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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
The Bankers Association of Zambia (BAZ) has raised serious concerns over the continued use of cash in the Zambian economy, warning that it remains a key enabler of money laundering and other illicit financial activities.
The remarks were made following the launch of the Financial Intelligence Centre’s (FIC) 2024 Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing Trends Report. In a media statement released to the media, BAZ applauded the FIC for its tenth consecutive report and expressed appreciation for the recognition given to the banking sector’s strong compliance with Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation (AML/CFTP) requirements.
According to the report, Zambia recorded Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) amounting to USD 3.5 billion in 2024, largely driven by commercial activities linked to multinational enterprises. One of the more notable incidents included a ZMW 10 million fraud case, where funds were siphoned primarily through cash withdrawals at ATMs and mobile money agents. BAZ confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation by law enforcement agencies.
While digital financial services (DFS) have become more prevalent, BAZ highlighted that cash remains a dominant method of transaction, often facilitating illegal financial flows due to its anonymous and untraceable nature.
“Cash transactions are often used to obscure the source and destination of illicit funds, posing challenges for financial institutions to detect suspicious activities,” the Association emphasized in its statement.
BAZ echoed the FIC’s caution that continued reliance on physical currency increases money laundering risks and undermines national efforts to improve financial transparency and security. The Association pledged its full support for the Bank of Zambia’s Go Cashless campaign, which is aimed at fostering a cash-lite economy by encouraging businesses and consumers to adopt safer, faster, and more transparent digital payment solutions.
“This initiative is driven by the belief that cashless payments are faster, safer, and more convenient… while also reducing the costs associated with handling physical currency,” BAZ stated.
Despite challenges such as increasing cyber-enabled financial crimes targeting automated and digital platforms, the banking sector was credited with being the highest reporter of suspicious transaction reports (STRs), contributing 96% of all STRs in 2024. The report also highlighted a 12.74% national decline in suspicious transactions and a drop in suspected public sector corruption cases, from 55 in 2023 to 40 in 2024.
In light of these findings, BAZ reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining high compliance standards, cooperating with the FIC, financial regulators, and law enforcement agencies to support Zambia’s AML/CFTP framework.
As the country prepares for the 2027/2028 evaluation under the revised Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards, BAZ will continue to engage actively in national risk assessment efforts and advocate for a reduced reliance on physical cash in the economy.
Zambia risks a deepening fiscal crisis unless it tackles an estimated USD 3.5 billion in illicit financial flows (IFFs) uncovered in 2024, the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has warned. According to the 2024 Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) trend report, large-scale tax evasion, trade misinvoicing and illegal mining accounted for the vast majority of these outflows.
The scale of the problem is stark: at over ZMW 91 billion, the estimated IFFs represent nearly 42 percent of Zambia’s 2025 National Budget, and far outstripped the combined ZMW 73.9 billion allocation for critical sectors including Education, Health, Social Protection, Housing and Community Amenities. “These leakages deprive our country of resources desperately needed to fund free education, essential medicines and social services,” said the CTPD in its statement.
CTPD has urged the government to launch a suite of urgent reforms to stem the tide of illicit outflows and bolster domestic revenue mobilization:
Strengthen law enforcement agencies. Reform bodies such as the Anti-Corruption Commission and Drug Enforcement Commission to improve responsiveness and effectiveness in prosecuting financial crimes.
Enhance corporate transparency. Fast-track amendments to the Companies Act to require full disclosure of beneficial ownership and dismantle shell companies.
Bolster tax and customs intelligence. Focus resources on high-risk sectors—particularly mining and wholesale trade—to detect and deter misinvoicing schemes.
Implement a unified registry. Accelerate roll-out of the Integrated National Registration Information System (INRIS) to prevent identity-based fraud.
Ring-fence recovered funds. Ensure that assets and tax assessments recovered through FIC investigations—such as the recent ZMW 28.9 billion assessment—are dedicated to health, education and social protection.
“Without decisive action, Zambia will struggle to meet its development goals,” CTPD warned. The think tank called on policymakers to treat IFFs as a national emergency akin to any other leak in the public purse.
Founded as a non-profit, membership-based organization, CTPD advocates for pro-poor trade and investment reforms at national, regional and multilateral levels. It works to ensure that trade policy contributes to poverty eradication and sustainable development across Zambia.
In a move hailed by the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Hon. Sylvia Masebo, MP, has deferred the controversial Lands and Deeds Registry (Amendment) Bill No. 13 of 2025, pending further stakeholder consultations. The postponement follows recommendations from the National Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture, Lands and Natural Resources, which convened hearings to gather views from farmers, land users, and other affected parties.
ZNFU President Jervis Zimba lauded the Minister’s leadership, emphasizing that the decision reflects the government’s commitment to transparent and participatory law‐making. “Meaningful stakeholder engagement is essential in tackling the complex challenges in our land administration system,” Zimba commented. He expressed gratitude to the Committee for its diligence in listening to concerns raised by the Union and other interest groups.
At issue are persistent cases of fraudulent land title issuance, which have eroded public confidence and undermined investments in agriculture. ZNFU has urged law enforcement agencies to prioritize criminal proceedings against those responsible, arguing that swift action will help restore trust in the titling system and reinforce the rule of law. “Decisive resolutions in these cases will protect the rights of genuine land users and safeguard the integrity of our registry,” Zimba added.
With the bill’s parliamentary process now on hold, ZNFU has pledged to engage actively in the forthcoming consultation phase led by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources. The Union intends to leverage its nationwide network to ensure that farmers’ voices are heard, contributing practical solutions for land governance reform. ZNFU’s participation will focus on crafting measures that balance secure land tenure with the needs of agricultural development and private investment.
Looking ahead, ZNFU remains optimistic that the expanded dialogue will yield a more robust legislative framework for land administration. By fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector, stakeholders aim to build a system that is accountable, transparent, and capable of supporting sustainable livelihoods across Zambia’s rural landscape.
The Non-Governmental Gender Organisations Coordinating Council (NGOCC) has expressed concern over the United States’ decision to cut development aid to Zambia, warning that the move could severely affect women and girls.
NGOCC Executive Director Anne Anamela said the aid reduction threatens progress in areas such as reproductive health, education and women’s economic empowerment.
Speaking during a symposium on global geopolitical shifts in Ndola, Ms Anamela noted that shifting donor strategies and emerging global power dynamics have created uncertainty for gender-focused programmes that rely heavily on foreign support.
Ms Anamela warned that cuts in aid could strain vital services like maternal healthcare and access to contraception and increase pressure on Zambia’s already fragile civil society.
Meanwhile, International Relations Expert Lazarous Kapambwe urged Zambia to adopt a more strategic diplomatic approach focused on national interests, particularly in trade and investment.
The symposium was organised by the Southern African Institute for Policy and Research (SAIPAR) in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was held under the theme “Zambia in a Shifting World Order: Strategic Responses to Global Geopolitical Reconfiguration.”
The Government of the Republic of Zambia was honoured to receive His Excellency, Advocate Duma Gideon Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana, on a State Visit to Zambia.
President Boko’s visit marks a significant milestone in the longstanding bilateral relations between our two countries. During his visit, His Excellency co-chaired the inaugural session of the Zambia–Botswana Bi-National Commission and served as Guest of Honour at the official opening of the 97th Zambia Agriculture and Commercial Show.
President Hakainde Hichilema underscored the strategic importance of Zambia’s relationship with Botswana, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision for regional cooperation and sustainable development.
“We remain fully committed to leveraging this deep-rooted partnership to promote inclusive economic growth through enhanced trade and investment, infrastructure development, and people-to-people exchanges,” said President Hichilema.
Several Memoranda of Understanding were signed to strengthen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, energy, transport, tourism, and disaster risk management.
The State Visit concluded with a formal farewell ceremony at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
Zambia’s annual inflation rate for July 2025 slowed to 13.0 percent, down from 14.1 percent recorded in June, according to the latest figures released by the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats).
The agency attributed the decline primarily to a reduction in both food and non-food prices, signaling a possible easing of cost pressures on households and businesses.
“The slowdown in the annual inflation rate is largely due to price decreases in selected food items such as cereals, vegetables, and meats, as well as non-food items including household goods and fuel,” said ZamStats Interim Statistician-General, Ms. Leah Ngulube, during a monthly briefing in Lusaka.
Food Inflation Falls
Food inflation, which accounts for a significant portion of Zambia’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), dropped from 15.7 percent in June to 14.3 percent in July. Key drivers included falling prices of maize meal, fresh vegetables, fish, and cooking oil—staples for many Zambian households.
Ngulube noted that the improved food supply, aided by seasonal harvests and stabilized transport costs, contributed to the decline.
Non-Food Inflation Also Eases
The non-food inflation rate declined to 11.3 percent in July from 12.1 percent in June, with the largest contributions coming from price reductions in clothing and footwear, fuel, charcoal, and certain construction materials.
Economists say the deceleration may provide room for the Bank of Zambia to maintain or adjust monetary policy as it balances inflation control with economic growth.
Month-on-Month Inflation
Month-on-month inflation also slowed to 0.6 percent in July, compared to 1.1 percent in June, suggesting a cooling trend in price increases across the board.
Outlook
While the downward trend is welcomed by consumers, analysts caution that external risks such as global fuel price volatility, exchange rate fluctuations, and potential climate impacts on agriculture could still influence inflation in the coming months.
ZamStats will continue to monitor price movements as part of its mandate to provide timely and accurate economic data to inform policy and investment decisions.
Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo has urged residents of Chingola District not to live in fear, assuring them that the government and law enforcement agencies are committed to maintaining peace and order following recent riots that resulted in the destruction of public property.
Speaking after touring some of the affected areas damaged by small-scale miners in Chingola District, Mr. Matambo said the government and security agencies are working together to address the situation and prevent future incidents. He emphasized that the government is determined to protect the peace and freedom that citizens have long enjoyed and to maintain a conducive environment for investment.
Mr. Matambo expressed disappointment over the conduct of the rioters, noting that in addition to looting shops, they also set fire to a grader and compactor that were being used for road rehabilitation in the district.
Inspector General of Police Graphel Musamba stated that the police and other security forces are actively working to restore peace and order. He warned that those responsible for damage to property and infrastructure will face the full force of the law.
Zambia National Service Commander, Lieutenant General Maliti Solochi, expressed concern over the involvement of children in mining activities. He urged adults to ensure that children are redirected back to school, where education is free and accessible.
The Zambia Police Service confirmed the arrest of seventy-nine suspects in connection with violent riots that broke out on 30th July in Chingola District. The unrest followed the displacement of informal miners—commonly referred to as Jeraboos—from the Senseli Open Pit.
According to a police statement, the violence erupted when a group of disgruntled Jeraboos staged protests, targeting public infrastructure and private property in Chiwempala Township, Lulamba Township, and the Mwaiseni Trading Area.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and will be charged accordingly,” the statement read.
Police were swiftly deployed to restore order but faced fierce resistance from the rioters, who were reportedly joined by criminal elements seeking to exploit the chaos for looting and vandalism.
The incident turned deadly. Police confirmed that four civilians involved in the riot sustained injuries, and one fatality was recorded.
Authorities are urging members of the public to remain calm and refrain from unlawful acts. Investigations are ongoing to identify others who may have incited or participated in the violence.
“While the right to express grievances exists, it must never come at the cost of life, safety, and national peace,” said a senior police official.
The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to issue further guidance as the situation evolves. Meanwhile, security has been heightened in the affected areas to prevent further unrest.
The Panga culture in Zambian politics dates back to the days of MMD in power in the early 2000s with Sata at the helm as National Secretary. In 2001, there was a crucial by-election scheduled to take place in Chawama constituency, Lusaka occasioned by the resignation of the incumbent MP, Christon Tembo from the MMD to join the recently formed Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) by several disgruntled former cabinet ministers and senior officials in the Chiluba regime.
The outcome of those elections were expected to be a litmus test to measure the popularity of several political parties participating in the general elections due the same year. It was rather a do-or-die affair for the governing party.
In the meantime, a notorious gang from the ruling MMD calling itself, the “Ku Klux Klan” had been terrorising the city and townships, disrupting meetings organised by the opposition and asserting the party’s authority by unleashing acts of violence on their perceived opponents. According to eyewitnesses, matters spiraled out of control when Sata, the Minister without portfolio who also doubled as MMD National Secretary brought along unruly cadres armed to the teeth with pangas, catapults, and firearms to inspect the polling stations in the area.
The “Ku Klux Klan” clashed with FDD supporters with the former using pangas to hack or slice opponents. Several vehicles and houses were also torched in the process. The independent media and several observers blamed MMD for the violence.
“The violence was engineered by the ruling party, and Michael Sata in particular, to create confusion to enable MMD to tamper with the ballot boxes,” Ngande Mwanajiti, Executive Director of the Inter African Network for Human Rights and Development (Afronet) told the media. “MMD is responsible for all the political violence we have seen in recent weeks”
Isn’t it said it’s impossible for a Leopard to change its spots? Anyway, once his party PF swept to power, the culture of cadres using pangas, catapults, and firearms to attack or intimidate opponents became the order of the day; simply put, political violence was taken to another level! Overnight, it became abominable for members of the opposition, particularly UPND cadres, to be seen in their party regalia. They were either savagely attacked and left for dead or stripped naked, while their vehicles were overturned or burnt to ashes.
It’s, therefore, hardly surprising that the PF government would end up being associated with spine-chilling acts of violence countrywide. Here are a few examples: Peter Sukwa, an investigative journalist from the independent The Post Newspapers was on an assignment to carry out an exposé of the PF scheme to recruit underage voters from a neighbouring country when they spotted him within the vicinity. He was beaten to pulp, and a thug who eventually ended up being elected as MP on the PF party ticket in the 2021 elections, forced his mouth open and discharged the contents of his bowel therein!
PF cadres were also notorious for taking over the running of the markets and bus stops by force; anyone who dared stand in their way risked being severely punished – either ending up in intensive care unit at some hospital somewhere or dispatched to an early grave. There’s a case of one elderly lady who arrived at Intercity Bus Station from Western province clad in a UPND T/shirt. She was harassed and harangued before being stripped naked, only to be rescued by some Good Samaritans.
PF cadres were also known to invade radio stations hosting opposition leaders and disrupting programmes if they were not happy with their presentations. In one particular instance, they stormed Muchinga Radio Station to stop the radio programme even when opposition party leader at the time, Hichilema was making a contributing through a phone call.
Worse still, the opposition leader had to escape through the rickety roof of a storied building when marauding cadres, armed with all sorts of weapons, stormed Son FM where he was featuring in an attempt to “skin him alive!”
Excerpts from my upcoming book: Dilemma of One Zambia One Nation; presidency, governance & regionalism.
Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi
Minister of Information and Media, Cornelius Mweetwa says Cabinet has approved a request to seek a 12-month extension of Zambia’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in order to consolidate macroeconomic gains and sustain the government’s ongoing reform agenda.
He noted that the resolutions were made during the 14th cabinet meeting of 2025, at State House chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema on Monday, July 28, 2025.
The Minister of Information and Media, who is also Chief Government Spokesperson has explained that the move is aimed at strengthening Zambia’s financial stability, institutional governance and service delivery across multiple sectors.
He also explained that if approved by the IMF Executive Board, the extension will run until October 31, 2026.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka, Mr Mweetwa stressed that the proposed extension is a demonstration of the government’s commitment to maintaining investor confidence, concluding debt restructuring and mobilising additional financing to support Zambia’s economic recovery and development.
Mr Mweetwa noted that Zambia’s domestic debt stock had risen sharply in past years, escalating by 681 percent from K24.7 billion in 2015 to K192.1 billion in 2021, which increased the debt service-to-revenue ratio from 11 percent in 2011 to 59 percent in 2021.
In a move to promote legal and sustainable mining practices, the government has issued 90 letters of offer to mining cooperatives in Mufumbwe District, effectively formalising operations at the Kikonge Gold Mine.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, announced the development during a recent visit, stating that the initiative is designed to empower local miners, eliminate illegal operations, and enhance the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through regulated gold trading.
“This is a real deal for our people,” said Mr. Kabuswe. “We are helping Zambian license holders negotiate better terms with investors. The goal is to prioritise citizens and ensure they benefit first from their country’s mineral wealth.”
The issuance of licenses marks a critical step toward ensuring safety, environmental accountability, and economic inclusion in the artisanal mining sector. The government has consistently pushed to bring small-scale miners into the formal economy as part of a broader strategy to boost domestic revenue.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines, Dr. Kabeta Hapenga, disclosed the establishment of a Mineral Regulatory Commission, a new body tasked with ensuring efficiency, transparency, and data integrity in the management of mineral resources.
“The Commission will enhance our ability to monitor mining activities and provide accurate data on production and sales,” said Dr. Hapenga during an unannounced inspection of Mulopwe Metals Mining Limited in Kasempa District.
Dr. Hapenga raised concerns over illegal gold mining operations by small-scale miners, who often lack the proper machinery and safety protocols, posing risks to both the environment and human life.
The government’s actions reflect a broader commitment to reforming the mining sector by formalising artisanal mining, protecting national resources, and ensuring that local communities benefit equitably from Zambia’s vast mineral wealth.
Ministry Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary Kabeta Hapenga says government has come up with market centres for the purpose of selling minerals.
Dr Hapenga says the market centres will be piloted in an almagamented manner in Mumbwa, Chisamba, Rufunsa and Mpika districts.
He said this in Mufumbwe district when he called on District Commissioner, Elijah Munyompe.
He cited that this amalgamation arrangement has progressed well in Ghana, West Africa, which he believes can also work in Zambia.
And United Party for National Development (UPND) Mufumbwe Member of Parliament Elliot Kamondo urged the government to expedite the issuance of offer letters to the artisanal and small-scale miners.
Socialist Party (SP) President Dr. Fred M’membe has questioned President Hakainde Hichilema’s silence regarding the 2024 Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) Report, which reveals K6.1 billion in illicit financial flows.
Dr. M’membe claimed the Head of State has remained quiet because the report does not implicate his political opponents. He argued that if the report had linked the previous Patriotic Front (PF) government, President Hichilema would have commented.
Speaking during Hot FM Radio’s Socialist Hour program alongside SP General Secretary Dr. Cosmas Musumali, Dr. M’membe stated, “It shows what people have been saying—this is a corrupt regime. Key leaders are failing to declare their assets. Why? The FIC Report exposes fraudulent and suspicious transactions. If this isn’t corruption, what is?”
He added, “The report highlights high-ranking government officials, yet President Hichilema is silent. He would speak if this implicated his opponents, but since it doesn’t involve PF, he says nothing.”
Dr. M’membe accused the President of lacking political will to fight corruption, stating, “The UPND leadership is involved, with Hichilema at the helm. If corrupt officials aren’t punished, the blame stops with him. He must explain the FIC’s findings.”
He emphasized the severity of the K6.1 billion loss, stating it could fund the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for three years.
Meanwhile, Dr. Musumali noted a 74% increase from the 2023 FIC Report, which recorded K3.5 billion. He dismissed any UPND claims of outperforming the previous regime as mere rhetoric.
President Hakainde Hichilema convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders from Zambia’s tourism industry at State House, in a bid to strengthen intersectoral collaboration and chart a sustainable growth path for one of the country’s fastest-growing economic pillars.
The delegation, led by renowned tourism investor Mr. Mark O’Donnell, engaged in discussions focused on enhancing the resilience and inclusivity of the sector, which welcomed over 2 million visitors in 2024 — a record that underscores its rising significance in Zambia’s economic transformation agenda.
“Tourism remains one of Zambia’s most important renewable resources and continues to register impressive growth,” said President Hichilema. “Its success, however, is inextricably linked with other sectors such as transport, hospitality, energy, and infrastructure.”
The President emphasized the need for continuous dialogue and a shared national vision among all stakeholders, noting that effective coordination is essential to unlocking the full potential of tourism.
“To advance the industry and maximize its economic impact, there must be shared responsibility and mutual support across all sectors,” he said. “This is how we build a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable tourism economy that contributes meaningfully to national development.”
The meeting marks another milestone in the government’s efforts to position tourism as one of the four main pillars of Zambia’s economy, alongside mining, agriculture, and energy. Stakeholders welcomed the President’s call for unity and pledged to work closely with the government to drive investment, promote Zambia as a premier travel destination, and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism-driven growth.
The National Council for Construction (NCC) has expressed deep concern over the poor workmanship on the Simwanda Bridge project in Kalomo District, in Southern Province.
The bridge being constructed under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at a cost of over K800,000 has been condemned by the NCC after an on-site inspection.
NCC Executive Director Paul Makasa who led the inspection together with the board chairperson, said the Council was saddened by the loss of significant public resources on a project that does not meet minimum engineering standards.
“As NCC, we are deeply saddened that over K800,000 of taxpayer money has been lost on a poorly executed project that is not fit for its purpose. This bridge will need to be demolished and a new one built from scratch if it is to serve the community safely,” he said.
Professor Makasa was speaking in an interview with ZANIS at the Kalomo town council after the bridge inspection visit.
He said following the findings after the inspection, NCC has summoned Manjenja construction firm, the contractor responsible for the project.
And NCC Board Director Edgar Siakachona said the findings at Simwanda Bridge raise broader concerns about the competencies of the local contractors and local authority’s supervision of CDF-funded infrastructure.
The Republican Progressive Party (RPP) acknowledges the ongoing public debate regarding the proposed Lands Amendment Bill, which seeks to expand the powers of the Registrar of Lands, including the authority to cancel land titles and oversee the appeals process.
RPP recognizes the government’s intention to streamline land administration and address the growing issue of fraudulently acquired land titles. We agree that safeguarding the integrity of land records and protecting legitimate landowners is critical. However, vesting excessive authority in a single office risks creating a power imbalance. Without proper checks and balances, such a move could lead to misuse of power and erode public confidence in land governance.
To address land-related fraud effectively while preserving due process, RPP advocates for the full implementation of Article 233 of the Constitution, which provides for the creation of a Lands Tribunal within the Lands Commission. This tribunal should be the appropriate, independent body mandated to resolve land disputes and appeals.
Its composition must reflect professional diversity—bringing together experts in land law, human rights, and economics—to ensure decisions are fair, balanced, and informed by multiple perspectives. Additionally, the tribunal’s functions must be embedded within the broader land governance system to guarantee transparency and institutional accountability.
We also call for the accelerated issuance of land titles to indigenous Zambians who have fulfilled all statutory obligations, including the payment of service charges. Continued delays in processing legitimate land claims deepen economic inequality, disenfranchise communities, and stifle development efforts.
On the matter of ministerial oversight in land appeals, RPP emphasizes the need to shield land administration from political interference. Allowing the Minister to intervene risks politicizing sensitive land issues and weakening the independence of institutions. All appeals and title cancellations must be handled by legally empowered, impartial bodies such as the Lands Tribunal.
In conclusion, RPP calls for a balanced and constitutional approach to land reform—one that upholds the rule of law, ensures expert oversight, and strengthens institutions. We remain firmly committed to supporting reforms that promote justice, transparency, and inclusive development for all Zambians.
