President Hakainde Hichilema has maintained a deliberately lean cabinet following his official inauguration.

Swearing in his first four key ministers, the President issued explicit directives targeting fiscal discipline, economic diplomacy, green growth, and patient-centred healthcare – all framed as foundational pillars of the "Grow Zambia Agenda".

The four ministers sworn in were Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane at Finance and National Planning, Mulambo Haimbe at Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr. Gilbert Siame at Green Economy and Environment, and Prof. Roma Chilengi at Health.

Now, a letter to the National Assembly, signed by State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, invokes Article 92 (2) (d) of the Constitution.

It seeks approval for the "proposed establishment, merger and dissolution of Government Ministries". Vice President Mutale Nalumango was on Tuesday expected to move the motion in the House.

The release specifies new ministries totalling 30 clustered in four pillars, namely Grow and Export with nine ministries, Connect and Build with 6 ministries, Invest in People with 6 ministries, Deliver effective government with 4 ministries and Finance and Partner with the ministry of Finance and that of Foreign Affairs only.

The UPND is expected to secure support for the motion, while opposition MPs may question the costs, staff redeployment and impact on service delivery. The proposed increase to 30 ministries is linked to the growth in the number of parliamentarians from 150 to about 230.

Once approved, the new structure will require ministerial appointments, staff transfers, and adjustments to budget allocations. These changes will be necessary to implement the revised government structure and ensure its effective operation.