Nestled in the heart of southern Africa, Zambia, a land known for its diverse culture, vibrant traditions, and the majestic Victoria Falls, has been making strides under the leadership of its current President, Hakainde Hichilema. A beacon of hope and progress, President Hichilema has been steering the nation towards a prosperous future with his clear vision and unwavering commitment.

In a recent event that has filled the nation of Zambia with pride, the current and greatly beloved President, Hakainde Hichilema, has been honored with an honorary doctorate from the prestigious Heriot Watt University in the United Kingdom.

Hakainde Hichilema’s Presidency

Hakainde Hichilema, often referred to as HH or Bally7, is the seventh and current president of Zambia since August 24, 2021. He has led the United Party for National Development (UPND) since 2006. After contesting five previous elections, he won the 2021 presidential election with 59.02% of the vote.

Hichilema’s journey to the presidency is a story of resilience and determination. Born into humble beginnings, he managed to get a scholarship to the University of Zambia, and later graduated with an MBA degree from the University of Birmingham in the UK. He went on to make a fortune in finance, property, ranching, healthcare, and tourism.

During his presidency, HH has focused on tackling the erosion of democracy and human rights, addressing high unemployment, especially among the youth, and rebuilding an economy faltering under the weight of huge debt, government incompetence, and corruption. He has also pledged to reverse the breakdown of rule of law, the lack of diversity in public office, a politicized and ineffective civil service, rampant corruption, poor governmental communication with the public, and Zambia’s weakened voice in international affairs.

Foreign Policy

In his first year as president, HH has impressively maintained momentum on a highly creative foreign policy. He has focused on renegotiating Zambia’s significant debt burden and attracting inward investment, particularly for the country’s mining industry.

HH has seemingly managed to mitigate the debt burden the Zambian economy had toward China and has been strategic in developing independence in movement and in building a range of alliances to offset dependence on one power alone. In doing so, he has displayed regional leadership – demonstrating the merits of positive neutrality in pursuing policies that run across global geopolitical divides for the benefit of the national interest.

Public Opinion

HH’s presidency has been met with a mix of hope and opticism. His victory was welcomed by many Zambians as a New Dawn: an opportunity for economic recovery and to restore democratic ideals. His successful election campaign was aided by his opponent’s unpopularity and a set of promises to change course.

However, the economic restructuring expected with an IMF programme will very likely entail that the UPND implements some unpopular austerity measures such as the removal of electricity and fuel subsidies. While such austerity measures are inevitable to restore stability, the short-term impacts may disappoint HH’s supporters who expect immediate improvements in their standard of living.

A Recognition of Leadership

This honorary doctorate is a recognition of President Hichilema’s exceptional leadership and his significant contributions to the nation of Zambia. Since taking office, President Hichilema has been a beacon of hope and progress, leading Zambia with integrity and a clear vision for a prosperous future.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s honorary doctorate from Heriot Watt University is a significant recognition of his leadership and his transformative impact on education in Zambia.

The award ceremony took place at the Edinburgh campus of Heriot Watt University on June 20, 2024. The President was conferred with the academic title of Doctor of the University as part of the summer graduation programme.

This honorary doctorate is a testament to President Hichilema’s dedication to education. In his first budget, he made education free for every person in the country, leading to over 1.6 million young people entering the education system, and recruiting over 39,000 new teachers.

After receiving his award, President Hichilema dedicated the award to the people of Zambia, stating,

“We dedicate the award to the people of Zambia, who continue to share our belief that education is the greatest equaliser, and the greatest investment we can make.”

The recognition by Heriot Watt University highlights President Hichilema’s significant contributions to education and his efforts to uplift the lives of Zambians through access to quality education and skills training. The university has also supported Zambian students by providing full scholarships across various academic fields, including renewable energy, business administration, and cold storage.

Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, acknowledged President Hichilema’s visionary leadership and his dedication to advancing education and fortifying the economy of Zambia. He praised President Hichilema’s noble undertaking of providing school education for every Zambian, stating that it is illuminating the path towards a brighter future for all of Zambia and is an inspiration to strive for excellence.

This honorary doctorate serves not only as a recognition of President Hichilema’s leadership but also as a symbol of the progress Zambia has made under his guidance. It is a testament to his commitment to the Zambian people and his dedication to steering the nation towards a brighter future.

The Ceremony

The event took place on Thursday, June 20, 2024, as part of the university’s summer graduation programme. The President traveled to the Edinburgh campus for the ceremony, where he was conferred with the academic title of Doctor of the University.

The ceremony was a testament to his dedication to education and his journey from a humble rural village background to the highest office in Zambia. It was a proud moment for Zambia, highlighting the international recognition of the progress the country has made under President Hichilema’s leadership.

Key Takeaways

This event is not just a personal achievement for President Hichilema, but a moment of national pride for Zambia. It highlights the international recognition of Zambia’s progress under President Hichilema’s leadership.

The honorary doctorate also underscores the strong ties between Zambia and the United Kingdom, and the mutual respect and cooperation between the two nations.

Looking Ahead

As President Hichilema continues his term, this honorary doctorate serves as a reminder of the high expectations placed on his leadership. It is a testament to his commitment to the Zambian people and his dedication to steering the nation towards a brighter future.

President Hakainde Hichilema’s tenure has been marked by a commitment to economic recovery, democratic ideals, and a focus on education. The honorary doctorate from Heriot Watt University is a testament to these efforts and is likely to bolster his reputation both domestically and internationally.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, President Hichilema has already devised a five-point plan for securing re-election. This plan, if successfully implemented, aims to address the socio-economic challenges Zambia faces, including low diversification of the economy, high youth unemployment, high incidences of poverty and inequality, slow pace of decentralization, as well as low education outcomes.

In terms of economic recovery, President Hichilema has been instrumental in negotiating a $6bn debt deal, which has been hailed as ‘historic‘. This deal is expected to lift Zambia out of its debt crisis and pave the way for economic growth.

Furthermore, President Hichilema appears to be set on revitalising Zambia’s mining sector and delivering jobs and economic growth. He has outlined plans to expand copper production and position Zambia as a major player in the global mining industry.

Pictures courtesy of President Hakainde Hichilema.