Rwanda President Paul Kagame has congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on securing a second term and commended Zambia’s government and citizens following the 13 August general election.
Key takeaways
- President Paul Kagame has sent congratulations to President Hakainde Hichilema following his re-election.
- Kagame commended Zambia’s government and citizens for the conduct of the general election.
- Hichilema won about 60% of the presidential vote, while Brian Mundubile received approximately 38%.
- European Union observers said polling was generally calm but raised concerns about campaign conditions and vote tabulation.
- The message contains no new trade or investment commitments between Zambia and Rwanda.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election as President of Zambia.
In his congratulatory message, Kagame also commended the Zambian government and its citizens following the general election. The message adds Rwanda to the countries that have formally recognised Hichilema’s second-term victory after the 13 August vote.
Hichilema secures a second term
The Electoral Commission of Zambia declared Hichilema the winner on 18 August. He obtained about 60% of the presidential vote, while his main challenger, Brian Mundubile, received approximately 38%, according to results reported by the Associated Press.
Zambia’s State House subsequently confirmed that Hichilema had secured another five-year mandate.
Kagame’s description of the election reflects the diplomatic tone of congratulatory messages sent after a recognised result. Independent observers offered a more qualified assessment.
The European Union Election Observation Mission said election day was calm overall and voting was generally conducted efficiently. It also reported unequal campaign conditions, serious incidents and procedural problems during counting and tabulation. The EU called for disputes to be handled through Zambia’s established legal procedures. Read the EU statement.
What the message means for Zambia-Rwanda relations
The congratulatory message signals continuity in relations between Lusaka and Kigali but does not announce a new policy, investment or bilateral agreement.
Kagame visited Zambia in April 2022, when the two governments signed memoranda covering taxation, immigration, health, investment promotion, agriculture, fisheries and livestock. The Government of Rwanda said the two presidents agreed to strengthen bilateral relations.
Hichilema made a reciprocal state visit to Rwanda in June 2023. Zambia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the visit was intended to reinforce cooperation and advance partnerships for development.
The practical test during Hichilema’s second term will be whether those agreements produce easier trade, investment and administrative cooperation between the two countries.
What businesses and investors should watch
For businesses, Kagame’s message supports expectations of stable diplomatic relations with Rwanda. It should not, on its own, be treated as evidence of a change in trade rules or a new investment opportunity.
Companies operating between the two markets should instead watch for implementation measures arising from the existing agreements, particularly those concerning taxation, immigration, agriculture and investment promotion.
For investors, Hichilema’s re-election provides political continuity. His administration must still address pressure from the cost of living, electricity shortages and demands for the benefits of economic recovery to reach more households and businesses.
Kagame’s message is politically relevant, but its immediate economic effect is limited.
Related coverage
- Read Zambia’s economic outlook after the 2026 election.
- Review the Zambia Election 2026 voter guide.
- Explore organisations in the Zambia Business Directory and upcoming business events.
- Read how National Heroes Stadium is being prepared for Hichilema’s inauguration.
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