I only get a salary of K53,000 – President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema recently highlighted the relatively modest salary of Zambian government positions, including his own, to underscore his message about self-reliance and entrepreneurship. Here’s a summary of his remarks and the context:

1. Salary Disclosure: President Hichilema revealed that the salary for the president of Zambia is K53,000 per month. He used this figure to illustrate that government jobs, including high-profile positions like the presidency, do not offer substantial financial rewards compared to what some might expect.
2. Encouragement to Invest: The President encouraged Zambians to focus on entrepreneurial ventures rather than relying on government employment. He emphasized that investment in sectors like energy, particularly in the context of ongoing challenges such as drought, can be more rewarding and sustainable. Hichilema suggested that instead of lamenting over lack of government jobs, citizens should consider forming business ventures, especially in the energy sector.
3. Call for Diaspora Investment: Hichilema also called on Zambians living abroad to invest in their home country. He noted that Zambians in the diaspora have access to lower-cost capital in their host countries and could pool resources to invest in local projects, such as those in the energy sector.
4. Support for Energy Sector: The President highlighted the potential for significant returns from investments in energy, particularly in projects that generate power, like the proposed five-megawatt ventures. He encouraged banks to develop attractive financial packages to facilitate investment in this sector.
5. Regulatory and Legal Reforms: Hichilema mentioned that the government has already implemented regulatory and legal reforms to make the energy sector more attractive to investors. He challenged experts and entrepreneurs to come up with innovative solutions to address the country’s energy challenges.