By Mubanga Mubanga
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to make his own assets and those of Cabinet ministers public.
And TIZ has urged the government to withdraw Bill No 7 in its entirety and instead initiate a fresh, inclusive reform roadmap that is transparent, people-driven, and consultative.
In a statement delivered ahead of the state of the nation address (SONA) today, TIZ communications officer Zanji Sinkala urged the President to promote a culture of transparency in asset declaration.
“Fourth, on leadership by example, TI-Z urges the President to promote a culture of transparency in asset declaration. We call on him to make his own assets and those of Cabinet Ministers public and to push for the institutionalization of a permanent disclosure framework that ensures this practice outlives his administration,” Sinkala stated.
She stated that transparency in today’s SONA came at a crucial time as the country edged closer to the 2026 General Elections and as citizens continued to grapple with economic pressures, governance challenges, and a growing demand for accountability.
Sinkala stated that TI-Z viewed this address not merely as a constitutional requirement, but as a defining moment for the Head of State to recommit to good governance, anti-corruption, and democratic accountability.
She stated that the address must go beyond rhetoric and provide clear, time-bound measures that re-assured citizens of the government’s sincerity in tackling the issues that
matter most.
On constitutional reform, Sinkala stated that TI-Z expected the President to address Bill No. 7.
“We strongly urge the government to withdraw the bill in its entirety and instead initiate a fresh,
inclusive reform roadmap that is transparent, people-driven, and consultative. The integrity of Zambia’s constitutional order depends on reforms that reflect consensus rather than division,” Sinkala stated.
On the fight against corruption, Sinkala stated that TI-Z expected the President to outline bold steps to strengthen the legal and institutional framework.
She stated that this included prioritising the enactment of the revised Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act and allocating adequate resources to ensure the effective implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Policy. Corruption.
She stated that corruption remained one of Zambia’s most pressing governance concerns, and restoring public trust required urgent reforms backed by decisive action.
Regarding electoral integrity, Sinkala stated that TI-Z expected the SONA to clarify the roadmap for enacting key pieces of legislation ahead of the 2026 elections.
“These include the Public Gatherings Bill and the Political Parties Bill, which are critical in guaranteeing political freedoms and creating a level playing field. Without these reforms, Zambia risks entering the 2026 polls under a cloud of mistrust and unfair advantage,” she stated.
On Access to Information (ATI), TI-Z acknowledged the milestone achieved with the enactment of the ATI Act and the adoption of supporting regulations in July 2025.
Sinkala however, stated that the SONA must provide a clear timeline for full implementation, including the
operationalization of ATI offices, public sensitization, and accountability mechanisms to make this right meaningful for all citizens.
On the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), TI-Z noted the current allocation of K36.1 million per constituency.
She stated that while this fund had transformative potential, TI-Z cautioned against focusing only on increasing the amount.
” Instead, the priority must be on strengthening management, accountability, and impact assessments, ensuring that CDF delivers real
and measurable development outcomes for communities,” she stated.
Sinkala stated that the SONA must not ignore the economic hardships and rising cost of living that Zambians are faced daily.
“TI-Z expects the President to speak candidly about government’s
economic recovery strategies, debt sustainability, and measures to protect the dignity of households struggling with food prices, energy shortages, and unemployment,” Sinkala stated.
She stated Zambia’s low score in the 2023 Open Budget Survey reflected limited citizen involvement in national planning and budget
processes.
Sinkala stated that the SONA should commit to deepening participatory governance, enabling
ordinary citizens to have a greater say in how public resources were allocated and monitored.
She stated that TI-Z further expected the President to speak firmly on environmental sustainability and
mining governance, as well as the ongoing power crisis.
Sinkala stated that Zambia’s natural resources must be managed in the best interest of current and future generations.
“The SONA should
reassure citizens that government is committed to safeguarding public interest in mining contracts, tackling load-shedding decisively, and transitioning to sustainable energy
solutions,” she stated. “In conclusion, TI-Z reiterates that this State of the Nation Address is more than a speech.
It is an opportunity for the President to demonstrate political will, transparency, and accountability at the highest level. Zambians are looking for hope grounded in action —action that restores confidence, protects national resources, and upholds the dignity of
every citizen.”
