Mushimba Proposes Merit-Based Cabinet, Urges Hichilema To Look Beyond Political Affiliations

Brian Mushimba has urged President Hakainde Hichilema to consider a merit-based approach as he finalises his Cabinet, arguing that Zambia should identify its best-qualified citizens regardless of their political affiliation.

Mushimba says his preferred model would create a database of about 200 highly qualified Zambians across strategic fields including finance, economics, mining, energy, agriculture, medicine, engineering, technology, artificial intelligence, education and law.

He proposes assessing candidates through a transparent 100-point competency matrix to identify the strongest two or three people for each ministry, who would then undergo further scrutiny, including parliamentary consideration, before appointments are made.

“We unapologetically believe that Zambia must build its government on merit/competence rather than political patronage,” Mushimba said. He argued that bringing the country’s best expertise into Government could improve delivery and potentially serve as a unifying step for Zambia.