Sudanese-British billionaire Mo Ibrahim warns Zambia’s President Hichilema not to squander his democratic legacy amid post-election tensions

In a comment to Business Insider Africa, Ibrahim said recent political developments had raised concerns about the strength of Zambia’s institutions and the country’s long-standing reputation for peaceful democratic transitions.

“Mr President, your first mandate was defined by progress. Do not waste what you have achieved,” Ibrahim said.

“We are watching post-presidential election developments in Zambia with deep concern.”

The warning follows a tense period after Zambia’s August presidential election, including the arrest of opposition figures, the killing of former Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya and the temporary suspension of vote counting.

The closure of some of Zambia’s highest courts, including the Constitutional Court, shortly before the deadline for challenging the election result also drew criticism.

For Ibrahim, those developments matter beyond the election itself.

“Elections are of course a key test of democracy. But the test extends beyond what happens at the ballot box.”

“The arbitrary arrest of opposition members; the killing of a former minister; and the suspension of vote counting: these should never happen in a true democracy.”

He added: “The recent decision to close Zambia’s top courts, including the Constitutional Court, just before the deadline for challenging the election result, only adds to the mess.”

Opposition leader Brian Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, have also been questioned by police over alleged treason, adding to concerns about the political climate.

The developments are significant for Zambia because political stability has long been one of the country’s strengths.

The copper-rich southern African nation has built a reputation for competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and relative institutional stability.

That record also matters economically as Zambia seeks more foreign investment in mining, energy and infrastructure while recovering from a prolonged debt crisis.

Political uncertainty, pressure on state institutions and concerns over the rule of law could therefore weaken investor confidence.

Hichilema came to power in 2021 after defeating then-President Edgar Lungu, in a transition widely viewed as another milestone in Zambia’s democratic history.

“Zambia has a proud legacy of competitive elections, peaceful transfers of power and respect for constitutional processes. This legacy was built over decades. It has been showcased as a model to follow,” Ibrahim said.

“Mr President: your own legacy could be just as strong. But no legacy can be taken for granted. It must be protected and strengthened from one mandate to the next.”

He added: “It would be a waste and a shame for it all to crumble now.”

Ibrahim has spent nearly two decades advocating stronger institutions, accountable leadership and good governance across Africa.

The Sudanese-British businessman made his fortune after founding telecommunications company Celtel before establishing the Mo Ibrahim Foundation in 2006.

The foundation produces the Ibrahim Index of African Governance and runs the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, which recognises former African heads of state who demonstrate strong leadership and leave office democratically.

His intervention puts Zambia’s political tensions in a wider African context, where governments are under pressure to protect strong institutions while pursuing economic growth and investment.