Conventional sense dictates that you do not mix business with politics so as not to alienate some customers or shareholders whose political inclinations might differ. This has changed in recent times, as many businessmen have ventured into politics and are doing well. In fact, Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia’s opposition leader, believes they are the kind of people Africa needs to grow its economies. But why is he so convinced this is the right way?

Better policy making 

The 52-year-old billionaire said the country’s former president Michael Sata, who died last October, had been “too emotional” in his approach. “If he was a father to Zambians then I will be a CEO,” he told UK’s The Telegraph. “Africa needs businessmen who don’t need to make a living from politics but go into it to help grow African economies.”

Hichilema, who is Zambia’s richest man, believes most of the policies developed by businessmen have certain characteristics that ooze success. Some of which include result-driven, objectivity, and a bit of realism.

Challenges come with the territory 

Popularly called HH, the man, who prides himself as Zambia’s second-largest cattle rancher and rumoured to be worth over $72 million, says he is not a lifetime politician like late Sata. “I’m not and I don’t want to be.” He however asked for a maximum of 10 years, “then I’m out.” He thinks businessmen treat public office as another business challenge which is short-lived.

He promised free primary and secondary education for the former British protectorate’s poorest, cutting red tape to attract more investment in its mining sector, and also cut the size and budget of the cabinet, as well as corruption. But he has to beat the candidate of the Patriotic Front (PF), Edgar Lungu. The 58-year-old replaced Sata as head of the ruling party.

Hichilema has vied for presidency thrice and lost, but his popularity has grown and gives him a chance against the 10 other presidential candidates. One thing that may however work against him is the accusation that he is a Freemason and even a Satanist. This, though considered fickle outside Zambia, may cost him the presidency with Zambia’s over 14 million people predominantly Christians.

HH however dismissed the accusations, branding them “all lies.” He added that “the PF has now paid the farmers days before the election, they are copying my policy promises and are chasing us around the country trying to get bigger crowds at rallies. We are winning this election and they know it.”

He told The Telegraph that he would look after the people the way they want and will not ignore them. He also vowed to look after the poor as he gave out bundles of cash to people begging at the airstrip in the industrial city of Chingola.

Not just poverty, “but we will also look after business. You cannot do one without the other,” Hichilema said.

Zambia’s presidential election is currently ongoing.

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