| President of the Republic of Zambia | |
|---|---|
 Presidential Flag | |
since 24 August 2021 | |
| Status | Head of state Head of government |
| Residence | State House |
| Term length | 5 years, renewable once |
| Inaugural holder | Kenneth Kaunda |
| Formation | 24 October 1964 |
| Deputy | Vice-President of Zambia |
| Salary | 1,280,299 Zambian kwacha/63,100 USD annually[1] |
| Website | https://www.sh.gov.zm/ |
 |
|---|
 Zambia portal |
The President of the Republic of Zambia is the head of state and head of government of Zambia and is the highest executive authority in the country. The President is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and is responsible for the administration of the government, overseeing the implementation of national policies, and representing Zambia in international affairs. The office was established at Zambia's independence in 1964. The current President is Hakainde Hichilema, who assumed office on August 24, 2021, following the 2021 presidential election where his party, the United Party for National Development, won a majority. The President's role includes appointing the Cabinet, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Zambian Defence Force, and ensuring the enforcement of laws.
The office was first held by Kenneth Kaunda following independence in 1964. Since 1991, when Kaunda left the presidency, the office has been held by seven others: Frederick Chiluba, Levy Mwanawasa, Rupiah Banda, Michael Sata, Edgar Lungu and the current president Hakainde Hichilema. In addition, acting president Guy Scott served in an interim capacity after the death of President Michael Sata.
Since 31 August 1991 the president is also the head of government, as the position of Prime Minister was abolished in the last months of Kaunda's presidential term following negotiations with opposition parties.