Iran: The Latest 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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
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.
Copper Puts Zambia On A Tightrope
- Zambia sits on large copper reserves that both China and the West urgently want for electrification.
- Hichilema must balance competing demands without alienating either side to protect Zambia's interests.