Super-President: Hichilema's Economic Turnaround Earns Global Praise

By Maxwell Shumba/BalanceHub

January 13, 2026

In a world defined by shifting alliances and economic volatility, few stories are as compelling as Zambia’s journey from default to global reform model. This month, that journey reached a new milestone. The Telegraph, one of Britain’s most influential newspapers, named President Hakainde Hichilema among the top five world leaders of 2025, ranking him alongside figures like Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

But what does a "World #5" ranking actually mean for the person on the streets of Lusaka or Kitwe? Let’s dive deep into the recognition that has the continent talking.

1. The Ranking: A Seat at the Global High Table

In its year-end review, The Telegraph assembled a panel of experts to identify leaders who displayed "principle under pressure." President Hichilema secured the #5 spot, specifically lauded as a "Super-president" for his fiscal discipline.

The 2025 Top 5 World Leaders (Telegraph Panellists' Choice):

Maia Sandu (Moldova) – For resisting Russian pressure.

Giorgia Meloni (Italy) – For pragmatic conservative leadership.

Javier Milei (Argentina) – For radical economic restructuring.

Ahmed al-Sharaa (Syria) – For moderating influence in a volatile region.

Hakainde Hichilema (Zambia) – For masterminding a historic economic turnaround.

2. Why the "Super-President" Label?

The international community’s fascination with Hichilema stems from his ability to fix what was once described as an "economic basket case."

Mastering the Debt Maze: By early 2026, Zambia has restructured approximately 94% of its eligible external debt. This move has cleared the path for a sovereign credit upgrade to B-minus by Fitch and CCC+ by S&P, signaling to the world that Zambia is officially "open for business" again.

Diplomatic Acrobatics: The Telegraph highlighted Hichilema’s skill in navigating the "Trump-Xi" era. He has successfully kept both Washington and Beijing at the table, ensuring that the Lobito Corridor project and Chinese mining investments move forward simultaneously without compromising Zambia's sovereignty.

The Mining Renaissance: Under Hichilema, mining is no longer just a legacy industry; it is a growth engine. Major expansions, such as First Quantum Minerals' $1.25 billion upgrade at Kansanshi and Barrick’s $2 billion Lumwana expansion, are positioning Zambia to hit historic production levels in 2026.

3. By the Numbers: The 2026 Economic Outlook

The global praise is backed by hard data from the IMF and World Bank.

GDP Growth: Projected to accelerate to 6.4% in 2026.

Inflation: Expected to ease to 9.2% by the end of the year, down from double digits in 2025.

Fiscal Surplus: For the first time in years, the overall fiscal balance is projected to reach a surplus of 2.7% of GDP in 2026.

4. The Local Reality: "Foreign Headlines Don't Fill Stomachs"

Despite the international "Super-president" tag, the domestic narrative is more nuanced. Local critics and opposition leaders like Brian Mundubile have noted that while the President basks in global applause, many Zambians still face:

High Cost of Living: Prices for essential goods remain elevated.

The Energy Crisis: Severe load shedding caused by the 2024–2025 drought continues to hamper small businesses.

Unemployment: Job creation, particularly for the youth, is the primary demand as we head toward the August 2026 elections.

5. Looking Ahead: The 2026 "Must-Win"

President Hichilema has declared 2026 a "must-win" year for the nation’s development trajectory. With the 2026 budget focusing heavily on energy diversification (solar and coal projects worth $900 million) and the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks, the administration is racing to ensure that global praise translates into local prosperity.

Final Thoughts

Being ranked the 5th best leader in the world is a massive PR victory that puts Zambia on the map for investors. However, as the 2026 elections approach, the "Super-president" will need to prove he can be a hero at home just as much as he is a star abroad.

What do you think? Does the international ranking match your experience on the ground, or is there still too much "pain" in the recovery? Leave a comment below!

Understanding Severance Pay in Zambia: A Comprehensive Guide for Employees and Employers

Introduction Losing a job is never easy, especially when it's unexpected. For many Zambian workers, severance pay serves as a crucial financial cushion, helping them stay afloat as they search for new employment. However, many employees are unaware of their rights, leading to unfair treatment by some employers. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about severance pay in Zambia—what it is, who qualifies, how it’s calculated, and the legal steps to take if an employer refuses to pay. Understanding Severance Pay in Zambia What is Severance Pay? Severance pay is a financial benefit given to employees whose contracts are terminated under qualifying circumstances, such as redundancy, retrenchment, or early retirement. It is not a favor from employers —it is a right protected by Zambian labor laws. Why is Severance Pay Important? Provides financial stability while searching for a new job. Acknowledges years of service to the company. Prevents unfair dismissal by...

Government Releases 2025 Grade 7 and Grade 9 Examination Results: What the Numbers Really Mean for Zambia’s Education System

On December 22, 2025, the Zambian Government officially released the 2025 Grade 7 and Grade 9 examination results, marking a critical moment for thousands of learners, parents, and schools across the country. The announcement, made by Minister of Education Douglas Syakalima at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Lusaka, was described as both a “Christmas and New Year gift” to the nation and a reflection of ongoing reforms within the education sector. For many families, the release of these results is more than just an academic update. It represents hope, anxiety, relief, and preparation for the next stage of a child’s educational journey. This year’s results also offer deeper insight into participation levels, progression rates, gender performance trends, and the effectiveness of policy changes introduced by the government. Timely Release and Parental Preparedness Minister Syakalima emphasized that the examinations were processed and released on time to allow parents and guardian...

🕊️ ECL FAMILY CONFIRMS PRIVATE BURIAL IN SOUTH AFRICA — ZAMBIA REACTS 🇿🇲🇿🇦

By BalanceHub4 The family of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu has officially announced that his funeral and burial will be held privately in Johannesburg, South Africa , as per his and the family’s wishes. In a heartfelt press statement issued by Hon. Makebi Zulu , the family expressed gratitude to the Government of South Africa for its support, and thanked President Cyril Ramaphosa and Minister Ronald Lamola for honouring their space to mourn in peace. They emphasized that the decision was deeply personal — grounded in emotion, privacy, and dignity. 🗣️ But Here’s What We Think at BalanceHub4: We understand and respect the family’s pain, and yes — they have the right to decide how and where to say goodbye. But we must speak a truth that many Zambians are feeling today: 👉🏾 President Lungu was not just a family man — he was a national leader. 👉🏾 He carried Zambia’s flag on his shoulders, led our people through storms, and deserves to be mourned by the very ...

BalanceHub4

Search This Blog