Join our community of SUBSCRIBERS and be part of the conversation.
To subscribe, simply enter your email address on our website or click the subscribe button below. Don't worry, we respect your privacy and won't spam your inbox. Your information is safe with us.
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
I would like firstly to commend the Minister of Local government and Rural development Honorable Gift Sialubalo for his serious stance in making sure he goes round the councils to orient himself with the service delivery issues in our councils, after his appointment to the Ministry.
I am however taken aback when I hear him commending councils with most thorny service delivery issues with the community members.
We have issues that have gone through full council meetings two to three years ago, yet not implemented. Why should such a council and its management be praised when those being served are complaining? Surely, these CDF programs are one thing while the service delivery to communities by these civil servants and elected leaders is another. Burying yourselves in these CDF programs will shock you, not the President, mark my words.
Chingola for example have issues of land relocation for Hellen applicants, up to now the implementation is a sorry site, not talking of Kasompe Airstrip where the council is continually going against court orders by using the Army to harass people and instigate fear.
I am cautioning against praising these councils when you are not meeting the communities being served to hear their challenges that these people in offices are not executing. The Chingola Town Clerk for lack of words is stubborn and arrogant, not only to her juniors, but the party members, and the general members as she claims she is highly connected and cannot be fired. It is therefore shocking to hear such accolades from the Minister being showered on her.
It is shocking that Chingola Municipal Council is now using the Army to go against court orders that are active in Lusaka High Court involving Kasompe Airstrip.
I have never seen such arrogance by the Mayor to even invite the Army for an official courtesy call when he is alive to the court proceedings. Chingola people are not safe with this mayor and the Town Clerk.
I appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema to take interest in the Kasompe Airstrip issue where the council now go to site to demarcate land and give out when the matter is in court, just because he has sold some piece of land within the area to a chinese.
This and many more unpopular maneuvers by the Mayor kuma pit and on land issues will make Chingola a difficult campaigning town for the party, unless new faces are adopted. The current crop is marred with land and dumpsite corruption.
Bill 7 Deferred: A Chance to Close Legal Loopholes on Presidential Residence and Asset Disclosure
By Venus N Msyani
The deferral of Constitutional Amendment Bill 7 has ignited fierce public debate in Zambia. While some interpret it as a death knell for the proposal, others view it as a calculated pause meant to ease concerns over a rushed process. President Hakainde Hichilema defended the move, stating, “The deferral was necessary to allow more time for stakeholder engagement and to gather more content from various parties.”
His justification aligns with the latter view, repositioning the delay as a strategic opening rather than a legislative failure. The pause offers an essential opportunity to confront long-standing legal ambiguities surrounding presidential residence and asset disclosure.
At present, Zambian law does not require the sitting president to reside at State House. President Hichilema currently resides in his private home in New Kasama, Lusaka, a property presumably enhanced at public expense to meet executive standards. Such arrangements risk establishing a problematic precedent, one where future leaders expect taxpayer-funded upgrades to personal residences without constitutional mandate.
In the absence of legal constraints, this practice could quickly morph into a recurring entitlement: “President Hichilema didn’t relocate to State House, neither will I.”
Equally troubling is the issue of asset declaration. The law does not compel elected officials to publicly disclose their assets, weakening the nation’s anti-corruption infrastructure. Future leaders may exploit this gap, citing past behavior to sidestep transparency: “He didn’t declare his assets, I won’t either.”
What appears at first glance to be rhetorical evasion in fact signals a broader institutional failure, where informal precedent begins to eclipse codified governance. Addressing this now is not simply advisable; it’s imperative.
Hichilema’s own words, “Leadership means you must think of the person who is coming after you,” must be weighed against the choices that may now shape future presidencies. If left unchecked, these precedents risk distorting expectations of executive responsibility. The possibility of future leaders commuting daily from locales as distant as Kabwe or beyond, by helicopter no less, underscores the fiscal burden such informality could impose on the state. Our economy is too small for that.
Corruption continues to drain Zambia’s resources, even amidst formal reform efforts. Experts and civil society leaders have long called for mandatory annual asset and liability disclosures. Yet legal inertia allows technical avoidance to persist, dulling the edge of anti-corruption initiatives.
The moment demands legal clarity. Through constitutional reform, Zambia can enshrine requirements for public asset declarations, designate an official presidential residence, and eliminate policy blind spots that erode institutional trust. These reforms are not a critique of one administration; they are a defense of national integrity. Transparent governance lays the groundwork for development; accountability ensures its permanence.
The Constitution should reflect a commitment to clarity, equity, and fiscal restraint. This is not reactionary policymaking. It is responsible stewardship. Zambia’s future deserves laws that empower its citizens, not shield its leaders. And its public record should inspire tomorrow’s generation, not leave them to question yesterday’s silence.
Future Zambian Presidents may not relocate to State House. They may not annually declare assets either. Bill 7 Deferred: A chance to close these legal loopholes.
I want to bring to the attention of the Republican President that Chingola will be too difficult for the party to campaign.
This is because most of the elected leaders have abandoned those who campaigned for the and even used their own resources and their homes where they used to meet at as campaign centers.
The new ones they would want to use for the general elections already have a formula, “pay us off then we campaign”
The continued closure of dumpsites is another situation that will make it difficult for campaigns. While other towns are enjoying from dump sites, Chingola’s jerabos who are largely used for security for these leaders and campaigns are disappointed that Commerce, Mines and Copperbelt Ministers and Chingola Mayor are using the situation in Chingola to instead enrich themselves by fronting some financially capable Jerabos who give them a lot of money.
DAO is not spared from this syndicate as monies most times exchange hands right at the District Commissioner’s Office, without fear of the President.
Never in African and world history has a man been revered and acclaimed like the late Nelson Mandela first black president of a democratic South Africa. Mandela was a celebrated hero in all the continents of the world. Yet he never took pride to his genius head but remained as humble as ever.
He was not buried in a Mausoleum like a number of world leaders but just in his home village of Qunu in Transkei where he grew up as a little boy enjoying the beauty of nature in the land he treasured as his own home. Spending 27 years in prison at Robben Island and later at Pollsmoor Prison never embittered Mandela. He harboured no hard feelings against those who tormented him mentally and physically. He lived true to his word as a warrior against racism and black inferiority. He had no vengeance against his political enemies but exercised forgiveness at every turn. He was loved by people of all age groups and little children in early childhood centres in the continents adored and cherished this departed great son of Africa. He was of his own kind and enjoyed the company of the poorest of the poor. He had a very unique personality with his ever beaming charming smile. Laughter was great therapy for our grand hero who did Africa proud and still remained simple, down to earth, sincere, honest and passionate for freedom of all people from poverty and exploitation by the haves. The have nots were dear to his heart. He was their spokesperson.
He cherished a non-racial society for South Africa where all people were to appreciate each other as human beings. He was ready to die for serving humanity and campaigning against racism. He fought injustice and never compromised. He was a great pillar of strength for Africa and the rest of the world.
When Africa wanted to host the World Cup for the first time ever in its history, South Africa was among the three other competitors from the continent and his presence at the FIFA selection of the country to host the 2010 World Cup just mesmerised people and we knew that through the respect the nations participating in the selection to host world cup South Africa was going to be the first country on our continent to do it. For the first time an African team Ghana could have been the first black country to go to the semi-finals of the World Cup had Asemogyan from the first country in black Africa to attain independence missed the penalty kick. Africa wailed in dismay.
Today we must reflect on the theme “It is in our Hands to combat poverty and inequality” as we celebrate this great hero of our Motherland Africa. Mandela never wanted to see people die of hunger and subjected to mass illiteracy in the whole of Africa and other Third World nations. He stood for food security and equity of all nations in the quest for prosperity. Madiba wanted a world with minimal levels of abject poverty and absolute eradication of illiteracy. He never wavered in his resolve to ensure that a new world order considerate of total delivery of its people from poverty, exploitation, ignorance and disease. He knew that poverty and illiteracy were synonymous and never minced words when campaigning for the eradication of the two evils which are mostly like Siamese twins.
Poverty and illiteracy are commonplace in all African countries including the oil rich nations. It smells with an unpleasant odour in millions of homes across Africa. Greedy and corrupt African leaders disguised as champions of development play double standards. They preach long sermons on issues of poverty and inequity but in their true sense they impoverish their citizenry by dipping their fingers in the coffers recklessly and inhumanly and diverge the public funds to offshore accounts to enrich their families and aggravate poverty as they take public funds to developed countries where they pay astronomical tuition fees for their children in universities and schools. They even use the state machinery to grab land from the poorest of the poor and give it to their children, relatives and political allies. With such leaders Africa will not go anywhere insofar as economic development is concerned.
The culture of selfless leadership vested in founding fathers of African countries such as Julius Nyerere, Kenneth Kaunda, Ben Bella, Sir Seretse Khama, Apollo Milton Obote, Kwame Nkrumah, Sekou Tourre, Gilchrist Olympio, Modibo Keita, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Leopold Sedar Senghor, and Patrice Lumumba all hated by imperialist powers has been supplanted by the get-rich-quickly by stealing public funds. So many youths entering politics are not there to serve people with sacrifice and diligence but to serve their pockets and placate their ego.
The poverty and inequalities characterizing many African states are a result of the greed ingrained in many young African leaders. The greed entrenched in political party leaders across Africa is retrogressive and the electorates must map out strong measures to bring this to a stop. We should not celebrate criminals and family cartels to take occupancy of the presidential offices by enacting constitutional laws which would bar all convicted folks from participating in elections or being appointed to public offices for life. If we want to gauge their repentance and remorse, the convicted criminals with desire to get back to politics should be banned from participating in elections or taking occupancy of public offices for at least ten years. Faulire to bring such laws would always result in gangsters taking instruments of power and lawbreakers will be making their own laws to protect their perpetual evil deeds.
Let us emulate the lifestyle of late Nelson Mandela and many other honest founding fathers of African countries who never stole a coin like Nyerere and Kaunda among many others. We have the key to combat poverty and inequality in our hands. It is not the Chinese, Russians and North Koreans who will combat glaring poverty and inequality in Africa. It is us in Africa who hold the key not foreigners from across the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, let alone those across the Mediterranean Sea. The solutions are in our hands.
By Shaddon Chanda
Luanshya based Historian and Academician
Acting Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Peter Kapala, has affirmed Zambia’s growing role as a regional seed production and processing hub, attributing the country’s leadership to a favourable policy environment, strong agroecological conditions, and sustained investment in the seed sector.
Speaking during the official opening of the 3rd National Seed Congress in Lusaka, Mr. Kapala noted that Zambia’s strategic efforts have enabled it to become one of Africa’s top seed exporters.
“Zambia has developed a robust seed industry that not only meets domestic requirements but also contributes significantly to regional food security,” Mr. Kapala said.
He highlighted notable growth in the maize value chain between 2022 and 2024, with seed production rising from 86,000 metric tonnes to 94,000 metric tonnes, and exports more than doubling from 24,000 to 53,000 metric tonnes. Similar positive trends, he said, have been recorded in other value chains such as soya beans, groundnuts, and beans.
Mr. Kapala underscored that this progress reflects the success of collaborative efforts between government and private sector players in enhancing agricultural productivity.
Meanwhile, Zambia Seed Trade Association Vice President, Mr. Patrick Nyumbu, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting the government’s ambition of reaching 10 million metric tonnes of maize production. He emphasized that the association would continue to ensure the availability of quality seed across the country to meet both local demand and export needs.
The National Seed Congress brings together stakeholders in agriculture, research, policy, and agribusiness to discuss innovation, sustainability, and market expansion in Zambia’s seed industry.
As climate resilience and food security remain top priorities, Zambia’s growing influence in seed production is seen as a critical pillar in addressing both national and regional challenges.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it is still proud of the Copper Queens despite their quarterfinal elimination at the ongoing Women Africa Cup of Nations after losing 5-0 to Nigeria.
FAZ president Keith Mweemba says the team gave the tournament their best shot but were unlucky not to seal back-to-back semifinal berths.
“On behalf of my executive and the entire football family, I wish to express my disappointment at our team not making it to the semifinals but urge the girls to keep their heads high,” says Mweemba.
“We were a bit unlucky on Friday, but we can live to fight another day as there is another WAFCON to compete for on the horizon,” says Mweemba.
The FAZ president says his executive will make early preparations key for all national teams preparing for international engagements.
“We call upon the technical benches of all our national teams to closely work with the executive committee through the technical committee so that our national teams go into camp early enough and prepare adequately,” he says.
“It is important that all training programmes must be submitted to the FAZ leadership. We believe in adequate preparations to get positive results and compete efficaciously in football, and if you fail to prepare adequately, then you are preparing to fail lamentably.”
Mweemba has called for unity among the football fraternity to ensure that football enters a new era.
“Let us remain united as a country and not point fingers or play any blame games at anyone from the team or elsewhere for that matter. It is time to even be more united and work as a team from all angles. We must now move on and live to fight another day instead of crying over spilt milk. Hard luck to our beloved copper queens,” he says.
“The copper queens shall return to the field stronger as we know what needs to be done. The FAZ technical committee will sit down with the technical bench and discuss pertinent issues regarding the team preparations, selection and performances, among other very important considerations. They have our full support.”
He has thanked the Zambians for their support not just to the Copper Queens but the various national teams.
“We wish to register our gratitude to the Zambian people for the support to our heroines throughout the tournament. The team will surely be back stronger and make us proud once again,” he says.
Mweemba says his executive is working on unbundling all outstanding allowances for all national teams to pave way for a health working environment.
“Lastly but not the least, we as FAZ leadership wish to reiterate and emphasise that we shall ensure that all players from our Chipolopolo boys and other national teams, coaches and officials from all our national teams including our leaders and employees who are owed money will be paid whatever they are owed,” he says.
Zambia had a strong start at the WAFCON having started with a 2-2 draw with hosts Morocco before beating Senegal 3-2 and wound up their Group A campaign with a 1-0 win over Congo DR. On Friday, the Copper Queens suffered a 5-0 defeat at the hands of nine-time champions Nigeria.
For and on behalf of:
FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA
Sydney Mungala
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming how industries and institutions operate. In healthcare, finance, education, and national security, AI enables faster decision-making and more efficient service delivery.
Until now, most tools, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks have come from advanced economies. But Africa stands at a crucial turning point. Instead of simply adopting systems built for other contexts, African leaders have a chance to define a path that reflects the continent’s priorities, values, and development goals.
At this year’s Africa Tech Festival, the continent’s leading and largest tech event, taking place in Cape Town from 11–13 November 2025, that conversation will take centre stage. Under one of the core themes, Responsible Innovation, the Festival will explore how to build AI systems that work for Africa, with a focus on relevance, resilience, and leadership.
A highlight of this year’s event will be The AI Summit Cape Town, a stage dedicated to how Africa can lead in building inclusive, ethical, and practical AI. Tech experts, business leaders, and policy makers will discuss how to grow local expertise, develop governance models, and reduce reliance on imported technologies and financing.
A New Model for AI Leadership
Africa’s unique context is a strategic advantage. The technologies emerging in developed economies, such as Silicon Valley, London, and Shenzhen, are shaped by social and economic realities that differ from those in Lagos, Dakar, or Nairobi. For AI to benefit Africa, it must be built around the continent’s everyday realities and goals.
That’s why Africa must become proactive. By developing AI locally, the continent can solve real problems, drive growth, and spark innovation on its terms. The AI Summit Cape Town provides a platform to go beyond surface-level commentary. Sessions will explore how AI can support African economies in practical ways, from agriculture and banking to healthcare and education. For business leaders and tech experts, it’s an opportunity to brainstorm with peers across sectors. These conversations often spark new ideas, uncover partnerships, and offer fresh perspectives that are hard to replicate in boardrooms.
Why Data Sovereignty Matters
AI runs on data, and controlling that data is about power and protection. African governments and businesses are grappling with the question of how much data to share with foreign platforms. In response, there’s growing interest in managing data locally and responsibly.
When African governments and businesses control their data, they can establish rules that protect people’s privacy, stimulate investment, and foster innovation. Relying too heavily on foreign platforms means losing visibility, accountability and leverage.
Developing Local Talent
AI’s future depends on people who understand both the tech and the context. Africa’s youth population, the largest and fastest-growing globally, offers a strong base to build this capacity from within.
More attention is now being placed on mentoring and training local experts to lead AI development, shape policy, and guide responsible use across the continent.
Building AI locally isn’t just a matter of pride—it’s a smart business move. When technologies are developed within African markets, they’re better suited to local needs, adapt faster to change, and are more accountable to the communities they serve. That kind of relevance gives businesses a competitive edge. It also creates a ripple effect. By investing in homegrown AI, job creation is boosted, and regional expertise is strengthened, creating greater economic value across the continent. African companies and governments have an excellent opportunity to lead with tools built for their realities; that’s not just good policy, it’s good business.
Looking Ahead
Now in its 28th year, Africa Tech Festival continues to evolve as digital priorities shift. The 2025 edition will focus on four themes: Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonisation, providing a shared framework for debate across Africa’s digital sector.
From AfricaCom and AfricaTech to AfricaIgnite and The AI Summit Cape Town, every programme will connect these themes to on-the-ground realities— encouraging knowledge-sharing and cross-sector collaboration.
This year’s Festival arrives at a time of urgency and possibility. With AI shaping everything from economic growth to governance and public services, Africa has a unique opportunity to lead. Africa Tech Festival isn’t just another tech event If Africa wants to shape its digital future, this is where the conversation begins.
Now’s the time to engage.
By Kadi Diallo,
Portfolio Manager of Africa Tech Festival & Lead of The AI Summit Cape Town
For more information, visit: www.africatechfestival.com
The construction of the Great Leaf tobacco processing plant in Kabwe District is nearing completion, marking a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to localize value addition and boost job creation. The $40 million facility, now 75% complete, is expected to transform the region’s economy by reducing dependence on foreign tobacco processors and creating hundreds of jobs for the local population.
Kabwe District Commissioner Mr. Lennox Shimwambwa Jr. expressed optimism about the development during a recent tour of the site, stating that over 300 direct jobs have already been created even before full commissioning. He emphasized that the plant will strengthen the agricultural sector by providing local farmers with a ready market for their tobacco and reducing the need to export unprocessed produce to countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“This development paves the way for business opportunities for local farmers and strengthens our agricultural sector, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP,” Mr. Shimwambwa stated. He commended the initiative as aligned with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of stabilizing the economy and attracting strategic investments that empower communities.
The District Commissioner also called on Zesco Ltd. to prioritize power supply to the facility, noting the importance of reliable energy in supporting industries critical for job creation and economic sustainability.
Factory Manager Mr. Gobvu Jamton revealed that the plant, once fully operational, will create more than 800 jobs and process up to 12 million tonnes of tobacco per season. He confirmed that all tobacco will be processed within Zambia, a major shift from the previous trend of exporting raw tobacco.
Project Manager Mr. Harsh Kumar added that tobacco farmers are now receiving payments within 48 hours of delivery, based on competitive prices determined by quality. This prompt payment system is expected to build confidence among growers and increase participation in the sector.
Kabwe District Agriculture Coordinator Ms. Kokila Mwanza Muyati highlighted the plant’s role in expanding opportunities for local farmers. With a reliable market now in place, more farmers are expected to become outgrowers, with options to cultivate tobacco or maize depending on profitability and land suitability.
The Great Leaf plant is a key example of localized industrialization and economic decentralization. It is poised to play a vital role in transforming Central Province into a hub for agro-processing and rural employment—one that reflects the government’s broader goals for inclusive and sustainable development.
The moment President Donald Trump yesterday floated, again, the idea of firing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, markets flinched.
Currency traders dumped the dollar. Treasury yields jerked in both directions. Stocks wobbled. Within minutes, it became clear: global investors were no longer dismissing the idea that the Fed’s independence is under threat—they were reacting to it.
“This isn’t a rumor traders shrugged off. This was treated as a live scenario,” says Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.
“Markets moved because they now see political control of the Fed as a genuine possibility.”
After the reports emerged that Trump had asked lawmakers whether he should dismiss Powell, the dollar slumped 1.2% against a basket of peers. Treasuries and equities followed suit. Though Trump later said he was “not planning” to remove Powell imminently, the damage was already done.
“Markets heard what they needed to hear. The president asked the question. That alone was enough to rattle confidence in the Fed’s independence,” says the deVere CEO.
He warns that the implications go far beyond this one incident.
“What changed is belief,” he explains. “The idea that a sitting president could remove a central bank head for policy reasons was once considered unthinkable. Now, it’s being taken seriously. That shift has consequences.”
Central bank autonomy has long been a bedrock of investor trust in US institutions. It guarantees that interest rates are guided by economic conditions, not political timelines. That principle is now being openly tested.
“Remove Powell—or even keep him in a weakened position—and the signal is that future decisions at the Fed may follow political preference rather than policy discipline,” says Nigel Green.
“That’s what markets are reacting to. This is what they’re starting to price in.”
The spike in volatility across bonds, currencies and stocks underscores how fast sentiment can change when institutional guardrails are seen to weaken.
“It doesn’t take a formal announcement. Even raising the possibility triggers a reaction,” he continues. “Because once the independence of the central bank is questioned, the baseline for everything else begins to shift.”
Nigel Green warns that this is not a short-term concern.
“Markets may stabilise in the coming days, but the underlying issue hasn’t gone away. Once trust in central bank autonomy is shaken, it takes far more than a press quote to rebuild it,” he says.
Even if Trump backs away from immediate action, the broader concern lingers: Powell may stay, but at what cost to his authority?
“A Fed Chair who is publicly targeted by the White House is put in a compromised position,” notes the deVere chief executive.
“It injects doubt into every decision the Fed makes going forward. Is this move based on data, or on pressure? That ambiguity is dangerous.”
The implications are global. International investors rely on the Fed not just as a rate-setter, but as a signal of institutional strength. That credibility supports the dollar’s dominance, drives capital inflows, and underpins global benchmarks.
“If the Fed is seen as an extension of the Executive Branch, that credibility erodes,” says Nigel Green. “If the credibility goes, capital follows.”
The deVere CEO says this episode has injected a new and serious risk into the global financial system.
“This is no longer just about one central banker,” he says. “It’s about whether the most important monetary institution in the world can still act independently. If it can’t, or if that’s in doubt, markets will react accordingly, and repeatedly.”
He concludes: “The trust that took decades to build can be weakened in a day. It’s not about the politics. It’s about whether investors believe the Fed still makes decisions without fear or favour. If that belief breaks down, the consequences will be swift and far-reaching.”
In a major milestone for Zambia’s economic revitalization efforts, President Hakainde Hichilema officially launched the Invest in Zambia International Conference at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The high-level event brings together regional and global investors, policymakers, and development partners to explore investment opportunities and forge transformative partnerships in Zambia and across Africa.
In his opening remarks, President Hichilema emphasized that the conference signals a new chapter in Zambia’s journey toward sustainable growth and prosperity, underpinned by bold reforms and a renewed commitment to economic openness.
“We proudly launched the ‘Invest in Zambia International Conference,’ an initiative that highlights the power of strategic partnerships to unlock Africa’s vast potential,” said President Hichilema. “Under the New Dawn Administration, we have undertaken bold and comprehensive reforms that have fundamentally reshaped Zambia’s investment landscape.”
The president outlined sweeping policy changes implemented by his government to build a stable and predictable investment environment. These include cutting bureaucratic red tape, streamlining business registration processes, and strengthening public–private dialogue platforms to ensure policy consistency and transparency.
Zambia’s central location and abundant resources were highlighted as key competitive advantages. With access to a regional market of over 400 million people and significant reserves of critical minerals like copper, cobalt, lithium, and manganese, the country is positioning itself as a gateway for regional trade and a hub for green energy transition investments.
“Zambia stands out as the ideal destination for investment — land-linked and strategically located in the heart of Southern and Central Africa,” the President noted. “We also offer vast potential in agriculture, tourism, and energy, along with a proud record of peace, stability, and democratic governance.”
President Hichilema called on conference delegates to move beyond dialogue and focus on concrete outcomes that deliver tangible benefits for Zambians.
“This conference must deliver more than dialogue,” he stated. “It must forge meaningful partnerships that translate into real investments — moving from potential to action, and from plans to results.”
The conference is expected to generate significant investor interest across mining, agribusiness, infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy sectors, with the government reiterating its commitment to creating an enabling environment that supports long-term, inclusive development.
The launch of the Invest in Zambia International Conference marks yet another step in Zambia’s effort to reposition itself as a prime destination for responsible and impactful investment on the African continent.
…..and it is NOT critical to the survival of the people socially, economically and politically charges Dr M’membe
Socialist Party (SP) President Dr Fred M’membe says the constitutional amendments championed by President Hakainde Hichilema and the UPND have no legal backing.
Dr. M’membe says there must be an Act of Parliament under which those consultations should be carried out. He says it is very clear that this is not an exercise of the Zambian people but for Mr Hichilema himself.He wonders if the current amendments are critical to the survival of the Zambian people questioning if the country can collapse if they are not done before the elections.
Dr. M’membe has maintained that the amendments are aimed at cementing President Hichilema’s stay in office beyond 2026.
The Socialist Party leader said this when he and his General Secretary Dr Cosmas Musumali featured on ‘Socialist Hour’ programme on Hot FM Radio in Lusaka.
“Bill No. 7 of 2025, you can sum it up in few words as, Political preservation of Mr Hichilema securing his second term in office in a manner that is not highly contested. If you look at the changes the majority of them have to do with elections. You don’t need to have legal training to understand what Mr Hichilema is trying to do. Basically, it’s about Mr Hichilema, conceived by him and implemented by him. It’s being imposed on the Zambian people by Mr Hichilema. These are not the views coming from the people but from Mr Hichilema. There is no legal framework for discussion, it’s about who he wants to meet. He sends his minister of Justice on a mission that they claim it’s consultation, it’s not consultation. It’s propagation, they went out there to force the people of Zambia on the things they want to change (in the constitution). Mr Hichilema is adamant about the thirteen changes or amendments he wants to make,” he stated.
“The thirteen changes were not a product of discourse. He came up with them himself. We have gone through the number of statements, at first they denied that they were not going to change the constitution. Eventually they started doing what they denied doing. That tells you there was no honest in the approach of this whole thing. These are not Constitutional Amendments made by the people but by Mr Hichilema.”
Dr. M’membe further said the consultations they are making are simply attempts to force their way on the people of Zambia.
He has also asserted that President Hichilema does not want to be criticized and that he cries foul that the people just hate him based on his originality.
“You remember when CSOs went to meet him at his own invitation, he went to cry that he has never seen such hatred. To him all those opposing the amendments are doing so because they hate him because of where he comes from. It’s very common for HH when he is criticized he complains of hatred that’s why we have all those laws about hate speech. A lot of people are going to prison because they criticize his regional appointments,” he added.
“Apart from HH and his UPND, who else is supporting that? The churches, opposition political parties, LAZ and other groups have said no to these amendments. Why does he want to make these Amendments at all cost? Are they the solutions to the challenges the people are facing economically, socially and politically? If they are not done, this year, then Zambia will collapse next year?”
Speaking at the same programme, Dr. Musumali said he has never seen this high levels of deceitfulness the country before.
He said in the proposed amendments, the UPND wants to increase the number of Constituencies from their perceived strongholds.
He said from the current 156 constituencies, they want the country to have 211 adding 55 more constituencies.
Pareto’ principle, equally known as the 80/20 Rule, in my interpretation, states that if 80% of your income comes from 20% of activities or inputs, then it’s worth spending more resources and importance on what seems to be the small figure of 20%. Others state that for many events, roughly 80% of effects come from 20% of causes. Other experts say 80% of profits come from 20% of the products or services a company sells.
In the Public-Private sector partnership in Zambia (Private sector here seen as indigenous), ever since its inception many years ago, under successive Heads of State, the weight of importance is always skewed in favor of the former against the latter. In its history of squeaks and groans, with lubrication always allusive, the private sector has been the main complainant, often listing sensible and genuine rationale about what hinders its progress. While different governments in the past and perhaps present, have made promises to address private sector’s huddles, I do not remember a genuine solution ever put on the partnership table. And, perhaps it may never be coming home soon.
Who owns copper?
But the main story in my article is the substantive content of this partnership, in particular concerning trade. According to statistics, every Zambian perhaps knows that the nation’s global and regional trade continues to be dominated by the state. In Zambia’s total exports of all products put together, copper, despite legal ownership being in private hands by foreigners, is, I believe, still a state product, accounts for close to 70%. If copper is a state property, it then implies that the proportion of private sector exports in total is only 30%. In the total, this figure is marginal.
I illustrate this point also by simply showing the actual absolute export numbers. In Figure 1 below, in 2024 total exports of all products stood at $ 11.2 billion while copper exports alone were $7.6 billion, leaving a balance of non-copper exports of $3.6 billion only.
Are non-copper exports growing?
Methodology
Although indicators of growth often used are percentages, here, for the sake of simplicity and clear understanding to a layman and woman, I use annual growth in dollar absolute values. In other words, I subtract past export values from forward exports, for example exports of 1996 minus those of previous year of 1995 to get increase or decrease. I do this for each year and refer to it as growth.
My findings
My findings are shown in Figure 2. Yes, in terms of height, the lines in the graph going up imply that non-copper exports have been growing substantially. If percentages are used, it would show similar or the same image seen here, in terms of high lines. No wonder, those like me, familiar with government reporting on non-cooper or non-traditional exports beam with excitement and say, “Zambia’s non-traditional exports increase by 20%; Zambia’s non-traditional exports jump….”
But in value, this ‘jump’ is not so robust. Back to Figure 2. First, we must also have a conversation about lines going down in the graph. They’re as significant as their counterparts going up. We see minus $200million down in 2000, minus $300 million down in 2009, minus $825 million in 2014, minus $ 833 million in 2015, minus $200 million in 2019 and almost minus $600 million in 2024. For me, you can almost conclude that from 1996 – 2024, the balance sheet comprising positive growth and negative growth almost takes us to nil growth overall. Or the plusses and minuses end up cancelling each other to zero.
Second, if these upward lines or positive growths were in $ 5 billions annually, I would applaud the private sector. But they’re in small millions and at no point in a year do they ever reach $1billion. These are not numbers that can create the wealth citizens desperately need to fight the war against poverty and its concomitant effects. The period, 1996-2024 covered for this study is almost three decades with lackluster performance of non-copper exports. How long can we keep up appearances of Zambia’s private sector?
Figure 2: Growth of Zambia’s global exports of non-copper products in $millions
Implications
There’re implications for indigenous Zambia’s private sector. One is that given its fractured participation in substantive trade, with very basic performance, it means that it will continue to be marginalized. If we go back to the 80/20 rule, we can conclude that what makes it weak is that Zambia’s private sector is not generating competitive exports of non-copper products equaling government’s exports. If what makes government tick is copper exports, it means government will focus on that instead of non-copper exports and its owners.
Second, the private sector needs to match its strong vocal demands from government with robust performance. It needs to own up and tell Zambians that it’s equally at fault. A real aggressive and cognitive function-driven private sector matches on, even in what is perceived as mountains of impassable icebergs. It’s not all the Asian private sectors that are today competing with, and even outcompeting the US that were facilitated by government.
In fact, when it surpasses government in exports, not only quantitatively but qualitatively too, such as exports of manufactured goods, respect will grip government into submitting to the private sector’s calls. In fact, at that point, private sector will be in the front seat, replacing the current driver. That’s the conclusion too.
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
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!
