Battle Lines How to deal with Trump, China and debt: the African country getting it right
Jan 7, 2026
Ben Farmer, The Telegraph's Africa correspondent, discusses his insights from Zambia, where President Hakainde Hichilema is redefining the nation's economic strategies amid global shifts. They explore Zambia's debt challenges, the impact of austerity measures on healthcare and education, and Hichilema's balancing act between Chinese and Western interests for copper resources. Farmer highlights the realities of US aid cuts, the urgent need for local health budget increases, and the intricate dance of geopolitical influences shaping Africa's future.
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Debt Restructuring As A Policy Priority
- Zambia's president prioritised debt restructuring to create fiscal space for health and education spending.
- Ben Farmer describes the debt mountain as the central obstacle to Zambia's recovery and reform agenda.
Debt Crowds Out Social Spending
- Debt repayments were crowding out spending on hospitals and schools before reform.
- Restructuring gave Hichilema “headroom” to reallocate funds toward development priorities.
Teachers Hired And Fees Removed
- Hichilema hired tens of thousands of teachers and removed school fees to expand access to education.
- Mining investment rose as debt became manageable, increasing jobs and production in Zambia's copper sector.