The honour recognises distinguished leadership and a sustained commitment to Zambia’s economic transformation, particularly through the revitalisation of the mining sector, restoration of investor confidence and advancement of sustainable national development.

At the time President Hichilema assumed office in August 2021, the mining sector was characterised by declining copper production, subdued investor confidence, dormant assets and rising socio-economic pressure in mining communities. Since then, a series of strategic interventions have contributed to the revival of key mining operations, the resolution of long-standing investor disputes, and the restoration of Zambia’s position as a competitive global mining destination.

Among the notable developments are the recapitalisation of Mopani Copper Mines with over US$1 billion, progress in resolving operational challenges at Konkola Copper Mines, and major investments such as the Kansanshi S3 Expansion Project valued at approximately US$1.25 billion. Across the sector, production and investor activity have shown measurable recovery, signalling renewed stability and long-term growth prospects.

In receiving the award, President Hichilema expressed gratitude and dedicated the recognition to the people of Zambia.

“We accept this recognition with deep gratitude and dedicate it to the resilient people of Zambia, whose trust, hard work, and aspirations continue to inspire our journey of service and national development,” he stated.

The conferment adds to a growing body of recognition from both local and international academic institutions, including the Doctor of Humane Letters (Honoris Causa) from Valley View University in Ghana (2023), an honorary doctorate from Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom (2024), a Doctor of Business Administration (Honoris Causa) from the University of Zambia (2024), a Doctor of Agribusiness (Honoris Causa) from Mulungushi University (2025), and, an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Effective Leadership from ZCAS University (2026), reflecting a leadership increasingly acknowledged within the academy.

The Higher Education Authority (HEA) notes that such recognition underscores the important relationship between national leadership and higher education, where policy direction, research and innovation converge to drive development.

The ceremony also reflected continued engagement with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with the President handing over a well-equipped ambulance to CBU to support health services for students and staff.

This intervention highlights the broader understanding of quality higher education, which extends beyond academic programmes to include the learning environment, student welfare and institutional capacity.

As Zambia advances its development agenda, the Authority recognises the central role of higher education in shaping a skilled, resilient and forward-looking nation.

Furthermore, As Zambia continues to pursue value addition, industrial growth and a 24-hour economy, the link between higher education and strategic sectors such as mining becomes even more pronounced. Universities are not just centres of learning, but engines of national development.

HEA joins the nation in congratulating the President on this honour and commends the Copperbelt University for recognising leadership that continues to shape Zambia’s development trajectory.

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