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Zambia’s financial stability under threat

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Zambia’s financial stability under threat
Dr Denny Kalyalya

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.

Why 2021 is critical for ECL and HH

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Why 2021 is critical for ECL and HH
HH and President Lungu meet at late Munkombwe’s burial in Choma
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

KUDOS Hon. Kambita, Tasila can’t eat cake and have it!

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KUDOS Hon. Kambita, Tasila can’t eat cake and have it!

Yesterday Zambezi East Member of Parliament, Brian Kambita rose on the floor of the House to question the Speaker whether the continued absence of Chawama Member of Parliament, Tasila Lungu, from the August House indicates that she does not intend to return and fulfil her parliamentary duties, hence denying the ‘good’ people of Chawama effective representation.

Kambita cited recent court filings made by former First Lady, Esther Lungu, in the Pretoria High Court, whereby she allegedly stated that her family does not intend to return to Zambia due to safety concerns.

He noted that Ms. Lungu as a member of the family involved in the legal matter, may be personally affected by the said position.

In response to this, Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti reserved ruling to a later date.

What do we make of this?

Every occupation is governed by rules and regulations….you can’t just pitch up at work whatever time you you feel like or stay away from the same as much as you want! We recently lost our mother in Zambezi, our nephew who happened to work as a security guard returned to his job only to find that it has been filled up by someone else!

Compassionate leave has a limit; one can not be on leave in perpetuity at the expense of their responsibility. The people of Chawama deserve adequate and effective representation in parliament! A ‘no show MP’ is likely to deprive them of their share of the national cake!

Isn’t this the same Tasila who was away to America for a long time until the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) where she was wanted for interrogations raised the red flag? Tasila can’t eat the cake and have it! She has to choose between representing the people of Chawama or mourning her father till eternity.

To those of you that believe in the Bible, doesn’t Mathew 8:22 warn us that, “Let the dead bury themselves…”

Until next time….

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi

Make drug theft treasonable offense; introduce fast track courts.

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Make drug theft treasonable offense; introduce fast track courts.

A comprehensive forensic audit conducted by Price waterhouse Coopers (PwC) in the Ministry of Health, commissioned by President Hichilema last year, has exposed spine chilling and glaring irregularities in the procurement and management of drugs in the Ministry of Health. This has been a long-standing issue that unfortunately culminated into the US government withholding US$50 million in medical aid to the country.

The forensic audit has revealed massive price inflation in medicines and medical supplies procured by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies (ZAMMSA) under the mop up exercise whereby some prices are inflated by as much as 1600%! For instance, Ibuprofen 200 mg tablets from Sterelin Medical and Diagnostics were being procured at K3,951.67. This represents an increase of over 1000% than the ZAMMSA’s estimated price of K230.67 for the same drugs! The report also implicates senior government officials, including alleged abuse of authority, rushed procurement and bypassing procumbent protocols.

The rot at Ministry of Health is not new. This is something that has been deep-rooted from as far back as the days of MMD. The people who are behind the pilferage of drugs or inflating prices are enemies of the people. They are heartless and ruthless murderers who don’t deserve to live amongst us…..they deserve to die by firing squad!

According to a statement released by State House chief communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka, “There shall be no sacred cows, anyone found wanting will face the full force of the law.”

The question is, will this satanic practice of stealing drugs or over inflating prices come to a screeching end when this has been the trend for as long as one may recall? Look at all those breathtaking mansions the suspected looters have acquired in Chalala and State lodge or indeed the impressive SUVs they change like underwear, the temptation can be quite irresistible!

We are therefore appealing to President Hichilema to compel Parliament to take a radical measure and make drug theft a treasonable offense! The Ministry of Justice must equally consider introducing Fast Track Courts to nip the scourge in the bud.

Whether we would like to believe it or not, the New Dawn Administration has scored a number of milestones in the Health sector since assuming government; funding has increased from K1.5 billion in 2021 to K4.9 billion projected for 2025, drug stocking levels have improved from 45% in 2021 to 85% current drug availability (90% projected in 2025) while human resource capacity has been bolstered by 40% since 2021!

Why should we allow a few selfish and greedy individuals keep painting the ugly picture, government is indeed lamentably failing to deliver in the health sector, by allowing them to continue corruptly enriching themselves by pocketing the very resources government is making available? Hit them hard where it pains the most!

Prince Bill M Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst

Surprise honour for Dr. Kumwenda as hospital ward is named after her

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Surprise honour for Dr. Kumwenda as hospital ward is named after her

By Benedict Tembo

A routine visit to James Lawless Hospital in Ndola by the Zambia Flying Doctors Service (ZFDS) on June 27 turned into an unforgettable moment for one of its board members, Dr. Rosemary Kumwenda, when a hospital ward was named in her honour — a tribute she had no idea was planned.

Dr. Kumwenda, who has served as ZFDS Board Chairperson since August 2022, was visibly surprised when the hospital management unveiled the newly named ward.
The recognition, kept secret by hospital staff and ZFDS management, was meant to acknowledge her outstanding leadership and decades-long service to Zambia’s health sector.

“The ward came as a great surprise to me and other board members. It underscores the fact that we understand our roles as board and management,” Dr. Kumwenda said in an interview.

According to Dr. Kumwenda, the idea of honouring individuals who played key roles in the organisation’s recapitalisation had been discussed during previous board meetings.
She cited former Health Minister Sylvia Masebo, who appointed the current board in 2022, as a notable supporter of ZFDS’s renewed mission to deliver quality healthcare to underserved areas.

“So going forward, family and friends will support me to own the ward and continue providing support to the Zambia Flying Doctor Service for many years to come. “I feel immensely privileged,” she said.

Dr. Kumwenda began her medical career in 1987 and previously held senior roles in the Ministry of Health, including as District Director of Health in both Livingstone and Lusaka. During her tenure, she oversaw the construction of seven first-level hospitals in Lusaka — located in Chelstone, Chipata, Matero, George, Chawama, Kanyama, and Chilenje — under the national health reform programme.

She later joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where she worked at both national and international levels. Her last post before retirement in July 2022 was as Health and Development Team Leader based in Istanbul, Turkey, covering 18 countries across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Throughout her career, Dr. Kumwenda received several awards, including the UNDP Best Team Leader award and long-service recognitions for 5, 10, and 20 years. She was also honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Award by St. Monica’s Alumni.

Despite the challenges of her role, Dr. Kumwenda emphasised that service has always been her priority.

“There is a lot of work that the ZFDS board members do, and it has never been for the reward. The allowance is minimal. But the results are visible, and people can relate to what ZFDS does and how important it is for reaching remote communities with quality health services,” she said.

As she prepares to celebrate her 64th birthday on July 20, Dr. Kumwenda’s legacy in Zambia’s healthcare sector is not only documented in policy and progress — but now, permanently inscribed on the walls of James Lawless Hospital.

Sell Crops Responsibly – Chief Nkana

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Sell Crops Responsibly – Chief Nkana

Chief Nkana of the Lamba people of the Copperbelt Province has advised his subjects against selling all their crops at the expense of consumption following an enhanced harvest recorded this year.

During the 2023/2024 season, some parts of the country experienced droughts leading to low yields.

Speaking to Radio Icengelo News in Ndola, Chief Nkana said no family should go hungry after good rains experienced during the 2024-2025 season leading to a good harvest posted in various parts of the country this year.

The Traditional leader, whose Chiefdom covers some parts of Lufwanyama, Kalulushi and Kitwe, noted that some families have a tendency of selling all their crops such as maize and end up experiencing hunger prior to the next harvest.

“When God blesses you with a good harvest you best safeguard food such as maize. We always tell our subject about this matter. As Chiefs it is our duty to advise our people to avoid hunger,” Chief Nkana said.

He said preserving crops for consumption is key to preventing hunger at household level.

“Like the Government has been advocating, no one should go hungry after this year’s bumper harvest. People should not struggle to put food on the table. We don’t want hunger in the Chiefdom. We don’t want anyone to die of hunger,” Chief Nkana said.

UNICEF 2025 HIV Report: Zambia’s Children Are Still at Risk — and We Must Act

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UNICEF 2025 HIV Report: Zambia’s Children Are Still at Risk — and We Must Act

By Fr. Charlie B. Chilufya, S.J.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14

Just yesterday, UNICEF released its 2025 Global HIV Estimates — and the numbers are a sobering call to action. While the world has made undeniable progress in reducing HIV infections among children, the report shows that too many children — especially in Africa — are still dying unnecessarily. And yes, Zambia is part of that picture.

In 2024 alone, 120,000 children were newly infected with HIV, and 75,000 children under the age of 15 died from AIDS-related causes. These are children who could have lived — if they had been tested early, treated promptly, and embraced by a health system that sees them.

The new report tells us what we already know deep down: we are not doing enough.

Zambia’s Children: Progress, But Still Left Behind

  • 65,000 adolescents (ages 10–19) are living with HIV in Zambia — but nearly 1 in 10 are not yet on treatment.
  • 41,300 children (ages 0–14) are currently receiving ART — but an estimated 14,000 in that age group remain untreated.
  • We have approximately 600,000 AIDS orphans in Zambia — children who have lost one or both parents to AIDS-related illness.
  • New infections among children dropped significantly between 2010 and 2019 — but we’re still seeing thousands of preventable infections each year.

These children are not just numbers. They are in our homes, our churches, our communities. They are our future. And many of them are being left behind — not because we lack the medicine, but because we have not yet aligned our political will, moral voice, and public health systems to fully protect them.

A Crisis of Justice and Compassion

The UNICEF report makes it painfully clear: only 55% of HIV-positive children worldwide receive treatment. In Sub-Saharan Africa — which bears 86% of the global burden — some regions, like West and Central Africa, have treatment coverage as low as 37%. Zambia fares better than many neighbours — but our children are still at risk.

This is not just a health crisis. It is a justice crisis.

When Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me,” He wasn’t speaking metaphorically. He meant that children must never be hindered — not by indifference, not by poverty, not by systems that ignore them. Every untreated child in Zambia today is a child we have failed to see with the eyes of compassion and the urgency of justice.

What Zambia Must Do Now

  1. Close the treatment gap for children and adolescents
    Ensure every child living with HIV has access to early testing and antiretroviral treatment — particularly in rural and underserved provinces.
  2. Empower our faith-based clinics and missions
    Church-run health centres have been lifelines for children in remote areas. They must be fully equipped and supported as critical partners in the national HIV response.
  3. Protect and support AIDS orphans
    More than 600,000 Zambian children have lost one or both parents to HIV. They need not just food and schooling — they need love, safety, and long-term support.
  4. Tackle stigma — especially for adolescents
    Young people still fear discrimination in schools, churches, and clinics. We must train our leaders, teachers, and health workers to be sources of healing, not silence.
  5. Push for regional and global solidarity
    Zambia must advocate alongside neighbours for equitable access to child-friendly HIV formulations, increased donor funding, and shared strategies for the most vulnerable.

Let the Children Come — And Let Nothing Stand in Their Way

As a Jesuit priest, I am moved not only by the data — but by the Gospel truth it demands of us. Jesus welcomed children as full citizens of the Kingdom. To ignore them in our policies, our budgets, or our healthcare priorities is to ignore Christ Himself.

Let us not fail the children of Zambia. Let us remove the barriers — be they policy, funding, stigma, or silence — that still stand in their way. Because no child in our country should die of AIDS in 2025.

This is our time.
This is our test.
This is our turn to say: Let the children come.

Fr. Charlie B. Chilufya, S.J.
Jesuit Priest | Public and International Affairs Analyst

Sources:

  • UNICEF 2025 Global HIV Estimates (released July 2025)
  • UNICEF Zambia: HIV/AIDS Facts
  • UNAIDS Zambia Country Data 2024
  • National HIV/AIDS Council Reports
  • WHO Global Health Observatory

 

Bitcoin could hit $125K this week amid regulatory and political support

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Bitcoin could hit $125K this week amid regulatory and political support

Bitcoin is on track to reach $125,000 in the coming days, predicts Nigel Green, CEO of global finan coal advisory giant deVere Group, as support from President Trump, sweeping regulatory moves in Washington, and accelerating institutional demand converge to drive the cryptocurrency’s price to new highs.

“Bitcoin has blasted through $122,000, and all the indicators point to $125,000 in sight this week,” says Nigel Green. “It’s being powered by deep political backing, new regulatory clarity, and sustained institutional inflows. This is a powerful combination we haven’t seen at this scale before.”

The world’s largest cryptocurrency surged to $121,207 early Monday, doubling its value over the past year. The gains follow a flurry of developments in the US, including President Trump’s public positioning as the “crypto president” and a series of bills scheduled for debate in the House of Representatives this week.

Among them, the Genius Act is expected to create a federal framework for stablecoins—one of the most significant regulatory steps the US has taken to date.

“This is not crypto on the fringe anymore,” says deVere CEO..

“This is front and center of US financial policy. Trump is championing it, lawmakers are acting on it, and Wall Street is all-in.”

The renewed drive from Washington is turbocharging optimism in markets already buoyed by record-breaking inflows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs. Major players including BlackRock and Fidelity are continuing to scale up their exposure, sending a powerful signal to both retail and institutional investors.

“Wall Street has crossed the Rubicon,” Nigel Green continues. “The capital is committed. The infrastructure is there. The political will is building. The market is responding exactly as we expected.”

deVere has previously forecast Bitcoin reaching $150,000 within this cycle—a target the firm is now doubling down on.

“The trajectory to $150K is intact, but investors should expect a sharp move to $140K, then a healthy sell-off before we power higher,” says Nigel Green.

“Investments of this magnitude don’t move in straight lines. They surge, cool, consolidate, then break out again. That’s the phase we’re entering.”

Bitcoin’s surge is also being echoed in related equities, with US-listed crypto miners and ETF-linked stocks substantial gains. Bitcoin’s market cap now exceeds $2.3 trillion, reinforcing its grip on the $3.8 trillion global digital asset space.

“The scale of capital entering the space is rewriting the map,” Nigel Green adds. “This isn’t hype. This is asset reallocation on a global level.”

deVere attributes the current rally not just to speculation, but to fundamental changes in the structure of the market. Recent moves by nation-states, institutional allocators, and regulators are helping to strip away the longstanding barriers to mainstream crypto adoption.

“Once the US locks in a formal framework, we expect others to follow. This is how the tipping point begins,” he says.

He concludes: The $125K milestone is within reach now, and when it comes, it will confirm what we’ve been saying: that Bitcoin is not only back, but can be expected to break through every ceiling put in front of it if the momentum continues.”

Impasse Over Kasompe Airstrip Land A time Bomb

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Impasse Over Kasompe Airstrip Land A time Bomb

Dear Editor,

I write to bring it to the attention of the listening President Mr Hakainde Hichilema that the situation at Kasompe Airstrip is a time bomb yet to explode in the face of politics.

After the demolition of the houses there three years ago, instigated by the Council through the Mayor, everybody was meant to believe that the airstrip was encroached by people, yet it is actually council that had planned that area secretly and named it New Ndeke. People were only used as a scape goat.

Later on, there were court litigations which are still going on but surprisingly, council with its stubbornness by the Town Clerk Namukolo Kalufyanya, have taken soldiers there who are currently harassingly people, even passersby. Apparently, these officers are operating on instructions by Council through the Mayor, Councillors Mbalama, Muke and the Town Clerk so that they grab land and sell to the highest bidder.

It is not a shock that a lot of land relocation in Chingola is a sorry state where even resolutions by the council take ages to be implemented. When asked, our civic leaders are saying the town clerk is not sanctioning and when pushed she claims she is highly connected and can not be pushed. Why did Chingola accept this woman who was rejected everywhere prior to her posting here? She was fired in PF because of such behavior of undermining the government of the day.

My appeal to the President is that Chingola will be difficult for campaigns, especially if the current serving leaders have to re-adopted. We are watching as we count eight months to go. Enough is enough for people of Chingola.

CONCERNED CHINGOLA RESIDENT

Zambia ,UAE Strengthen Bilateral Ties through Trade ,Investment and Human Capital Development

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Zambia ,UAE Strengthen Bilateral Ties through Trade ,Investment and Human Capital Development

Zambia’s strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) received a major boost today following a high-level bilateral meeting between President Hakainde Hichilema and UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Shakhbout Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, at State House in Lusaka.

The engagement reaffirmed the deepening ties between the two nations, with a shared commitment to fostering mutually beneficial cooperation across key economic sectors, including mining, energy, agriculture, and tourism.

“Our government-to-government partnership continues to grow from strength to strength,” President Hichilema said in a statement following the talks. “These collaborations are aimed at unlocking tangible economic benefits, creating jobs, promoting entrepreneurship, and generating business opportunities for our people.”

President Hichilema emphasized that the relationship between Zambia and the UAE is not only rooted in investment and trade, but also in building sustainable development frameworks, particularly through human capital development.

“We highly commend the UAE’s commitment to training our public service workforce,” he added. “This aligns with our national vision to provide public services that are not only effective and efficient but also timely—breaking away from the bureaucratic inefficiencies of the past.”

The UAE has emerged as one of Zambia’s fastest-growing foreign partners, with investments already flowing into renewable energy projects and agribusiness ventures. Officials from both countries are expected to formalize additional agreements aimed at expanding cooperation in infrastructure and technology in the months ahead.

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Barrick Bets Big On Zambia’s Copper Future Despite Trump Tariff Shock

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Barrick Bets Big On Zambia’s Copper Future Despite Trump Tariff Shock

Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold Corporation says the future of copper remains bright despite a looming 50% U.S. tariff that has jolted global markets and created short-term price volatility. The company is forging ahead with its $2 billion expansion of the Lumwana copper mine in Zambia, doubling down on Africa’s role in the global energy transition.

Speaking in Lusaka last week, Barrick CEO Mark Bristow acknowledged the market tremors caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement to impose steep copper tariffs starting August 1. The move, aimed at boosting domestic supply for critical sectors like defense and electric vehicles, sent U.S. copper futures soaring — but also sparked fears of price drops elsewhere as major producers like Chile redirect their exports.

Still, Bristow remained upbeat.

“The copper price is going to be unstable just like everything else in the world, and we will have to get out of this instability,” he told reporters. “But the fundamentals haven’t changed — copper demand is outpacing supply, and that imbalance is only going to grow.”

Bristow cited the proliferation of data centers, clean energy infrastructure, and industrialization across emerging markets as major growth drivers.

“Everyone agrees that copper demand is outgrowing the supply side. That’s why we’re investing now — ahead of the tightening,” he said.

Zambia’s Copper Hub Gathers Momentum
Barrick’s Lumwana expansion is central to that vision. The project will double output to 240,000 tonnes annually by 2028 and extend the mine’s life to 2057. A new 50-million-tonne processing plant, upgraded power infrastructure in partnership with ZESCO, and local supplier development are all part of the transformation.

“When we reviewed the Lumwana mine in 2019, it was high-cost and underperforming. Today, it’s a growing force in African copper,” said Bristow.
He added that Lumwana is poised to become “one of the world’s large and strategically important copper mines.”

The economic ripple effects are already being felt. Barrick has injected over $4 billion into Zambia’s economy since acquiring Lumwana, with 81% of Q1 2025 spending — roughly $177 million — going to Zambian suppliers. Nearly all 12,000 mine workers are Zambian, and almost half come from nearby communities.

In tandem with mining activity, Barrick is investing in local development projects, including the Manyama township, a training center for mining skills, and a regional airstrip. These initiatives align with Zambia’s Mining and Minerals 2031 Policy, which emphasizes inclusive growth and skills development.

Sustainability and Sovereignty
Environmental protection is also a key pillar. Barrick is collaborating with Zambia’s Forestry Department and local leaders to preserve up to 300,000 hectares of forest, a move that supports biodiversity, community livelihoods, and the creation of carbon credits.

“Lumwana is becoming a flagship for sustainable copper mining. It demonstrates how a world-class mine can help build an industrial ecosystem while protecting the environment and expanding economic opportunity,” Bristow noted.

Meanwhile, Barrick is contending with challenges elsewhere on the continent. In Mali, the company has initiated international arbitration after the junta retroactively applied a new mining code that grants the state a 50% stake and seized gold assets worth over $100 million.

Despite these headwinds, Barrick’s Zambia strategy reflects growing confidence in Africa’s long-term role in powering the green economy.

The Bigger Picture
As the world pivots to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure, copper remains indispensable — and African producers like Zambia are at the forefront of that transformation.

While the U.S. tariff casts a shadow over short-term pricing, Bristow believes the global copper outlook remains robust.

Source: Reuters
Africa Business Insider

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82

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Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari Dies At 82

Nigeria is mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, a military general turned civilian leader known for his fierce anti-corruption drive and stoic leadership. Buhari, 82, died in London on Sunday at approximately 4:30 p.m., after what officials described as a prolonged illness.

The news was confirmed in a statement by the Nigerian Presidential Press Office, and has drawn tributes from across the continent and beyond.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who succeeded Buhari in 2023, expressed deep sorrow and extended condolences to the late leader’s wife and family. He has dispatched Vice President Kashim Shettima to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back home.

“He stood firm through the most turbulent times, leading with quiet strength, profound integrity, and an unshakable belief in Nigeria’s potential,” said President Tinubu in a statement. “He championed discipline in public service, confronted corruption head-on, and placed the country above personal interest at every turn.”

Born in December 1942 in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari belonged to the Fulani ethnic group and practiced Islam. His military training took him across the globe—from Kaduna to Great Britain, India, and the United States.

He rose to national prominence when he seized power in a 1983 military coup, serving as Head of State until 1985, when he was ousted in another coup. Despite his abrupt removal, Buhari remained a symbol of discipline and anti-corruption—values that would define his future political career.

In 2015, after three failed attempts, Buhari was elected president under the All Progressives Congress (APC), defeating incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. He was re-elected in 2019, becoming the second Nigerian to serve as both military and civilian head of state.

Buhari’s presidency was marked by his zero-tolerance approach to corruption, aggressive policies against the Boko Haram insurgency, and efforts to reform public institutions. His critics accused him of authoritarian leanings and economic mismanagement, while his supporters viewed him as a stoic reformer who prioritized national stability.

His tenure also coincided with challenging economic periods and a shifting global landscape, but Buhari remained a central figure in shaping Nigeria’s democratic evolution and security architecture.

Arrangements are underway to repatriate Buhari’s remains to Nigeria, where state funeral plans are expected to be announced in the coming days. National flags have been lowered to half-mast, and condolence messages continue to pour in from African leaders, diplomats, and global institutions.

Muhammadu Buhari is survived by his wife, Aisha Buhari, and their children.

Mweemba Salutes U20 Girls On COSAFA Title Truimph

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Mweemba Salutes U20 Girls On COSAFA Title Truimph

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has extended hearty congratulations to the Zambia Under-20 Women National Team for clinching the 2025 COSAFA Championship, defending their crown and underlining the nation’s rising dominance in women’s football.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba hailed the young Copper Queens for their back-to-back regional success, calling it a testament to the bright future of Zambian women’s football. He said the victory is even more significant as it comes at a time when the senior national team has just advanced to the quarterfinals of the ongoing TotalEnergies Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

“On behalf of my executive and the entire football family, I wish to congratulate our Under-20 Women National Team for being crowned COSAFA champions,” said Mweemba. “No doubt, the future of our women’s game is bright and we will continue to invest in the youth structures to sustain the success we are experiencing.”

The FAZ president also commended the Zambia Under-17 Boys National Team, who were entered in the U-20 COSAFA Championship as part of long-term development efforts. The team earned a bronze medal in the competition.

“We salute our U-17 boys who participated in the U-20 COSAFA as part of our broader strategy to prepare for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Winning would have been great, but our primary focus was building the team ahead of the global tournament set for November 3–27,” he added.

Mweemba took the opportunity to express gratitude to all Zambians — from fans and the media to government and other stakeholders — for their unwavering support of the Copper Queens as they continue their WAFCON campaign.

“The ultimate target is to make history by winning the trophy, but we have to take it step by step,” he said.

The Football Association reiterated its commitment to grassroots development, talent nurturing, and sustained investment in both men’s and women’s football.

Project news: first winners of the Safety on the Road campaign

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Project news: first winners of the Safety on the Road campaign

A new culture of road safety is confidently taking root in Zambia. The Safety on the Road initiative is a long-term social project launched by 1xBet in partnership with the Safety for People on the Move organization. The campaign has already become one of the most notable social events in the country in 2025. Its first thematic stage has wrapped up, and the first winners have emerged. However, these are more than contest participants: they are true ambassadors of new values — responsibility, attentiveness, and mutual respect on the road.

Together, the Safety on the Road campaign and 1xBet have become the face of a new public dialogue around the culture of responsible road behaviour.

Campaign on air: awards premiere on Prime TV

The highlight of the first stage was a broadcast on Prime Television Zambia as part of the Day Break Breakfast Show, during which winners were officially awarded, and a live conversation took place with the campaign ambassadors. It was more than just a formal media appearance — the airing turned into a sincere and open discussion about road culture, responsibility, and the impact of social initiatives on everyday life.

The guests in the studio included:

  • Kafupi Muwana, representative of the 1xBet brand;
  • Chifwesa Kaoma, president of Safety for People on the Move;
  • Magnate, 1xBet ambassador;
  • Sylvester Kaoma, a winner of the campaign’s first stage.

Kafupi Muwana was the first to speak, sharing the history of the partnership and the project’s goal:

“We invite everyone to tell their stories, to share their photos, share their experiences on our social media pages. Because in that way we are able to raise awareness and are able to make this campaign really hit home,” said Kafupi Muwana.

He emphasized that this year’s campaign went beyond the previous program, which focused exclusively on drivers. Now the focus is on all participants in road traffic, including pedestrians. According to Muwana, the main thing is to activate the discussion and give everyone a voice:

“When you choose safety — safety is for champions! You are saving not only your own life but also many other lives out there. And if you want that thrill and emotional adrenaline rush — there is a platform, which is 1xBet.”

Chifwesa Kaoma, as head of a non-governmental organization, pointed out the critical state of infrastructure in Zambia and the need for change, which should start with everyone taking personal responsibility:

“You just have to be responsible all the time, there is no easy way out. You have to be a responsible road user — an ambassador all the time.”

Her speech was emotional and practical at the same time: she encouraged every viewer not to wait for top-down reforms, but to take action in everyday life — to look around, respect the rules, and lead by example.

The speech by Magnate, a public figure and brand ambassador, attracted particular attention. He shared that he joined the campaign due to the initiative’s genuine social significance:

“To partner with 1xBet, it wasn’t about the betting, casino — it was about the impact we want to leave on the people of Zambia. And obviously the idea of a road safety campaign … I said let me jump on — let me be the ambassador for this change, for this movement!”

Magnate also mentioned his other projects with the brand — the responsible betting campaign and 1xBet Business Hub — however, it was road safety that resonated with him the most.

Finally, Sylvester Kaoma, the winner who took first place in the initial stage, shared his journey: how he stumbled upon the competition by chance, started answering, became enthusiastic, and realized that the topics raised by the project are crucial not only for winning but also for daily life.

“It’s not only about the money, it’s not only about the prizes. Safety is essential! … Advocating as Safety for People on the Move do, is important, because it saves lives. You can save someone’s life who is a father, a mother, a breadwinner. Making them aware would save lives.”

First winners: activity is the main criterion

The winners of the first stage were not random participants, but true supporters of the initiative who actively engaged in discussions, answered questions, commented on posts, and consistently returned to the topic.

1st place — Sylvester Kaoma, won 10 000 ZMW

“It’s not only about the money, it’s not only about the prizes. Safety is essential! … Advocating as Safety for People on the Move do, is important, because it saves lives. You can save someone’s life who is a father, a mother, a breadwinner. Making them aware would save lives.”

“My advice would be — don’t drink and drive, stay safe, drive appropriately, as this could save a life.”

Participants who set an example

In addition to Sylvester Kaoma, the top three winners included:

  • 2nd place — Sinkamba Gibson, won 6 000 ZMW
  • 3rd place — Christopher Mulenga Chanda, won 4 000 ZMW

These participants took part in all available competitions, such as:

  • themed questions like “Which road has the worst pothole?”;
  • True/False quizzes;
  • Guess the Location format;
  • open comments on pedestrian behaviour and road culture.

What set them apart was not only the accuracy of their answers, but also their consistent participation, engagement in discussions, and steadfast behaviour throughout the entire stage.

From awareness to action: summary of Topic 1

The first stage of the campaign focused on a key issue: the condition of roads and pedestrian safety in Zambia. The goal was to break the stereotype that pedestrians are merely passive users of the road and convey a new vision: that they are full participants in the road environment.

The first stage showed that the topic of safety can be interactive, and the message can be inspiring. One participant shared after completing the test: 

“Your posts made me stop drifting in parking lots. Now I’m waiting for a real track.”

Stories like these prove that even a lighthearted approach can have a profound impact. The Safety on the Road campaign doesn’t simply talk about rules — it helps young people realize that caution is a sign of strength, not weakness.

It’s the best example of influence. The Safety on the Road campaign is not limited to posts — it shapes a new road ethic, especially among young people.

What’s next?

The second stage is already being prepared for launch. In the meantime, everyone can complete an interactive test designed to reinforce the knowledge gained in the first block.

It’s easy to join:

  • Follow our posts on social media.
  • Take part in upcoming competitions.
  • Become part of the movement for a chance to win a share of the total prize pool, which is a staggering 100,000 ZMW.

After all, champions are not just those who win on the track. They are those who choose safety every day. Follow 1xBet on social media, join the next stage of the campaign, participate, and win prizes with 1xBet Safety on the Road!

https://instagram.com/1xbet.zambia
https://www.facebook.com/zambia.1xbet/
https://twitter.com/1xBet_Zambia

 

Message For Today:Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power

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Message For Today:Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power

Today’s Scripture

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
Ephesians 6:10, NLT

Why Not Change?

Friend, it’s easy to get negative when someone offends you. It’s easy to live in self-pity over a bad break. It’s easy to be rude to people who are rude to you. But what if you knew all that was a test. That God put you there to see how you would respond. Don’t let the same things upset you, the same people offend you, the same compromise defeat you year after year. Instead of waiting for it to change, why don’t you change? Why don’t you grow through it?

It’s time to step up and prove to God who you are. You’re not weak. You’re a warrior. You don’t fall apart when trouble comes. You are strong in the Lord. You don’t complain that you can’t take it anymore. You can do all things through Christ. You don’t live offended by people who did you wrong. You let God be your vindicator. That’s how you grow through it. When you prove to God that you’re growing stronger, He can entrust you with more favor, more resources, more influence.

A Prayer for Today

“Father, thank You that I have the power to remain strong when circumstances and people try to defeat me. Thank You that I can change and grow through the challenges I face. I’ve made up my mind that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

{Joel Osteen Ministries}

Esther Lungu Reveals Late President Lungu’s Final Wish: “Hichilema Must Not Attend My Funeral”

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Esther Lungu Reveals Late President Lungu’s Final Wish: “Hichilema Must Not Attend My Funeral”

As the ongoing cross-border dispute over the burial of the late former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, his widow, Esther Lungu, has disclosed that one of his final wishes was that President Hakainde Hichilema neither attend his funeral nor view his body.

The revelations were made in an affidavit filed before the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria, South Africa, as the legal battle intensifies between the Lungu family and the Zambian government, which is seeking to repatriate the former Head of State’s remains for a state burial in line with national tradition.

“During the late former President Lungu’s time in South Africa, he was open and consistent in expressing his wish that, upon his death, the current President should be nowhere,” the affidavit reads. “He expressly said Mr. Hichilema must not be allowed to participate in or see his body.”

Esther Lungu further claimed her husband fled Zambia in January 2025 under genuine fear of persecution, not merely for medical treatment. She alleged that President Lungu feared politically motivated neglect in Zambian healthcare institutions and ongoing harassment by the state. He was diagnosed in South Africa with terminal oesophageal cancer, which doctors believed could have been more effectively treated had he been treated ealier.

She argues that her husband died a private citizen, stripped of all former president benefits since 2023, and that the Former Presidents’ Benefits Act—under which the state claims burial authority—no longer applied to him at the time of his death.

“There is no testament, will, or legal basis for the State to interfere with the burial. That responsibility rests with his family, and his wish was to be buried in South Africa,” she stated.

Mrs. Lungu also accused the government of waging a prolonged campaign of political retaliation, referencing the 2017 arrest of President Hichilema during Lungu’s administration as a likely catalyst for what she termed state-orchestrated retribution—including arrests of family members and property seizures.

As evidence, she submitted videos and podcast interviews in which the late president expressed deep mistrust of the Hichilema-led government. In one recorded statement, he reportedly said: “One who torments another in life must not preside over the funeral in death.”

The Zambian government, through Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha, has maintained that President Lungu’s status as a former Head of State legally obligates the nation to honour him with a state funeral and burial, as per constitutional and legislative requirements.

The Attorney General has petitioned the Pretoria High Court to issue an order for the repatriation of the body to Zambia, where government insists a state burial at the Embassy Park Presidential Burial Site is the rightful course.

The former First Lady’s claims have stirred public debate, drawing a reflective response from governance activist Laura Miti, who challenged the moral framing of the late president’s final sentiments.

“My question to Madam Esther is—did President Lungu also speak about the terrible treatment he himself had dished out to HH?” Miti posted on social media.

She went on to question whether forgiveness was ever part of the conversation in the final days of the former president’s life.

“Did she, at all, try to save her husband from dying with anger and half-truths?”

The matter, which has placed Zambia on the global spotlight, is now before the Gauteng High Court, with a ruling on the repatriation request expected on 4 August 2025. In the meantime, both sides remain at a legal and moral impasse, with national unity and tradition hanging in the balance.

Mweemba Congratulates Copper Queens on WAFCON Quarterfinal Qualification

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Mweemba Congratulates Copper Queens on WAFCON Quarterfinal Qualification

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has extended its warmest congratulations to the Copper Queens for advancing to the quarterfinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The crucial Group A encounter saw Zambia secure second place in the group, booking a place in the knockout stage where they will face the winners of Group B.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba praised the team’s performance, describing the win as a significant milestone in their journey toward continental glory.

“Congratulations to the team for qualifying to the quarterfinals of the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations,” said Mweemba. “We have achieved our first target at the tournament which was getting out of the group and now move to the next step. Everyone knows what our ultimate target is at this tournament, but we have to move step by step.”

The President urged the Copper Queens to maintain their composure and commitment as they enter the high-stakes phase of the tournament.

“While our ultimate target is winning the trophy, we are conscious that the team needs to take it a step at a time. We urge the Copper Queens to remain focused and ensure that they sustain the momentum set at the tournament so far.”

The win was secured thanks to an early goal from Racheal Kundananji, whose strike proved decisive in a closely contested match against Congo DR. The Copper Queens’ disciplined performance earned them their place among Africa’s top eight, reinforcing their reputation as serious title contenders.

In addition to celebrating the women’s team’s success, Mweemba also commended the Zambia Under-20 Men’s National Team for winning bronze at the ongoing Region V Games, calling it a promising sign for the future of Zambian football.

“We’re proud of the continued progress being made across all levels of the game. These achievements show that Zambian football is on a strong trajectory,” he added.

The Copper Queens will now turn their attention to the quarterfinal showdown, as fans across the nation rally behind the team in their pursuit of a historic WAFCON title.

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