Zambia: Hichilema reappoints Musokotwane as Finance Minister after reelection

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema reappointed Situmbeko Musokotwane as Minister of Finance and National Planning on Monday, September 14, 2026, during the swearing-in ceremony for the first members of his new government following his reelection for a second term.

Musokotwane was among the four ministers appointed and sworn in on Monday. Mulambo Haimbe returns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Gilbert Siame takes on the Green Economy and Environment portfolio, while Roma Chilengi is appointed to the Ministry of Health.

Situmbeko Musokotwane has led the Finance Ministry since 2021. During Hichilema’s first term, he oversaw lengthy debt restructuring negotiations initiated after Zambia defaulted during the Covid-19 pandemic.

His reappointment comes as Lusaka seeks to finalize a new program with the International Monetary Fund before the end of the year.

Hakainde Hichilema won the presidential election on August 13 and was sworn in on September 1 for a second five-year term. His announced agenda for this new term, dubbed Grow Zambia, emphasizes wealth creation and economic growth.