President William Ruto has urged Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema to use his second term to transform economic stability into greater prosperity and opportunities for citizens.
Speaking in Lusaka on September 1, 2026, during Hichilema’s inauguration for a second term, Ruto congratulated the Zambian leader and called for stronger democratic institutions, national unity and economic transformation across Africa.
Ruto said Zambia’s longstanding principle of “One Zambia, One Nation” carried an important lesson for the continent, particularly on how nations should handle political competition.
“Democracy is not tested when we agree. Democracy is tested when we disagree,” Ruto said.
He said elections should determine who governs but should not determine who belongs to a nation.
“Elections are designed to settle who governs. They should never determine who belongs,” he said.
Ruto expressed confidence that Hichilema would govern for all Zambians during his second term, including those who voted against him and those who support the opposition.
“Political competition may divide our choices. It must never divide our destiny,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President said the challenge facing Africa extended beyond political democracy to economic transformation.
He noted that Africa has land, energy, minerals and a young population that could drive development if properly harnessed.
“The challenge before us, therefore, is not the absence of resources. It is how we use these resources to create opportunities and wealth,” Ruto said.
He said African governments must turn political freedom into economic freedom while creating jobs, incomes, quality education, healthcare and opportunities for young people.
Ruto also warned that political instability could undermine economic development, arguing that businesses need certainty and investors require trusted institutions.
“Africa cannot industrialise if every election becomes a moment of national uncertainty,” he said.
He added that constitutional government, credible institutions, the rule of law and national unity were “foundations of prosperity.”
Ruto linked his message to Kenya’s own political calendar, noting that the country will hold a General Election next year.
“We therefore speak not as spectators, and certainly not as lecturers, but as fellow Africans travelling the same democratic path,” he said.
He called for peaceful political competition, credible institutions, respect for the law and respect for the sovereign voice of citizens.
The President also praised Hichilema’s first term, citing progress in addressing Zambia’s debt crisis and restoring confidence in the economy.
He said Zambia had assumed Hichilema’s administration with the country already in debt default and subsequently faced a cost of living crisis, drought and energy shortages.
According to Ruto, Zambia had made progress in resolving the debt crisis, while international reserves had risen and inflation had fallen.
He also highlighted the expansion of free education from early childhood through secondary school, saying it had opened access to learning for millions more Zambian children.
Ruto said Kenya would continue walking with Zambia, with the relationship increasingly measured through trade, investment, infrastructure, markets, jobs and opportunities.
He further called for greater African industrialisation and intra African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Africa must industrialise. Africa must manufacture. Africa must add value to what it produces, and Africa must trade with Africa,” he said.
Ruto concluded by urging Hichilema to use his second mandate to strengthen Zambia’s unity and expand opportunities.
“They gave us freedom. Our duty is to turn that freedom into prosperity,” he said.