Zambians Turn to Prayer Amid Drought and Economic Challenges

By Ollus Ndomu

At the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has joined government officials, church leaders, and citizens in a national prayer event for rains. The country faces a severe energy crisis, soaring food prices, and fears of another drought following last season’s inadequate rainfall.

The service is centered on 2 Chronicles 7:14, with leaders urging collective humility and repentance to seek divine intervention. The event reflects the deep integration of faith in Zambia’s approach to national crises, with clergy calling for unity and hope amid mounting challenges.

Zambia’s agriculture, heavily reliant on consistent rainfall, has suffered significant setbacks, triggering food insecurity and economic strain. Energy production, dependent on hydropower, has also been crippled, leading to prolonged power outages and further economic instability.

The prayer service is seen as a symbol of solidarity, but critics emphasize the need for tangible solutions to mitigate climate vulnerability, diversify the energy sector, and stabilize the economy. Faith, they say, must be paired with decisive policy actions.

📸: Falcon

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Ollus Ndhomu

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