WHEN President Hakainde Hichilema assented to Bill 7 on December 18, 2025, following its passage by the National Assembly, it was not just Zambia’s democracy that was being strengthened, but also the country’s economic environment.
Act 13, as the law is now known, is by far more than just a routine amendment. Apart from embedding continuity in key offices and widening citizen participation, the law ensures that governance remains stable during political transitions and that ordinary Zambians have a stronger voice in shaping the country’s future.
Act 13 keeps the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General in office even after elections, until new ones are appointed. In the past, changes in government sometimes left gaps in legal leadership, creating confusion and slowing down the work of public institutions. This new rule ensures that the Government always has legal advice and representation, no matter what happens during political transitions.
As governance expert Mutale Chilufya explains, this continuity clause is a safeguard against uncertainty. It means the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General can keep performing their functions after elections, preventing paralysis in Government. This strengthens the rule of law and gives confidence that institutions will continue to function smoothly.
Aside from that, the new law helps to boost investor confidence.
Elias Mulenga from Governance and Development Advocates Zambia noted that businesses want predictability.
When investors know that the Government’s legal position will remain stable even during political changes, they are more likely to commit resources to Zambia. This stability is key to ensure investment inflows, promoting trade and expanding industries.
Key in the new law is the introduction of proportional representation, which is a big step toward inclusive governance.
Gender activist Mary Kunda hails this system as one that will allow more women, youths and marginalised groups to take part in decision-making. For many years, Zambia’s political system has struggled with imbalances, especially when it comes to women’s representation.
Proportional representation gives parties the chance to nominate candidates who reflect the diversity of the country.
This change is not just about fairness; it is about building a stronger democracy. When more voices are heard in Parliament and local councils, policies are more likely to reflect the needs of all citizens. An inclusive system helps break cycles of inequality, especially for women and young people, who have often been left out of leadership roles.
The new law sends a strong signal about Zambia’s commitment to strengthening democracy, stabilising governance, and creating an environment conducive for businesses. It also shows commitment to social justice by ensuring that women and marginalised groups have a fair chance to participate in leadership.
By going beyond mere rhetoric and enacting this law, Zambia has shown that the country is serious about moving forward with stability, inclusivity and growth. In widening political representation, as the law has done, a foundation for both economic progress and stronger democracy is laid.
As the country moves toward the implementation of this law, we urge citizens to acquaint themselves with its provisions so that they understand what to expect as Government begins its enforcement.
We further call on political parties to respect and adhere to the requirements of the law by making their structures more inclusive, in line with its spirit and intent.
Act 13: Step toward stability, inclusion
WHEN President Hakainde Hichilema assented to Bill 7 on December 18, 2025, following its passage by the National Assembly, it was not just Zambia’s democracy that was being strengthened, but also the country’s economic environment.
Act 13, as the law is now known, is by far more than just a routine amendment. Apart from embedding continuity in key offices and widening citizen participation, the law ensures that governance remains stable during political transitions and that ordinary Zambians have a stronger voice in shaping the country’s future.
Act 13 keeps the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General in office even after elections, until new ones are appointed. In the past, changes in government sometimes left gaps in legal leadership, creating confusion and slowing down the work of public institutions. This new rule ensures that the Government always has legal advice and representation, no matter what happens during political transitions.
As governance expert Mutale Chilufya explains, this continuity clause is a safeguard against uncertainty. It means the Attorney-General and Solicitor-General can keep performing their functions after elections, preventing paralysis in Government. This strengthens the rule of law and gives confidence that institutions will continue to function smoothly.
Aside from that, the new law helps to boost investor confidence.
Elias Mulenga from Governance and Development Advocates Zambia noted that businesses want predictability.
When investors know that the Government’s legal position will remain stable even during political changes, they are more likely to commit resources to Zambia. This stability is key to ensure investment inflows, promoting trade and expanding industries.
Key in the new law is the introduction of proportional representation, which is a big step toward inclusive governance.
Gender activist Mary Kunda hails this system as one that will allow more women, youths and marginalised groups to take part in decision-making. For many years, Zambia’s political system has struggled with imbalances, especially when it comes to women’s representation.
Proportional representation gives parties the chance to nominate candidates who reflect the diversity of the country.
This change is not just about fairness; it is about building a stronger democracy. When more voices are heard in Parliament and local councils, policies are more likely to reflect the needs of all citizens. An inclusive system helps break cycles of inequality, especially for women and young people, who have often been left out of leadership roles.
The new law sends a strong signal about Zambia’s commitment to strengthening democracy, stabilising governance, and creating an environment conducive for businesses. It also shows commitment to social justice by ensuring that women and marginalised groups have a fair chance to participate in leadership.
By going beyond mere rhetoric and enacting this law, Zambia has shown that the country is serious about moving forward with stability, inclusivity and growth. In widening political representation, as the law has done, a foundation for both economic progress and stronger democracy is laid.
As the country moves toward the implementation of this law, we urge citizens to acquaint themselves with its provisions so that they understand what to expect as Government begins its enforcement.
We further call on political parties to respect and adhere to the requirements of the law by making their structures more inclusive, in line with its spirit and intent.