LUSAKA – With the 2026 general elections looming, Zambian political corridors are buzzing with speculation that President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) of the United Party for National Development (UPND) is strategizing a major recalibration of his running mate. The widely expected move to replace current Vice President Ms. Mutale Nalumango is seen as an attempt to appeal to a broader national demographic, specifically by securing a more advantageous geographical balance and re-energizing the party’s commitment to gender representation.
The search is a high-stakes political chess game, weighing experience, regional influence, gender, and youth appeal against the ever-present threat of internal political rivals.
While Ms. Nalumango’s tenure has been marked by stability, her potential replacement must be a figure who can deliver a significant political dividend. The possibility of another woman on the ticket is a major consideration, given the pivotal role of female voters and the administration’s stated commitment to gender equality.
- Hon. Nelly Mutti: As the Speaker of the National Assembly, she commands respect and has demonstrated institutional gravitas. Elevating the highest-ranking woman in the legislative arm to the executive could be a powerful statement of continuity and competence.
- Hon. Mulambo Haimbe: Currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, his recent elevation to this critical role indicates the President’s faith in his capabilities. However, the UPND could look to balance his promotion by ensuring a senior woman occupies the VP spot.
- A “Non-Political” Wildcard: Dr. Monde Muyangwa: A significant name emerging from outside mainstream politics is Dr. Monde Muyangwa, the Zambian-born Assistant Administrator for the Africa Bureau at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Her high-level international portfolio, deep understanding of development economics, and clean political slate offer a technocratic and globally appealing candidate, circumventing internal party battles. This move would mirror HH’s own image as a non-traditional, technocratically-focused leader.
- Hon. Cornelius Mweetwa: The Minister of Information and Media remains a strong candidate due to his eloquent defence of the government and his strong national profile, offering both political experience and regional influence.
- Hon. Stanley Kakubo: The former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is also being considered. Despite the controversy surrounding his resignation, his previous cabinet experience and position as a key figure from a crucial non-traditional UPND support base make him a tactical consideration.
- Hon. Ambrose Lufuma: The Minister of Defence is a reliable and experienced hand whose seniority could provide the ticket with a much-needed ballast of political maturity.
The Gary Nkombo Factor
Significantly, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gary Nkombo, a long-serving UPND loyalist, is viewed by some political insiders as a potential threat to the President’s authority, given his political clout and strong following within the party. Unconfirmed reports suggest the possibility of offering him a high-profile diplomatic assignment abroad, a common political tactic used to gracefully remove a powerful figure from the domestic political landscape and the running mate race, ensuring a consolidated base ahead of 2026.
Jito Kayumba: The Youth Appeal and the Age Old Question
The final, and most daring, candidate remains Jito Kayumba, Special Assistant to the President for Finance and Investment.
His undeniable strong youth appeal and background in investment are perfectly aligned with President Hichilema’s emphasis on economic reform and engaging the country’s young demographic. However, the debate remains: are Zambians ready to see youth ascend to the top tier of executive power?
The general political culture in Zambia—and in the main opposition Patriotic Front (PF) as it seeks a leader to replace Edgar Lungu—favours political veterans. Young people are not typically considered for the Presidency or Vice Presidency. The UPND’s decision on Kayumba will test whether the “New Dawn” administration is truly committed to generational change or if it will ultimately revert to a safety-first, age-based selection model, particularly when the youth are not even being looked at by the PF for its own succession battle.
The President’s choice will not just be about a running mate; it will be a clear signal of the UPND’s strategic priorities and its vision for Zambia’s future leadership.