New government structure approved

Zambia's president, Hakainde Hichilema, has approved a new government structure that separates several key portfolios, including Electricity and Oil, Trade and Exports, and Industry, as well as Skills, Higher Education, and Education. This reorganization is intended to better align government operations with the nation's development goals.

Ministers appointed in reorganization

President Hichilema appointed 24 ministers on October 28 as part of the government reorganization. The reform, approved by Parliament the previous day, increases the number of ministries to 30 and changes the distribution of several portfolios. This follows Hichilema's re-election in August for a second term.

Energy and education portfolios split

A major change in the reorganization is the division of the Energy ministry into two entities: Electricity, led by Peter Kapala, and Oil, directed by Makozo Chikote. Education and training portfolios are also restructured, with Douglas Syakalima overseeing Skills and Higher Education, and Harry Kamboni appointed to Education.

Other ministerial appointments

Other changes include the appointment of Likando Mufalali to Youth and Sports, Christopher Chibuye to Culture and Arts, Collins Nzovu to Infrastructure, Patrick Mucheleka to Lands, and Gift Sialubalo to Local Administration. Brenda Tambatamba, previously in charge of Labour and Social Security, now leads the Ministry of Mines.

Previous appointments and economic context

Four ministers were already appointed in September, including Situmbeko Musokotwane to Finance, Mulambo Haimbe to Foreign Affairs, Roma Chilengi to Health, and Gilbert Siame to Green Economy and Environment. This reorganization comes as Zambia seeks to accelerate its economic program called "Grow Zambia," amid pressing needs for infrastructure and energy, and reliance on copper exports.

Economic significance of copper

According to the US Geological Survey, mining and quarrying contributed 17.4% of Zambia's GDP in 2024. Copper exports totaled around 7.5 billion dollars that year, accounting for nearly 66% of the country's total merchandise exports.

Reorganization and IMF discussions

The government aims to improve management and efficiency by separating key portfolios. This reform also coincides with discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding a new three-year financing program worth 1.47 billion dollars. A preliminary agreement was reached on October 9, 2026, pending approval by the IMF's Board of Directors and the implementation of prior measures.