Edinburgh, Scotland, June 20, 2024 – President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia received an honorary Doctorate of the University from Heriot-Watt University, recognizing his transformative leadership and dedication to education. The ceremony, held at the Edinburgh Business School, saw Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Williams praise Hichilema’s profound impact on Zambian society.
Professor Williams highlighted Hichilema’s commitment to free education in Zambia, which has enabled over 1.6 million young people to access schooling. He described Hichilema as a leader who exemplifies dedication, resilience, and foresight, and noted his significant contributions to both business and governance in Zambia.
Hichilema’s career spans roles as CEO of Coopers and Lybrand Zambia and Grant Thornton Zambia, as well as numerous key positions in business and investment. Despite facing imprisonment and allegations of treason, his unwavering demand for democratic processes and transparency has driven significant governance reforms in Zambia.
In his acceptance speech, Hichilema dedicated the honorary degree to his family and the Zambian people. He emphasized education as a human right and a powerful equalizer, recounting his own journey from a small village to the presidency. Hichilema also called for global cooperation to address climate change and hunger, inviting Heriot-Watt University’s community to support Zambia’s initiatives.
Hichilema highlighted Zambia’s recent achievements, including the recruitment of over 39,000 teachers and the construction of numerous schools through increased local development spending. He also mentioned Zambia’s successful debt restructuring, becoming the first country under the G20 framework to qualify for such an initiative, and thanked the UK government for its support.
