The victory of Zambia’s opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema in the country’s presidential election last week provides the businessman with the opportunity to stabilise the economy of Africa’s second-largest copper producer and encourage foreign direct investment (FDI).
On August 16, the country’s electoral commission declared Mr Hichilema the victor with more than 2.8 million votes, compared to then incumbent Edgar Lungu’s 1.8 million votes. In a televised address, Mr Lungu said he would “comply with the constitutional provisions for a peaceful transfer of power”, easing concerns that he would challenge the result.
