Hakainde Hichilema facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema
Hichilema in 2021
7th President of Zambia
Incumbent
Assumed office 24 August 2021
Preceded by	Edgar Lungu
Personal details
Born	(1962-06-04) 4 June 1962 (age 64) Hachipona, Northern Rhodesia, Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland (now Monze District, Zambia)
Political party	United Party for National Development
Spouse	Mutinta Hichilema ​ (m. 1988)​
Children	3
Education	University of Zambia (BA) University of Birmingham (MBA)

Hakainde Hichilema (born 4 June 1962) is a Zambian businessman, farmer, and politician who serves as the seventh President of Zambia. He took office on 24 August 2021. People often call him by his initials HH or by his popular nickname "Bally".

Hichilema has been the leader of the United Party for National Development (UPND) since 2006. Before becoming president, he worked as a major business leader and an opposition figure. He ran in several national elections before winning the presidency in 2021. In 2026, voters re-elected him for a second term.

Early Life and Educational Background

Hakainde Hichilema was born in a small village in the Monze District of southern Zambia. Growing up in a rural community, he helped his family with farming and herding cattle. He learned the values of hard work and community cooperation early in life.

Hichilema worked hard in primary and secondary school. His academic success earned him a government scholarship to attend the University of Zambia in Lusaka.

University Studies and Business Training

At the university, Hichilema studied economics and business administration. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1986.

He wanted to learn more about international commerce and finance. He moved to the United Kingdom to study at the University of Birmingham, earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Career in Business and Agriculture

After finishing his studies, Hichilema entered the corporate business world. He became an accountant, business consultant, and corporate manager.

Leadership in Major Companies

Hichilema worked for top international auditing and consulting firms operating in Africa:

• He served as the chief executive officer of Coopers & Lybrand Zambia from 1994 to 1998.
• He led Grant Thornton Zambia as its chief executive officer from 1998 to 2006.

In these roles, he helped companies manage their finances and expand operations across southern Africa.

Farming and Cattle Ranching

Alongside his business career, Hichilema built agricultural businesses in Zambia. He became one of the largest cattle ranchers in the country. His farms produce beef and dairy products for local and regional markets.

Entering the World of Zambian Politics

In 2006, the founder of the United Party for National Development (UPND), Anderson Mazoka, passed away. The party needed a new leader with strong organizational skills.

Party members chose Hichilema to lead the UPND. He also took charge of the United Democratic Alliance, a group of political parties working together.

Early Presidential Campaigns

Hichilema ran for president several times to share his vision for Zambia's economy:

• In the 2006 election, he finished in third place, earning around 25% of the national vote. Former President Kenneth Kaunda endorsed him during this race.
• In the 2008 special election, held after the death of President Levy Mwanawasa, Hichilema took third place with nearly 20% of the vote.
• In the 2011 election, he ran again as the UPND leader and finished in third place.

Close Contests in 2015 and 2016

In the January 2015 election, Hichilema gained major support across the country. He finished in second place, losing to Edgar Lungu by just 1.66% of the vote.

In the 2016 election, Hichilema faced Lungu in another close race. He placed second with over 47% of the vote. Despite the narrow loss, Hichilema stayed committed to peaceful political participation.

Overcoming Challenges as Opposition Leader

Being an opposition leader brought serious difficulties for Hichilema and his supporters. During these years, he worked to keep his political party active.

Political Detention in 2017

In April 2017, state authorities detained Hichilema after a traffic dispute between his motorcade and the presidential motorcade. Officials held him in custody for four months before dropping all accusations against him in August 2017.

International leaders and organizations called for fair treatment and peace in Zambia during his detention:

• Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo visited Hichilema.
• Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland met with officials to encourage dialogue.
• Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan praised the peaceful resolution when authorities released Hichilema.

After his release, large crowds gathered at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka for a thanksgiving service. In October 2017, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom presented Hichilema with the Africa Freedom Award.

Presidency of Zambia (2021–Present)

Hakainde Hichilema meeting with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola

Hichilema ran for president for the sixth time in the August 2021 election. Zambian voters turned out in record numbers, especially young people.

On 16 August 2021, the electoral commission announced that Hichilema won the election by a wide margin, receiving over 59% of the vote. On 24 August 2021, he took the oath of office at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

In the 2026 general election, Zambian voters re-elected Hichilema for a second term with over 60% of the total vote.

Economic Reforms and Development

President Hichilema focused on rebuilding Zambia's economy and stabilizing the national budget:

• He worked with global financial groups, including the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, to reorganize national debt.
• He promoted investment in the mining sector, securing major funding for copper and nickel production at the Kansanshi mine and the Enterprise Nickel Mine.
• He partnered with the Democratic Republic of the Congo to build electric vehicle battery supply networks in Africa.

Free Education Policy

One of Hichilema's major goals was improving education for all Zambian children. His government removed tuition fees for public primary and secondary schools.

This reform allowed hundreds of thousands of boys and girls to attend school without financial barriers. His administration also hired tens of thousands of new teachers and health workers across the country.

International Relations and Diplomacy

Map showing international visits made by President Hichilema

President Hichilema meeting with international leaders

Hichilema represents Zambia actively on the global stage. He often calls himself the nation's "chief marketing officer" because he works to attract trade and business to Zambia.

His key diplomatic activities include:

• Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
• Participating in climate discussions at COP26 and COP27.
• Working with regional partners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.
• Partnering with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to modernize the historic TAZARA Railway.

Awards and Honors

Hakainde Hichilema has received various honors for his leadership and public service:

• Africa Freedom Award (2017) – Awarded by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom.
• Honorary Doctorate (2023) – Conferred by Valley View University in Ghana.
• Honorary Doctorate (2024) – Conferred by Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
• Honorary Doctorate (2024) – Conferred by the University of Zambia.
• Honorary Doctorate (2026) – Conferred by Copperbelt University in Zambia.

Personal Life

Hichilema married his wife, Mutinta Hichilema, in 1988. They have three children together.

He belongs to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. In 2020, he and his wife became Master Guides in the church's Pathfinder youth program. He continues to run farming operations and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Hakainde Hichilema para niños

• United Party for National Development
• Sylvia Masebo