5th Session of the 13th National Assembly of Zambia

5th Session of the 13th National Assembly of Zambia
Type	Unicameral of the National Assembly
Established	2021
New session started	12 September 2025
Speaker	Nelly Mutti
First Deputy Speaker	Malungo Chisangano
Second Deputy Speaker	Moses Moyo

The 5th session of the 13th National Assembly will officially opened on 12 September 2025 by President Hakainde Hichilema. The session forms part of the parliamentary calendar during the current five-year term that began with the 2021 general election.

Background

The 13th National Assembly of Zambia is the country's unicameral legislative body, composed of elected and appointed members. Its core functions include law-making, oversight of the executive, and representation of the people of Zambia. The Assembly meets in Lusaka, the capital city.

Arrival and ceremonial honours

Upon arrival at the Parliament Buildings, the President is received by the Service Chiefs. A 21-gun salute is fired, after which the President inspects the Guard of Honour. The Speaker formally welcomes the President and escorts the party into the precincts. Traditional dance troupes from across the country provide a cultural welcome. The procession then enters the Chamber, where the President signs the Visitors' Book before proceedings commence.

Order of events (arrival)

1. Arrival of the President at the Parliament Buildings.
2. Reception by the Service Chiefs.
3. 21-gun salute.
4. Inspection of the Guard of Honour.
5. Formal welcome by the Speaker.
6. Escort to the precincts; cultural welcome by traditional dance troupes.
7. Procession into the Chamber and signing of the Visitors' Book.
8. Opening formalities.

Presidential address

Also See: President Hichilema's speech at the 5th Session of the 13th National Assembly of Zambia

On 12 September 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema addressed Parliament and the nation at the official opening of the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly. In his speech, the President reviewed progress since 2021, outlined priorities for the coming year, and called for unity and support for the next national budget.

Theme

The address was delivered under the theme: consolidating economic and social gains towards a prosperous, resilient and equitable Zambia.

Opening remarks

The President led the House in paying tribute to former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, who died on 5 June 2025, and called for a moment of silence. He welcomed new Members of Parliament and recognised the late Clerk of the National Assembly, Roy Ngulube.

Macroeconomic overview

• Reported average real GDP growth of 5.2% during 2021–2024 (compared with 1.5% during 2017–2020).
• Stated that over 92% of external debt had been restructured and that inflation averaged 15.5% (Jan–Jul 2025).
• Indicated the kwacha had strengthened in recent months and asked MPs to support the forthcoming 2026 national budget.

Economic transformation and jobs

• Reforms focused on agriculture, mining, tourism, manufacturing and value-chains; aim is broad-based job creation.

Agriculture

• Maize production cited at 3.7 million metric tonnes for the 2024/2025 season, with indications it could exceed 4 million; increases also reported for soya beans and seed production; Zambia described as self-sufficient in maize seed and exporting to Africa and Europe.
• FISP migration to e-voucher for 730,000 farmers, removal of 210,000 fraudulent beneficiaries, and 99% on-time input delivery for migrated farmers; commitment to 100% national rollout.
• Irrigation push: 200,000 ha currently irrigated, target 500,000 ha by 2027; support via water harvesting, dams and canals.
• Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF): 9,000 farmers financed in 2024/2025 vs 4,300 prior season; disbursements K667.3m vs K272.3m; establishment of 40 mechanisation service centres and 10 centres of excellence in 2024.
• Fertiliser: commissioning of ammonia and urea plant at United Capital Fertiliser; NCZ upgrades; goal to become a net exporter of ammonia and urea.
• Export and marketing: surplus maize allocated for export (including as mealie-meal) to sustain FRA purchases.

Livestock and fisheries

• Vaccination coverage for major livestock diseases reported near 90%; continued local vaccine production; construction of animal viral vaccine plant in Chilanga; establishment of disease-free zones and beef compartments; fisheries output noted at 197,000 metric tonnes in 2024 (from 178,000 in 2023).

Mining

• Production trajectory: 733,000 metric tonnes (2021) to 821,000 (2024) with a target of 1 million by end-2025 and 3 million by 2031.
• Project updates: FQM Kansanshi S3 expansion (US$1.25b) to extend mine life by 25 years; Mopani capital injection (US$1.1b) via ZCCM-IH/IRH JV; KCM progress with scheme of arrangement and production ramp-up; Barrick Lumwana Super Pit (US$2b) targeting 240,000 t/yr by 2028; re-openings and new developments at Kalengwa, Luanshya 28 Shaft, NFCA, Lubambe, Mingomba and Kitumba; national high-resolution geophysical survey ~30% complete.
• Formalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining: over 1,400 licences issued; emphasis on environmental compliance.

Tourism

• Record international arrivals reported at 2.2 million (2024); drivers included visa waivers to 167 countries and marketing; domestic tourism uplift via “Yamu Loko.”
• Road access works to national parks; “Destination Zambia” campaign; pipeline under GREAT-TDP; promotion of traditional ceremonies and cultural cohesion.

Energy

• Acknowledged power deficit and impact of load-shedding; outlined diversification from hydro (currently ~85% of mix) into solar and thermal, grid open-access, private trading, net-metering and interconnectors.
• Noted new solar capacity of 740 MW due in 12 months across seven provinces; Maamba phase-2 (300 MW) targeted for mid-next year; Mission300 compact targeting 10 GW by 2030 and universal access over time.
• Petroleum: TAZAMA open-access regime reported to have lowered diesel pump price by ~30% since April 2025; plans for a new multi-product pipeline with Tanzania.

Trade and investment

• Non-traditional exports cited at US$3.6b (from US$2.6b in 2021); growth in LUSE all-share index; continued expansion of Special Economic Zones and industrial parks across provinces.

MSMEs and labour relations

• CEEC annual allocation reported increased to K1.5b (from K40m in 2021); repayment compliance flagged as a challenge; continued social dialogue with labour and students; emphasis on industrial peace.

Transport and infrastructure

• Road projects completed/advanced on the Copperbelt and other corridors; Great North Road sections near completion; airport upgrades (Kasama, Chipata, Mongu, Solwezi) and ongoing works (Mansa, Mfuwe); TAZARA concession progress; single licence disk reform and digitised traffic payments.

Human and social development

Education

• Free education since 2022; 2.3 million learners reportedly returned to school; curriculum and policy updates; 166 new secondary schools under construction to 2026; >2,800 classroom blocks via CDF; hostel projects resumed across public universities; 1.6 million desks procured; 42,000 teachers recruited since 2022 with 2,000 more in 2025; school feeding expanded to 106 districts and >4.6 million learners; TEVET enrolment up to 96,000 (from 38,000 in 2021) with female participation at 45,000 (from 16,000); ZNS voluntary skills training introduced.

Health

• 282 health facilities constructed since 2021 (including level-1 hospitals, mini-hospitals, centres and posts); 18,000 health workers recruited, with 2,000 more in 2025; ongoing specialised hospitals (King Salman, Lusaka and Ndola cancer hospitals); immunisation coverage for under-ones up to 81% (2024); medicines availability reported at ~85% (from 44% in 2021), with anti-pilferage enforcement measures at ZAMMSA.

Water and sanitation

• Since 2021: >2,000 boreholes and 491 piped schemes constructed; 671 boreholes rehabilitated; WASH facilities via CDF in public places; major systems completed (Kafulafuta, Kazungula, Kafue bulk, Kaputa).

Social protection

• Regular Social Cash Transfer beneficiaries increased to 1.3 million households; emergency transfers during 2023/2024 drought reached 915,000 households at K400/month; Cash for Work reported to have supported 2.4 million people since August 2024; Food Security Pack supported 540,000 farmers (2024).

Environment and governance

• Early-warning weather stations rolled out; community forest co-management over 10.3 million hectares with 369 groups; emphasis on biodiversity and pollution control.
• Decentralisation: K16b+ disbursed to CDF since 2022; 13 functions devolved to local authorities; 368 public services on Zamportal (from 116 in 2021).
• Rule of law and anti-corruption: support to justice sector institutions; Economic and Financial Crimes Court; CPI score cited as improved to 39 (2024) from 33 (2021); Access to Information Act implementation regulations issued.
• Elections: ECZ to conduct voter education and mass registration ahead of the 2026 general election; call for peaceful participation.

Foreign policy

• Continued focus on economic diplomacy and regional peace, security and stability; active participation in regional, continental and international bodies.

Closing

The President declared the Fifth Session of the Thirteenth National Assembly officially opened, and called for patriotism, peace and national unity.

Proceedings

Specific details on the agenda and proceedings of the 5th session are pending publication. In line with precedent, business is expected to include presentation of motions, first and second readings of bills, committee work, questions to ministers, and other parliamentary activities.

Significance

This session is expected to advance the government's legislative programme and address priority national issues through parliamentary mechanisms, including scrutiny, debate, and enactment of laws.