18/06/2026
Zambia Forward Together: Understanding the UPND 2026 Manifesto in Simple Terms
By Zed Content Vibe
As Zambia approaches the August 2026 general elections, political parties are presenting their visions for the future. The UPND 2026 Manifesto is more than a campaign document; it is a roadmap that outlines where the party believes Zambia should be heading over the next five years. At its core, the manifesto carries a simple message: the work of rebuilding Zambia has started, but there is still more work to be done.
This article breaks down the manifesto into clear and understandable language so that every Zambian can appreciate what is being proposed and what it could mean for their daily lives.
The Bigger Vision
The manifesto’s vision is to create a united, inclusive, prosperous, and equitable Zambia. In simple terms, this means building a country where opportunities are available to all citizens regardless of their background, location, gender, or social status.
The mission focuses on using Zambia’s natural resources wisely to create economic growth, jobs, and sustainable development that benefits both current and future generations.
The central question the manifesto seeks to answer is:
How can Zambia create more opportunities, reduce poverty, lower the cost of living, and improve the quality of life for every citizen?
The Five Pillars of Development
The manifesto is built around five major pillars that are intended to work together.
1. Growing the Economy
A strong economy creates jobs, attracts investment, and improves living standards.
The UPND plans to continue supporting agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, and private sector development. The goal is to create an environment where businesses can grow and employ more people.
The government believes that economic growth should not only benefit large corporations but should also reach ordinary citizens through employment opportunities and lower living costs.
2. Connecting the Nation
Development cannot happen without proper infrastructure.
This pillar focuses on improving roads, electricity generation, irrigation systems, digital services, and communication networks. Better infrastructure makes it easier for businesses to operate, farmers to transport produce, and citizens to access services.
The manifesto highlights the need for Zambia to become more connected both physically and digitally.
3. Serving the People
Economic growth means little if citizens do not feel its benefits.
This pillar focuses on improving healthcare, education, water supply, social protection, and other public services. The aim is to ensure that development translates into better lives for families across the country.
The continuation of free education and improvements in social welfare programmes are part of this broader objective.
4. Building Effective Institutions
Strong institutions are the foundation of a stable democracy.
This pillar focuses on transparency, accountability, good governance, and public sector efficiency. The goal is to ensure government systems serve citizens effectively while reducing corruption and inefficiency.
Strong institutions help create trust between citizens and government.
5. Financing the Future
Development requires investment.
The manifesto proposes attracting both local and international investment, strengthening financial markets, and encouraging partnerships between government and the private sector.
The idea is to mobilise resources that can fund infrastructure projects, create jobs, and support economic transformation.
The Fifteen Key Targets
One of the most important sections of the manifesto is the list of fifteen measurable targets.
Job Creation
Perhaps the most ambitious promise is the creation of 2 million new jobs through partnerships with the private sector. The focus includes opportunities for young people and women, who often face the greatest challenges in finding employment.
The manifesto also aims to support industries that add value to Zambia’s resources rather than simply exporting raw materials.
Agricultural Transformation
Agriculture remains the backbone of many Zambian households.
The manifesto proposes:
* Increasing maize production to 10 million metric tonnes.
* Expanding irrigation.
* Increasing cattle numbers.
* Growing agricultural exports.
The intention is not only to improve food security but also to turn agriculture into a major source of income and employment.
Energy Expansion
Reliable electricity is essential for economic growth.
The manifesto targets increasing electricity generation significantly, helping industries operate efficiently while reducing power shortages that affect businesses and households.
Mining Growth
Mining continues to be one of Zambia’s most important economic sectors.
The manifesto seeks to increase copper production to approximately 3 million metric tonnes annually. Higher production could increase government revenue, attract investment, and support job creation.
Decentralised Development
Development should not be concentrated in only a few areas.
The manifesto proposes strengthening decentralisation so that every province and district can benefit from economic growth based on its unique resources and advantages.
This means empowering local authorities and ensuring development opportunities reach all corners of Zambia.
Modernising Government Services
The document also places significant emphasis on digitisation.
Plans include:
* Digital government services.
* Improved national identity systems.
* Modernised business registration.
* Better tax administration.
These changes aim to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency, and make services more accessible.
A Business-Friendly Zambia
One of the strongest themes throughout the manifesto is the desire to create a better environment for business.
The government promises to reduce barriers that make it difficult for businesses to operate. This includes reviewing taxes, simplifying regulations, and making it easier for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses.
The thinking behind this approach is straightforward:
When businesses succeed, they create jobs, generate tax revenue, and contribute to economic growth.
The manifesto also places emphasis on supporting youth-owned and women-owned enterprises to ensure economic opportunities are shared more widely.
The Economic Ambition
Perhaps the most ambitious section of the manifesto is its long-term economic vision.
According to the document, Zambia could potentially generate approximately 65 billion USD annually in economic value through expanded production in sectors such as:
* Energy generation.
* Agriculture.
* Mining.
* Livestock.
* Tourism.
The expectation is that this growth would stimulate activity across other sectors, creating millions of opportunities and raising living standards.
Whether these targets are fully achieved will depend on many factors, including global economic conditions, investment levels, government implementation, and citizen participation.
What This Means for Ordinary Citizens
For many Zambians, political manifestos can seem distant from everyday realities. However, the promises outlined in this document directly touch issues that affect households daily.
Citizens are concerned about:
* Employment opportunities.
* The cost of mealie meal and other essentials.
* Access to healthcare.
* Quality education.
* Reliable electricity.
* Better roads.
* Business opportunities.
* Economic stability.
The manifesto argues that continued economic reforms and development programmes can help address these concerns over the next five years.
The Critical Role of Citizens
While governments can create policies and provide leadership, national development ultimately depends on the participation of citizens.
Farmers must produce.
Entrepreneurs must innovate.
Workers must contribute.
Students must prepare themselves for future opportunities.
Communities must hold leaders accountable.
No manifesto, regardless of how ambitious, can succeed without the active involvement of the people it seeks to serve.
Final Reflection
The UPND 2026 Manifesto presents an ambitious vision for Zambia’s future. It focuses on economic growth, job creation, agricultural transformation, infrastructure development, decentralisation, and improved public services.
Its central message is one of continuity: that progress has begun, but the journey is not yet complete.
For voters, the most important task is not simply to read promises but to carefully evaluate them, ask critical questions, and determine whether the proposed plans are realistic, achievable, and capable of improving the lives of ordinary Zambians.
As Zambia prepares for the 2026 elections, citizens have an opportunity to engage thoughtfully with competing ideas and visions. The future of the nation will ultimately be shaped not only by those who seek office, but by the choices made by the Zambian people themselves.
A stronger Zambia is not built by government alone—it is built when leadership, communities, businesses, and citizens move forward together with a shared sense of purpose.
UPND Hakainde Hichilema W.K Mutale Nalumango Mr Eye Opener. Jito Kayumba Mwebantu
