By Ebi Kesiena
President Hakainde Hichilema has dismissed two members of his cabinet in a move that signals a fresh shake-up within his administration. The affected officials are Health Minister Elijah Muchimba and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Minister Elias Mubanga.
The announcement was made by Presidential spokesperson Clayson Hamasaka, who said the president had thanked the ministers for their service to the nation. He added that replacements would be appointed “in due course.” No official reasons were provided for the sudden dismissals.
Muchimba, appointed in 2023, had been at the forefront of efforts to stabilise Zambia’s public health system, which continues to grapple with persistent drug shortages, underfunded facilities, and overstretched hospital infrastructure. His tenure coincided with renewed government commitments to improving primary healthcare delivery and restoring public confidence in the sector.
Mubanga, also appointed in 2023, was responsible for advancing policies aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The SME portfolio is central to Hichilema’s broader economic reform agenda, which prioritises job creation, entrepreneurship, and private sector-led growth as pathways to national economic recovery.
