A number of African leaders are expected in Zambia today, Monday, for the swearing in ceremony of the country’s president-elect Hakainde Hichilema.

The Electoral Commission declared Hichilema, 59, winner of the August 12 presidential election after securing 2.8 million votes defeating incumbent President Edgar Lungu.

Some of the leaders that are expected to attend the ceremony include Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi, President Lazarus Chakwera of Malawi and Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Hichilema has already received congratulatory messages from other African leaders, including Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari.

Hichilema, who had lost five past elections, will be faced with the task of saving Zambia's economy, a major pledge during his campaigns.