A Missed Opportunity: Hichilema’s Disappointing Leadership and the Deterioration of Governance

 

When President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office, many were hopeful that his corporate background would bring a breath of fresh air to Zambian governance. After all, Hichilema’s success in the business world was heralded as evidence of his ability to make tough, calculated decisions, including managing teams and building effective organizations. Sadly, this hope has been slowly eroded by a series of questionable appointments and a failure to hold key figures accountable in his administration.

Human rights commissioner Laura Miti recently made headlines by describing President Hichilema as the most disappointing leader in recent memory. Her concerns are not without merit, as Zambia finds itself facing a growing crisis of poor governance and questionable leadership appointments. The people appointed to critical positions are, more often than not, loyalists rather than individuals with the skills, competence, or qualifications to effectively govern.

Reflecting on the MMD era, from President Frederick Chiluba to President Rupiah Banda, there was a noticeable sense of meritocracy, or at least a deliberate effort to appoint individuals based on their qualifications and contributions to national development. Even though there were a few missteps along the way, in general, ministers, permanent secretaries, and presidential advisers held positions they were deemed deserving of. For all the criticisms of the MMD’s leadership, one could not deny that most of those at the top were there because of their capabilities, not because of political loyalty or longevity in the party.

The same cannot be said about the current administration. As Miti notes, the main criterion for appointment under Hichilema appears to be loyalty to the president and the UPND, rather than any measurable competence. Some appointees have been placed in critical offices without any clear track record of success or relevant experience, raising serious questions about the president’s decision-making process.

It’s hard to reconcile Hichilema’s corporate background with his inability—or apparent lack of interest—in hiring and firing individuals based on merit. One of the most basic aspects of leadership is the ability to surround oneself with a capable team and to remove those who underperform. Yet, in this administration, mediocrity is often rewarded with even more responsibility, while qualified individuals are left in the shadows.

To make matters worse, the public perception of these appointments is growing increasingly negative. The once vibrant sense of hope that came with Hichilema’s election is being overshadowed by an increasing sense of frustration and disappointment. The quality of governance is directly linked to the quality of individuals in key positions, and right now, Zambia is experiencing a crisis of leadership at the highest levels.

While Hichilema continues to preach about his corporate experience and vision for Zambia, the tangible results of his leadership are increasingly difficult to ignore. There is a clear disconnect between his rhetoric and the reality of his appointments. Zambia is now in a position where the most loyal party members, rather than the most competent individuals, seem to be the ones reaping the rewards.

For a country that has struggled with corruption and inefficiency in the past, the current state of affairs is deeply disappointing. What Zambia needs now is leadership that isn’t just interested in political loyalty, but one that is committed to strengthening institutions and fostering a culture of accountability. Without this, Hichilema’s administration risks becoming another in a long line of failed governments, with a promise of change that ultimately falls flat.

In conclusion, President Hichilema’s leadership has not lived up to the high expectations set when he was elected. His inability to make the tough decisions required to build a strong, effective government has left many questioning his commitment to genuine change. It is not too late for him to right the ship, but the window for meaningful reform is closing fast. If he is to regain the trust of the people, he must start by demonstrating that he values competence over loyalty and is willing to make the difficult choices needed to steer Zambia toward a brighter future.