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The Bank of Zambia has noted that weakening economic growth, load shedding and tightening liquidity in Zambia are threatening financial stability in the market.
And the Central Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has maintained the policy rate, a key determinant in lending rates, at 10.25 percent.
BoZ Governor Denny Kalyalya says the committee took into account projected inflation remaining above the upper bound of the 6.8 percent target range, tightened liquidity and reduced production owing to electricity challenges.
Dr. Kalyalya noted that increased food prices owing to droughts in the last farming season have also had a negative toll on inflation.
He says the above factors required the upward adjustment for the policy rate but the Central Bank had to hold it pending some measures by the Ministry of Finance.
Speaking during the MPC quarterly briefing in Lusaka today Dr. Kalyalya noted that global growth has equally weakened with demand for copper by China having reduced owing to decline in investment in emerging markets and reduction in global trade due to ongoing trade tensions between the USA and China among others.
And Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor Operations Francis Chipimo said access to finance has remained a challenge for private sector growth and investment.
Dr. Chipimo however said there are a lot of developmental issues being undertaken aimed at enabling the financial sector mobilize savings and lend money to investors with ideas.
HH and President Lungu meet at late Munkombwe’s burial in Choma
By Chimwemwe Mwanza
Vicious, vindictive and vengeful aptly describes the Zambian political arena. Former Presidents, Kenneth Kaunda, Rupiah Banda and the late Frederick Chiluba all have scars to prove this. In the 80’s, Kaunda locked up Chiluba on flimsy charges that failed to hold in a court of law. After he became Head of State, Chiluba retaliated by sending Kaunda to Mukobeko maximum prison.
The irony for Chiluba is that his handpicked successor, Levy Mwanawasa motivated Parliament to waive off the latter’s immunity thereby exposing Chiluba to several graft charges formulated by the now defunct Task Force on Corruption. With his legacy tainted by a skewed narrative, only death saved Chiluba from possible jail time. To erase his predecessor’s legacy and ensure his humiliation, the late Sata’s PF re-created this trend by consigning Rupiah to a life of court appearances.
Off significance to this conversation, UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema (HH) served time in Lilayi prison on a laughable treason charge – this at the hands of the current PF regime. For a fact, HH has never hidden his disdain for President Edgar Lungu and his stint in a tiny Lilayi prison cell has probably served to reinforce the UPND leader’s contempt for the President.
Just why such vindictiveness and blatant abuse of power seems to gratify incumbents is hard to understand. In the absence of reason, one might well speculate that this show of brutality is all about a naked flexing of political muscle – a bit more like, ‘can I show you who is the boss’. Whatever the reason, the difficulty is that this trend erodes the very democratic tenets and political maturity that Zambia is renowned for in the rest of Africa and the world over.
Which makes 2021 an interesting contest. Other than bread and butter issues, the fore mentioned factors will weigh heavily on the minds of both President Lungu and HH heading closer to the polls.
Who is likely to win?
The tiny but seismic shift in fundamentals on the ground seem to suggest that this will be a closely fought contest. Besides, recent electoral predictions across the globe – even by the most experienced pundits have gone against the grain making it even more difficult to provide an accurate outcome.
For example, in 2012, several analysts predicted an outright victory for Rupiah’s MMD only for the PF to spring a surprise. Suffice to acknowledge that, while characteristics of the Zambian electoral landscape may differ in comparison to mature democracies, there are similarities to draw from – especially in elections where the voter’s desire for change outweighs any other considerations.
Unaware of a groundswell desire for change, an over-confident former British Premier, David Cameroon called a snap referendum to determine Britain’s future in the European Union (EU). He was stunned at the outcome. Against odds, the British electorate voted for Brexit thus paving the way for what has now become Britain’s messy divorce from the EU trade block.
Humiliated by a razor thin loss to Brexit supporters, Cameroon was forced to call his time as leader of the conservative party. In yet one of the biggest election upsets of the 21st century, Donald Trump steam-rolled establishment candidate, Hillary Clinton to become the 45th President of the US. Therefore, the notion that either the PF or UPND might have an edge over the other heading towards 2021 is fallacious. Truth is, this is an election that could swing either way.
Why ECL will be desperate to win
Despite the PF’s public show of confidence, their determined focus on HH and constant whip-lashing of his perceived tribal inclinations, best illustrates their genuine fears and by extention their desperation. Rightly so, they can’t afford to be complacent. 2021 will be a referendum on their ten years in power. Be rest assured that this is one election where the PF’s well – oiled propaganda machinery will likely throw both the sink and kitchen at the UPND bearing in mind what is at stake. In fact, the proposed amendment to the constitution is intended to disadvantage the opposition ahead of the polls.
What troubles the mind is that the current constitution which the PF is attempting to discard was signed into law by the sitting President amid a jam-packed Independence stadium. Three years later, it’s tempting to ask. What has changed to warrant an amendment to this sacred document? By now, PF knows too well that the much-punted humility of their candidate might be a hard-sale more so to an electorate that appears too desperate for change. They can’t afford lethargic arguments such as they being the only party with a manifesto. Need they be reminded that having a manifesto is one thing and delivering on its content is another.
What about the promise that they would lower taxes and put more money in the pockets of the working class? Did they deliver on such including creation of job opportunities? You be the judge. The President is aware that he will be facing an electorate that is weary of rising food costs. A persistent drought over the last two seasons has only compounded the hunger situation – more so in outlying areas of the country. In addition, the policy uncertainty in mining taxation and the stand – off between government and sections of the mining community is taking its toll on economic growth. Perceptions around inaction on corruption might not help his cause either. While some of these challenges might not be, the PF’s making, the electorate always tend to punish a sitting government for their suffering – sometimes unfairly so.
Never mind whether HH has genuine or has yet to formulate charges against the PF, he has consistently warned that the PF leadership will be called to account for wrong doing once he becomes President. The tacit implication of this threat is that, HH is already extending bed spaces at Chimbokaila, Kamwala Remand and possibly Lilayi prisons for use by the PF leadership. And knowing fully well what is at stake, a possible loss is too ghastly for the PF to contemplate. For President Lungu, there will be no better motivation to win the polls than lose to a sworn rival.
Its State House or bust for HH
PF has over-exposed the country to a mountain of debt that will outlive generations to come. It is precisely why the 2021 polls will boil down to the economy. As a businessman, HH knows too well the implications of our foreign debt on the fiscus. Zambia can’t afford to keep borrowing to fund consumption and expenditure on non-productive sectors of the economy.
This is the message he has been selling the grassroots. For a fact, he has the support of the broader investment community, including some global mining giants. Most important though, the International Monetary Fund appears to have factored in his possible victory in 2021 hence their reluctance to engage the current government on a possible economic rescue package.
The question is, has the UPND leader’s message of change found resonance with the electorate? While he appeals to the affluent and middle class in Parklands, Kansenshi and Kabulonga, the grassroots in Mandevu, kwa Nagoli and Chamboli seem to be struggling to grasp his vision for the country. Be reminded that he desperately needs this voting block to win the elections.
Against the backdrop of challenges, this looks like HH’s election to lose. Fact is, he can’t afford a record of 4 election loses on the trot. Such a scenario will certainly cast him into political wilderness and the glue that’s bound the UPND together over the years will finally loosen. Is this what he wants?
It’s entirely up to him and how he manages his campaign otherwise it might just well be that he will once again fall short of expectation and hand the PF another 5 years in power. And him being such a vexatious litigant, our Supreme and Constitutional courts will likely be kept busy. Watch this space.
The author is an avid reader of political history and philosophy. He loves Nshima with game meat. For feedback contact him on kwachaoneATgmailDOTcom
In his recent article titled “Unbridled and Unrealistic Presidential Ambitions, An Achilles Heel for Political Cohesion Amongst the Opposition,” Muhabi Lungu paints a gloomy picture of opposition politics, dismissing many as delusional presidential hopefuls. While he marshals statistics to show how difficult it is to win State House, his analysis misses the real point. The crisis in Zambia’s opposition is not merely about ambition. It is about organization. And without addressing that, no amount of finger pointing will change the equation.
As of today, Zambia does not have an opposition leader who can genuinely inspire the masses. That is the blunt truth. The frustration ordinary citizens feel with government does not automatically translate into support for the opposition, because there is no figure or party that has built the kind of ground game capable of turning discontent into votes. People want change, but they also want to see seriousness in terms of structures, mobilization, and presence across the country.
Muhabi is right about one thing: unity is necessary if the opposition is to stand a chance in 2026. But unity cannot be built on air. Parties that come to the alliance table without members, without structures and without clear policies are bringing nothing to the equation. They weaken the collective rather than strengthen it. An alliance of empty shells is not a winning strategy, it is a recipe for ridicule.
And here is where Muhabi must look in the mirror. He is spokesperson of Zambia We Want, a party widely perceived by the public as having no real structures on the ground. How then can it be taken seriously in an alliance? How can it lecture other parties about maturity when it has not yet demonstrated the organizational backbone to stand on its own? Before telling others to tame their ambitions, should it not first prove that it exists beyond press statements and elite circles?
The truth is that alliances work only when parties bring something to the table. Frederick Chiluba’s MMD in 1991 was powered by the unions, real people, organized and mobilized. Michael Sata’s PF was built brick by brick, election after election, with a loyal base that never gave up.
These were not creations of wishful thinking or clever rhetoric. They were organizations rooted in communities.
So yes, the opposition must unite. But first, it must organize. The hard, unglamorous work of building branches, recruiting members and presenting credible policies must take precedence. Otherwise, talk of unity is meaningless. And no amount of condescending lectures will substitute for the structures that actually win elections.
That is why it is refreshing to see figures like Ms. Dolika Banda step onto the political scene. Muhabi dismisses such entrants as mere dreamers, but perhaps it is exactly those dreams that will one day come true. Zambia’s democracy has always been moved forward by men and women who dared to dream against the odds. Instead of ridiculing them, we should welcome new energy and ideas into the national conversation.
Until the opposition produces leaders who combine ambition with real structures, it will remain weak. And until parties like Zambia We Want prove they exist beyond rhetoric, their lectures will ring hollow. Zambians deserve more than statistics and cynicism, they deserve a credible alternative that is serious, organized and inspiring.
United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director General under the Presidential Support Programme, Frank Bwalya, said the introduction of the free education policy has increased access to education for many children in the country.
Father Bwalya notes that the initiative has been instrumental in improving literacy rates and providing opportunities for young people to acquire knowledge and skills.
Speaking when he featured on ZANIS Morning Blend, UPND at 4 programme, Fr Bwalya emphasised the positive impact of the government’s policies on the lives of Zambians.
He also highlighted that the feeding programme in schools has been helping learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their health and wellbeing.
Fr Bwalya further pointed out that Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been another game-changer in communities.
He noted that the fund has enabled communities to undertake development projects, including the procurement of desks in schools which has improved the learning environment, making it more conducive for learners to learn and grow.
“CDF has had a significant impact on communities, allowing them to take charge of their development with the increased funding where communities can prioritise their needs and implement projects that benefit them directly,” Fr Bwalya noted.
Israeli humanitarian organisation Save a Child’s Heart (SACH), in collaboration with Zambia’s National Heart Hospital(NHH) has jointly secured a state-of- the-art, heart-lung machine worth US$ 200,000.00 for the country’s heart hospital.
Save a Child’s Heart Executive Director, Simon Fisher says the development will allow Zambia’s cardiac medical team to double the number of the children receiving lifesaving treatment locally.
Mr Fisher told ZANIS in an exclusive interview that this unity in action, demonstrates both Zambia’s investment in it’s own healthcare system and mutual spirit of collaboration with Israel.
“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to saving children’s lives and highlights the strength of the growing relationship between Zambia and Israel” said Mr Fisher.
The donated state-of- the-art, heart-lung machine was presented to the National Heart Hospital management in Lusaka by Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar , who was accompanied by his Zambian counterpart Mr Mulambo Haimbe.
Mr Sa’ar emphasized that the contribution symbolises the deepening of bilateral cooperation between the two countries in ensuring Zambian children have access to world class medical care.
And Mr Haimbe, has welcomed the partnership between the National Heart Hospital and the Save a Child’s Heart (SACH),
Mr Haimbe noted that Zambia’s active and equal role in this initiative underscores the country’s determination to work side by side with Israel to deliver tangible benefits to it’s people across all sectors.
The presentation of the equipment was witnessed by two young Zambians , Joseph Phiri 18, and Kachese Syapiila 16, whose lives were previously saved through the Save a Child Heart programme, after undergoing life-saving surgery in Israel last year.
Meanwhile Mr Fisher further disclosed that the SACH team, together with Tanzanian partners from Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), has made plans of visiting the NHH next month to carry out a one week of Heart surgery for children through the South collaboration and teaching of Cath procedures.
“This comes after a successful screening mission earlier on, this month in Ndola and Lusaka. 155 children were screened and we should be able to treat about 20-30 children,” said Mr Fisher.
Whenever most folks announce their intentions to join politics, the main reason they obviously give is, “I’ve decided to join politics in order to help develop my country….”
Oh really! Is it only in politics one can contribute to the development of this country?
Simply put…..most politicians are fraudsters; scambugs who can not fully utilise their skills to make a living or help develop this country apart from politics!
After being trained at great expense to the nation as chartered accountants, engineers, economists, physicians, lawyers and architects etc they soon abandon their professions to go and sit in parliament and wait for their gratuities as they enjoy cruising around in impressive SUVs as they draw countless allowances!
If you take stock of any of their achievements before they went to parliament or indeed where they’ve been investing their money, you will be shocked to learn that the only businesses they are capable of running are bars, night clubs and brothels….. lodges or hotels if we may use euphemisms!
Of all these pretenders hankering after State House or Parliament, it’s only Hakainde Hichilema and perhaps Charles Milupi who have made reasonable investments that have created jobs and indeed contributing to the development of this nation outside politics!
While Hichilema has massively invested in ranches that are probably producing the beef you are daily devouring, Milupi is a major shareholder in the Copperbelt Energy Corporation which offers one of the best conditions of service in the nation!
We won’t mention any names for now, but if they come to you asking for your votes as Presidents, MPs, Mayors or Councillors, ask them aboyt their achievements and not just resumes.
Until next time….
Prince Bill M Kaping’a
National Coordinator
HH Mpaka 2031
Zambezi
Numerous incidents happened in June during which mask-wearing United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) goons were conducting raids apprehending suspected undocumented people in Los Angeles. Many of the people ICE targeted were not violent criminal suspects but day laborers at Home Depot, farm workers, children, street vendors and car wash workers. Some public protests happened against ICE raids with some limited violence in one city block near a Federal Building in the large city of Los Angeles of 500 square miles and 3.8 million people.
President Trump seized the opportunity to swiftly deploy 700 marines and 2,000 National Gurd troops. Two months later, a former young Dodge employee in his 20s was apparently assaulted at 3.00am in Washington, D.C. President Trump seized the event to deploy 800 National Guards to fight crime in D.C and to assist the mask wearing ICE agent goons to apprehend any suspected undocumented citizens walking the streets of D.C. who tend to be brown people.
One incident documenting the patrols in the fight against violent crime in DC caught my attention. A resident of Washington DC is shown on the pavement of the city block approaching two National Guards shouting at and berating them. The resident is seen wagging his finger at them when he suddenly hurled an object at the one National Guard troop that landed on the left side of his chest. The 2 guards gave chase as the suspect turned around, crossed the street and sprinted away as fast as he could as the two guards furiously gave chase down the block until they apprehended the suspect and cuffed him. When the report said the hurled object was a Subway sandwich, I could not stop my loud laughter with my chest rocking up and down. I felt awful that I could not stop laughing with tears in my eyes over the serious incident.
However, my laughter suddenly turned into utter dread and fear after watching the former Judge Jeanine Pirro of Fox News video clip. Jeanine Ferris Pirro is now President Trump’s Department of Justice Attorney for the District of Columbia who was bragging in the video clip that throwing a sandwich at law enforcement officers had earned the suspect going to jail. She further emphatically said the suspect was going to be charged with a felony which, if convicted, would earn him many years in prison.
This tragic news sobered me so much that I secretly schemed to save some money by earning some free food since I am a retired poor senior surviving on a limited social security income. I hatched a plan. The suspect was now nicknamed the Sandwich Slinger. The Trump DOJ hauled him to court and as expected charged the suspect with a felony. But the Judge released the suspect on bail under his own recognizance. The trial might be next month.
Since the suspect Sandwich Slinger was out on bail, I intended to travel to Washington DC and scout the Subway fast food places he likes to patronize. My friends and relatives who live in DC were in on the scheme. They texted and updated me on the suspect’s every move up to the last minute. The Sandwich Slinger would be purchasing a sandwich from the Subway fast food restaurant on 14th Street downtown DC at 4:00pm Eastern Standard Time.
I quickly hopped on the Metro underground train, briskly walked 20 minutes and stood waiting fifty feet or 15.00m on the sidewalk next to the Subway Restaurant exit door. I could see through the glass doors that the suspect had just bought the sandwich and was coming out. He walked out about ten feet or 3meters when I suddenly jumped in front of him 20 feet or 6ms away.
“Hey!! Sandwich Slinger!!!” I growled at him. He froze.
“Hear you hurled a Subway Sandwich and hurt a National Guard!! You sun of a gun!! F bomb you F bomb your girlfriend and your mom!!! Explicative you!!” I wanted to really rile and piss him off. He uncorked the Subway Sandwich and seemed unsure whether to hurl it at me.
“Go!! Ahead!!!” I growled with my ugliest Clint Eastwood scowl with intense eyes, twitching nose, and quivering lips.
“Make my day!!!” I growled angrily, jabbing my forefinger on my forehead. “I bet you can’t hit me with a man’s hundred mile per hour deadly major league fastball!! I bet you can’t hit me with a deadly strike right here on my forehead!!!” I angrily jabbed my forefinger on my forehead several times.
The suspect unwinded and angrily threw the 6inch or 152mm sandwich at my forehead. I snatched the sandwich out of the air with my quick reflexes before it could slam into my forehead and I took a swift bite at it.
“You just made my day!!!” I growled as I chewed, squinting with my Clint Eastwood scowl. “Make my day again!!!”
To my surprise, the Sandwich Slinger dashed into the Subway again and this time bought a 12inch or 304mm sandwich which he hurled at me again. I snatched it in midair again.
“Call the police!!!” the gathered crowd was now shouting.
Holding on to my 2 free subway sandwiches, I sprinted escaping to the Metro that took me to Manassas. I jumped into my car and drove for 2 hours back home to Virginia Shenandoah Valley. I learned on the evening news that the National Guard and FBI could not apprehend the suspects in the DC 14th street Sandwich Slinger duel despite numerous 911 calls to the police from the public. The law enforcement officials were too distracted looking at the Epstein Files in the White House.
President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the church to continue promoting unity and moral values among the youths in society.
President Hichilema said the church has a duty to promote unity and speak against social vices such as the abuse of social media.
“Speak against hatred and abuse of people on the social media and bring to the fold the youths and women into leadership,” the President has advised.
The Head of State has further stated that the church also has a duty to guide public service workers in spearheading development.
He said this when he graced the Zambia Baptist Union General Conference in Mpongwe District on the Copperbelt Province, which has attracted close to 10,000 congregants from across the country.
The Head of State noted that the Baptist Church has been a partner of the government in the health, and education sectors and in contributing to the economic growth of the country.
Mr Hichilema said the government will continue partnering with the Baptist Church in improving the lives of people.
He reaffirmed that through the free education policy two million pupils have gone back to school and encouraged the elderly people who failed to complete school to consider returning back for them to benefit from the free education.
“It’s been 120 years since the Baptist Church was established in Zambia and we truly appreciate it, we want to celebrate the 120 years of tremendous works and unity,” Mr Hichilema said.
Congregants during the Zambia Baptist Union General Conference in Mpongwe District
President Hichilema thanked the Baptist Union Conference for inviting him to the General Conference.
And President Hichilema said he will engage the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) Management to discuss the challenges with buying maize from farmers.
“I will ensure that I meet all the FRA officials so that we sort out the problems that are there. This is why you elected us into government, to help provide solutions to such problems and ensure your wellbeing,” Mr Hichilema assured.
He further thanked the people on the Copperbelt for contributing to the bumper harvest that the country has recorded.
“Despite the Copperbelt being a mining province, this year it came number two in maize production among the provinces in the country,” he said.
The President also assured the people that the Machiya- lufwanyama road is still on government plans to be worked on.
He said despite the government inheriting an empty coffer, the plan to work on the roads in Mpongwe District is still active.
President Hichilema has since donated a K1, 000,000 towards completion of Church projects and a K200, 000 towards the conference expenses.
Baptist Union Conference President, Lordwell Chinyakasa also called for peace and unity as the country embarks on election preparations next year.
Reverend Chinyakasa said the Church should pray for peace, unity, and counselling as the country prepares for the general elections next year.
He also thanked President Hichilema for initiating developmental activities in the last four years the United Party for National Development (UPND) has been in power.
Reverend Chinyakasa commended government for restructuring the debt which has helped in creation of employment and supporting the social sector.
He pointed out that government in the last four years created employment for youths especially teachers and the nurses.
Rev Chinyakasa said the 30,000 employment of teachers and 11,000 nurses at the same time is commendable.
“If someone cannot appreciate what you have done Mr President, I don’t know what they can support now,” Rev Chinyakasa said.
He further commended the government for increasing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) from K1.6 Million to K36.1 Million, stating that the move is another initiative which is contributing to the development of the nation.
Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Permanent Secretary, Subeta Mutelo, says the ministry has since 2021 empowered over 90,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
Ms Mutelo stressed that the government is encouraging value addition among SMEs so that they can be competitive enough for their products to cross borders.
She said the agenda is meant to see Zambian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives take their products to different countries.
“When we talk about value addition, we want to perfect the value the SMEs are adding to their products. We do not want a situation where our SMEs remain behind,” states Ms Mutelo.
The Permanent Secretary was speaking when she featured on a ZANIS TV programme dubbed ‘4 years of UPND’.
“In terms of funding, very soon, we will see the Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) through the ministry begin to offer loans in a very systematic way,” she said.
The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that the country currently has eight Industrial Yards that are housing over 150 SMEs, while some are operating in their backyards.
“When an SME has the potential or capability to grow themselves, we ask them to write an application for consideration into these industrial yards. All SMEs coming onto the Industrial Yards will soon be funded by the ministry to ensure that we boost their capital injection and also help them monitor their businesses,” she added.
Ms Mutelo also emphasised the importance of the general citizenry to buy local products in order to help SMEs perfect their products.
“I am also happy to mention that the Cabinet through the Secretary to the Cabinet has issued us a circular that is talking about supporting the local products. So, all the ministries have now been directed to buy products from local SMEs just to help them boost their standards, quality, timely delivery and right price,” she added.
Jaja Farms Proprietor, Jacob Chunga, said he is grateful to the government for their support.
Pastor Chunga shared that he is a beneficiary of a CEEC loan which has seen Jaja Farms grow.
“We have partnered with great companies like Proflight, which have our snacks on board and Good Nature, a company that deals in the supply of legumes,” said Pastor Chunga.
Meanwhile, Business Development Service Providers Association of Zambia (BDSPAZ) President, Obed Mbuzi, said the association helps SMEs grow their businesses through capacity building.
Mr Mbuzi appreciated the revision of the SME policy, which is intended to address the needs of SMEs in the country.
“In terms of business linkages, we are working with chains stores, for instance Choppies Supermarket has on-boarded over 100 SMEs to supply various products,” added Mr Mbuzi
Zambia is once again walking itself into controversy. What should have been a simple story of patriotism—the president’s son, Habwela Hichilema, completing training at the Zambia National Service (ZNS)—has instead turned into a scandal. Serving one’s nation is admirable, especially for the children of leaders. But State House’s bungled communication, coupled with the revelation that the president’s son trained under a false identity, has transformed a moment of national pride into a national security alarm.
First came the strange assurance that he had not received preferential treatment during the training. Then, shockingly, came the real bombshell—he trained under a pseudonym. Ops indeed.
The first defense was unnecessary. Who was demanding proof that the president’s son was not favored? If he qualified and passed on merit, that would speak for itself. By rushing to deny favoritism, State House created suspicion where there had been none. But the far graver problem is the second revelation–the very use of a false identity.
This claim undermines the first. To protect its image, the government now claims he trained incognito. If true, how, in a military institution, does one train under a fake name? This is a critical issue of law, democracy, and national security. Military training relies on verified identities, trust, and clear records. If the president’s son trained under a false name, what documents were submitted? Were certificates forged? Was an NRC altered? Were records fabricated? If so, that is not a mistake—it is fraud. Legally, the person who trained and the person who graduated would not be the same. If deception was at play, how do we even know he trained at all? For all we know, he could have trained elsewhere and simply worn the ZNS uniform on Zambian soil. Such secrecy only deepens doubts about the First Family’s dealings, which are already shielded from scrutiny.
The danger multiplies from there. If the president’s son can train under false credentials, what message does this send to military officials—that laws can be broken to meet one person’s needs? And who else is doing the same? Are ministers’ children, party cadres, or political loyalists quietly embedding themselves into our armed forces under assumed names? If so, Zambia may be cultivating a shadow military—one answerable not to the nation, but to a party or even a family.
History warns us what comes next. Across Africa, leaders have used their children’s military careers to entrench dynastic rule. Joseph Kabila inherited power in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Museveni in Uganda and Kagame in Rwanda have carefully positioned their sons in military command. In each case, the family’s grip tightened while democracy withered. Is Zambia inching toward the same script?
Contrast this secrecy with established democracies elsewhere. In the United States, presidential children have no need to hide their names if they serve. In Britain, princes have enlisted in full public view. Their transparency strengthens trust, proving that service is real—not a cover for political manipulation. Why, then, does Zambia resort to concealment?
The danger is not just today’s deception but tomorrow’s consequences. A military infiltrated by hidden identities is vulnerable to corruption, capture, and abuse. Soldiers whose names and pasts are obscured can be mobilized for partisan ends—or worse, for clandestine operations shielded from accountability. This is the architecture of authoritarianism, not democracy.
The lesson is simple. Democracy does not exist in the shadows. If the president’s son wanted to serve openly, the nation would have applauded him. But cloaking his identity poisons that service, casting suspicion not only on him but on the credibility of the armed forces themselves.
Zambia’s strength has always been the trust between its people, its institutions, and its leaders. That trust is now in jeopardy. If our military is politicized, if deception infiltrates its ranks, democracy will not collapse from foreign invasion—it will rot from within.
The president owes the nation a full, honest explanation. Anything less is a national security failure.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s visit to China last year has continued to yield positive results, encouraging investors to establish facilities such as the Jiangxi Bureau of Geology (JBG) mineral laboratory, which is able to test any type of mineral and soil samples from across the country.
Jiangxi Burreau of Geology General Manager, Sterlin Shi, says the over USD$ 3 Million Mineral laboratory, which started its operations this year is expected to assist Zambia meet its projected three million tonnes of copper production per year by 2030.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS in Lusaka, Mr Shi disclosed that he has established the Mineral laboratory in order to enable the Zambian Government achieve its copper production target.
He observed that in response to the government’s copper production target, his company built the mineral laboratory whose construction works commenced last year and saw its completion in June this year.
“This laboratory is the biggest in the SADC region with the potential to help Zambia to discover different types of minerals because we also do exploration apart from testing samples.
“This laboratory will no doubt assist the country’s projected three million tonnes of copper production per year by 2030,” he said.
He explained that the laboratory is able to test soil, rock and water samples among others, collected from across the country, a move which is helping in identifying areas where to start full mining operations by investors.
And Mr Shi bemoaned the few mineral laboratories in the country, stressing that the facility is going to see more investors set up companies across the country to ramp up copper production and other minerals.
He added that the laboratory needs more mineral laboratory technicians, hence, the company’s intention to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Zambia, School of Mines to have students do industrial attachments and internships.
“We have engaged the University of Zambia management to be getting students from the school of Mines to be doing industrial attachments so that they acquire skills from their Chinese counterparts to empower local people in mineral testing,” he said.
Mr Shi also noted that the mineral laboratory has helped in creating jobs for Zambians and that going forward, more job opportunities will be created looking at the capacity of the company.
He reiterated that mining plays a crucial role in contributing to the country’s gross domestic product, and that the mineral laboratory is expected to give accurate location results to potential investors where genuine minerals are found for them to start mining.
Mr Shi further expressed happiness that he has set up the laboratory which will be able to give mineral sample results within the shortest possible time, as opposed to the previous years when most mineral testing was done in other countries, which used to take time.
Laboratory Analyst, Rutherford Mukwabanje, explained that he conducts a number of mineral testing using hitech equipment which analyses a number of elements such as copper, manganese and gold among minerals.
Carol Namutengu, also a Laboratory Analyst, urged other female folks to consider undertaking science laboratory courses so that they can take up jobs that are on offer by companies such as JBG.
Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, has urged all accounting firms in the country to embrace technology and innovation in their work schedule in order to turnaround Zambia’s economy.
Speaking when he officiated at PKF Zambia Chartered Accountants’ 10th Anniversary in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mutati further encouraged accounting firms to leverage on artificial intelligence if they are to deliver value to consumers efficiently.
The Minister noted that the culture of conducting financial operations manually should be a thing of the past with the coming of technology, innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
He observed that once accounting firms fully embrace technology and innovation in their work, many benefits will be achieved, thereby contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The Minister was, however, quick to point out the negative side of technology such as cyber criminals, who are also advancing on fraud.
He explained that to this effect, the government has delivered the AI Policy to ensure that firms such as PKF Zambia Chartered Accountants can embrace AI, adding that human intelligence and artificial Intelligence are complementary.
Mr Mutati added that AI enables human beings and machines to be able to work together harmoniously as it delivers products that one cannot dispute.
“So I want you to embrace AI in your daily operations as accounting firms for you to be able to reap maximum benefits from technology and innovation, this country can only develop if firms such as PKF Zambia Chartered Accountants leverage on technology,” he said.
PKF Zambia Managing Director, Anthony Ranjan, said the firm believes in continuous professional development as it recruits capable young people and trains them as future leaders.
He noted that PKF Zambia exposes its staff to both local and international experiences through PKF Zambia International.
“We stand by strong values such as quality, integrity, innovation and human centred service delivery, how we think, act, communicate, and engage with clients reflects our brand,” he said.
Mr Ranjan stated that the firm also embraces gender balance at all levels as the board of partners is composed of three female and three males, a symbol of inclusivity in leadership.
He also explained the continuous support his firm renders to nonprofit organisations which include Lubasi Orphanage Home Care, Lushomo Trust for sexually abused girls.
One of the beneficiaries of PKF Zambia, Charity Mwiya of Lushomo Trust paid glowing tribute to the organisation for taking care of vulnerable people in communities.
Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Chairperson, Mwangala Zaloumis, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to deliver a credible, efficient and inclusive voter registration exercise that meets the aspirations of the Zambian people.
Mrs Zaloumis, however, says this could not be achieved in isolation but requires the involvement of all stakeholders playing their role with diligence, professionalism, and integrity.
ZANIS reports that Mrs Zaloumis said this in a speech read for her by ECZ Commissioner, McDonald Chipenzi, at the close of provincial briefings on the preparations for the 2025 mass voter registration exercise in Kabwe yesterday.
“On behalf of the commission, I wish to express profound gratitude to all of you for your active participation throughout this programme. Your attentiveness and hunger for clarity have demonstrated the seriousness with which you take this responsibility,” Mrs Zaloumis said.
Mrs Zaloumis said the voter registration exercise is not a political exercise but a constitutional requirement for all eligible citizens across the political divide.
She urged for a voter registration process that stands as a model of credibility, inclusivity, and transparency not only to stakeholders in Zambia but a beacon of reference in the Southern Africa Development (SADC) region.
“The voter registration is not a political exercise. The registration is an opportunity where people from across political divides register to vote. Don’t look at who brought them but whether they meet the eligibility criteria.
“Zambia is graded among the top democratic countries on the African continent alongside the likes of Ghana and Kenya,” she stated.
Mrs Zaloumis further counselled Assistant Registration Officer – Supervisors (ARO-S) that the success of the forthcoming mass voter registration exercise depend on their uncompromised ability to meticulously follow the work schedules and plans.
The team developed deployment plans and logistics schedules for their respective districts ahead of the commencement of the 2025 mass voter registration that will run from 13th October 2025 to 11th November, 2025.
Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed that Zambia’s economy is on a positive growth path, citing robust reforms by the government and support from international partners such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Toyota Tsusho Corporation on the sidelines of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9), Ms. Nalumango said Zambia’s economy is projected to expand by about five percent. Growth, she noted, will be anchored on new investments in greenfield and brownfield mining projects, as well as opportunities in energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
According to a statement by Faith Chilube, First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian Embassy in Japan, Ms. Nalumango welcomed Toyota Tsusho’s intention to diversify investments into renewable energy and healthcare. She underscored the importance of Zambia’s recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Toyota Tsusho, ZESCO, and the Ministry of Energy, describing it as timely in helping reduce the country’s energy deficit and mitigate climate-related risks to hydropower generation.
Highlighting Zambia’s strategic role as a land-linked hub in Southern and Eastern Africa, the Vice President encouraged Toyota Tsusho to leverage wider regional markets through COMESA, SADC, and the East African Community (EAC). She further pointed to Zambia’s political stability, ongoing reforms, and investor-friendly policies as factors positioning the country as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations for long-term investment.
Toyota Tsusho Vice Board Chairman, Kashitani Ichiro, expressed gratitude for the Zambian government’s cooperation and affirmed the company’s commitment to exploring new opportunities. He revealed that Toyota Tsusho is developing vehicle models tailored for the Zambian market and will dispatch a team of experts to Zambia in October 2025 to identify additional investment prospects.
Meanwhile, Executive Officer Hirata Tatsuya highlighted Toyota Tsusho’s strong presence in Zambia through CFAO Mobility, which holds 51 percent of the local automotive market share. He also reaffirmed the company’s contribution to the health sector through Missionpharma, noting the supply of health kits covering 60 essential products to more than 3,000 health centres across the country—kits capable of serving 1,000 people for 30 days.
Ms. Nalumango concluded by welcoming Toyota Tsusho’s continued interest in Zambia, emphasizing that partnerships of this nature are vital for building a resilient, diversified, and sustainable economy.
President Hakainde Hichilema has called for increased support from the Indian government in joint venture partnerships, particularly in the health sector.
The President has highlighted the need for assistance in setting up pharmaceutical plants in Zambia, which he said would enable the country to produce its own medical essentials.
The Head of State was speaking when Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Alok Ranjan Jha, paid a courtesy call on him at State House in Lusaka , where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation between their countries.
He disclosed that the initiative aims to reduce Zambia’s reliance on imported medicines and enhance its healthcare delivery system.
President Hichilema also sought support in the agriculture sector where he emphasised the potential for collaboration in areas such as agricultural technology, irrigation systems, and crop development.
“By working together, Zambia and India can explore new opportunities for growth and development in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Earlier, the President commended the cordial relations that Zambia and India have enjoyed.
He expressed appreciation for the strong foundation of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, which has led to numerous benefits for Zambia.
Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner to Zambia, Alok Ranjan Jha expressed pleasure at the warm friendship that has existed between Zambia and India for the past 60 years.
He assured President Hichilema that his country is committed to supporting Zambia’s development initiatives, particularly in the health and agriculture sectors.
The High Commissioner indicated that India is willing to explore opportunities for collaboration and investment in Zambia, in line with the country’s priorities and needs.
First Lady Mutinta Hichilema making a donation at Monze Mission Hospital
First Lady, Mutinta Hichilema, has donated assorted food stuffs, Mattresses, Blankets and wheelchairs to Monze General Hospital in Southern Province.
Speaking when she presented donated items to the hospital management, Mrs Hichilema reaffirmed her commitment to supplementing government’s efforts in ensuring quality healthcare services are provided in all health facilities across the country.
The donated items include 100 bags of 25kg mealie meal, 100 bags of 10kg mealie meal, 100 bags of 10kg rice, 80 bales of sugar, and 100 boxes of 1×12 bottles of cooking oil, 20 wheelchairs, 100 mattresses and 200 blankets.
The First Lady has also donated 120 sewing machines to cooperatives in the province, among other items.
“The donation of mattresses, foodstuffs, and other essentials to Monze Mission Hospital is more than just material. It is a message that every patient deserves dignity to recover in comfort,” she said.
Mrs Hichilema emphasised that good healthcare is not only about medicine and treatment but also providing a situation that promotes healing, kindness and hope. Nurses at Monze Mission Hospital
Southern Province Minister, Credo Nanjuwa, applauded the first lady for her donation of the essential medical supplies and equipment stating that it reflected true servanthood and leadership.
“Today’s gesture stands as a powerful testament to your deep concern for the health needs of our people,” he said.
Receiving the donation, Monze Mission Hospital Superintendent, Sufyan Ibrahim, thanked thMrs Hichilema for her generous donation which reaffirms her commitment to improving healthcare services and the wellbeing of the people in the region.
Dr Ibrahim added that the donation will have a lasting impact on many people who rely on the facility for various services.
“Your leadership and compassion strengthens our efforts in healthcare especially to members of our community,” he said.
And the Bishop of Monze Diocese, Raphael Mweempwa, also thanked the first lady for the initiative and her tireless efforts to uplift the lives of the vulnerable people in the country.
Bishop Mweempwa underscored the role the first lady has played in advancing women’s and newborn health.
