uphold the constitution, protect the sovereignty of the republic, and advance the nation's development, unity, peace, and prosperity. Here's to five years of equal benefits and opportunities.
Whereas an election to the office of president was held on 13th August 2026 pursuant to Articles 47, 101, and 110 of the Constitution of Zambia. And whereas Her Honor Mutale Nalumango was in the said election the running mate to the presidential candidate, His Excellency Hakainde Sammy Hichilema; and whereas Her Honor was duly reelected together with His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Sammy Hichilema as Vice President of the Republic of Zambia. Now, therefore, I request the Honorable the Chief Justice of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Mumba Malila, to invite the vice president to the podium. My Lord.
It is now my honor and privilege to invite the Honorable Mutale Nalumango, Vice President-elect, to swear the oath of allegiance as well as the official oath. Please raise your right hand, Bible in the right hand.
I, Mutale Nalumango, having been elected to the office of Vice President, do swear that I will well and diligently discharge my duties and perform my functions under the Constitution of Zambia; that I will not directly or indirectly reveal or transmit any such information or matter as shall be brought under my consideration or shall be made known to me by reason of my office, except as may be required in the discharge of my duties as such or with the authority of the president; and that I will, to the best of my ability at all times when so required, give my counsel and advice to the president for the good management of the public affairs of the Republic of Zambia. So help me God.
The vice president is now signing the oath of office. This is a solemn commitment to fairly perform the duties and responsibilities of the office and to serve the people of Zambia in accordance with the constitution. After signing, she will take another oath, of allegiance.
I, Mutale Nalumango, do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the President of the Republic of Zambia and that I will preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of Zambia as by law established. So help me God.
The vice president is now signing the oath of allegiance. This is a solemn declaration of loyalty and allegiance to the Republic of Zambia and to uphold and defend its constitution.
We will now request the Vice President of the Republic of Zambia, Her Honor Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, and the Chief Justice to retreat to their official seats.
Mr. President, Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, distinguished invited guests, this marks the end of this part of the proceedings, which is the presidential inauguration oath, marking the beginning of the second term of the president. Now, Heroes Stadium, are you ready to give a huge congratulations to the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, and his Vice President, Dr. W.K. Mutale Nalumango, as they begin their second term, 2026 to 2031? Give them a round of applause, please.
It is now my distinguished honor and privilege to invite the President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Force to mount the saluting dais for the inaugural presidential salute. Mr. President. You may all be upstanding. Even in the stands there, be upstanding.
Salute! Present arms!
Mr. President, the President of the Republic of Zambia, guard of honor mounted by 2 Infantry Battalion of 1 Infantry Brigade of the Zambia Army, all present and ready for your inspection, Mr. President, sir.
You may take your seats, Your Excellencies.
The President of the Republic of Zambia and Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Force of the Republic of Zambia is now inspecting the guard of honor. He has saluted the colors.
Mr. President, your inspection is over. Permission to carry on, Mr. President, sir.
