Zambia has recorded a trade surplus of over 4 billion Kwacha in international merchandise trade last month, compared to a surplus of 1 billion kwacha recorded in December last year.

Speaking during the dissemination of the monthly statistics bulletin, ZamStats Acting Statistician General, Sheila Mudenda, says that export earnings are attributed to an increase in traditional exports and decrease in non-traditional exports.

“The volume of refined copper exports for the period January 2026 was 78.1 thousand Mt while that of 2025 for the same period was 74.1 thousand Mt representing a 7.3 percent increase,” she said.

Ms. Mudenda attributed this development to continuously changing prices in both food and non-food items.

She also said that the annual inflation for this month was recorded at 7.5 percent from 9.4 percent recorded last month.

She however noted that prices of non-food items remained unchanged during the same period, with inflation rate recorded at 0.0 percent, in comparison to -0.3 percent in January last year.

Meanwhile, Zamstats Acting Director-Economic Statistics, Joseph Tembo added that this development will provide some relief for consumers, as effects become more noticeable over time.

Mr Tembo urged members of the public to understand that effects of inflation are not immediate, as they are dependent on the market response.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has disclosed that districts across the country are requesting more constituencies than the 70 additional seats currently proposed under the ongoing delimitation exercise, highlighting the growing pressure on the electoral body as it works within constitutional guidelines.

According to the commission, submissions from stakeholders during consultation meetings have reflected strong demands for increased representation, with several districts arguing that population growth and geographical challenges justify the creation of additional constituencies beyond the proposed allocation. ECZ officials explained that while the requests demonstrate public interest in the process, the commission remains bound by legal provisions governing how new constituencies can be created.

The delimitation exercise forms part of broader electoral reforms aimed at adjusting constituency boundaries to reflect demographic changes and improve access to representation. Officials indicated that public hearings and consultations were conducted across multiple provinces to gather views from traditional leaders, civic organisations and community representatives.

ECZ representatives said many districts have presented cases based on distance to polling stations, population density and administrative challenges faced by residents seeking services from elected officials. Some stakeholders argued that existing constituencies have become too large to manage effectively, prompting calls for additional seats.

Despite these requests, the commission stated that its mandate requires balancing competing interests while adhering to constitutional requirements. Officials noted that the proposal for 70 new constituencies emerged after technical assessments conducted by the commission’s delimitation team, which examined population statistics and geographic considerations.

The commission emphasised that delimitation is a technical process rather than a political exercise, stressing that decisions will be guided by evidence gathered during consultations. ECZ officials said the commission has received submissions from various districts outlining reasons for seeking new constituencies, including challenges linked to infrastructure, transport and service delivery.

Public engagement sessions have drawn significant participation, with community members expressing views on how constituency boundaries affect access to development programmes. Some stakeholders have urged the commission to consider local realities, particularly in remote areas where long travel distances can limit engagement between constituents and elected representatives.

Officials indicated that the next phase of the delimitation process will involve reviewing submissions alongside demographic data before final recommendations are compiled. The commission said it remains committed to transparency throughout the exercise and will continue engaging stakeholders as the process advances.

The ECZ also reminded stakeholders that delimitation outcomes must align with constitutional provisions, including population thresholds and geographic considerations. While acknowledging the volume of requests received, officials reiterated that the commission must operate within the legal framework established for electoral reforms.

The delimitation exercise has sparked broader national discussion about representation and governance, with various groups advocating for adjustments that reflect Zambia’s evolving population landscape. ECZ officials said the process aims to ensure that constituency boundaries remain responsive to demographic realities while maintaining fairness and equity across the country.

The commission confirmed that consultations remain ongoing and that final decisions will follow technical evaluation of all submissions received from districts seeking additional constituencies.

President Hakainde Hichilema has said that criticism directed at his administration remains part of democratic engagement, adding that some individuals who publicly challenge government programmes acknowledge progress during private conversations.

The Head of State made the remarks during a public engagement covered in the attached reports, where he addressed reactions to government policies and the broader political climate. President Hichilema said leadership involves navigating different viewpoints while maintaining focus on national development priorities.

According to the President, public debate around governance has intensified as citizens and political actors express differing opinions on policy decisions. He said criticism is expected in a democratic system and that government continues to listen to concerns raised through public platforms.

President Hichilema explained that interactions with critics often extend beyond public statements, describing conversations in which individuals recognise efforts being made by the administration even while maintaining a critical stance publicly. He said such engagement reflects the dynamic nature of political discourse.

During the engagement, the President referred to ongoing government programmes aimed at addressing economic challenges and strengthening public institutions. He emphasised that policy implementation remains guided by long-term objectives, with authorities continuing to monitor progress across sectors.

The remarks come amid heightened discussion around governance and public perception. Political debate has intensified in recent months, with various stakeholders commenting on the direction of national programmes. President Hichilema reiterated that dialogue between government and citizens remains central to democratic governance.

He said leaders must remain open to feedback while ensuring that national development goals are pursued consistently. The President highlighted the importance of engaging communities across the country, noting that public meetings provide opportunities to explain government initiatives directly to citizens.

The President also acknowledged that criticism can shape policy discussions, stating that differing viewpoints help identify areas where improvements may be required. He said government remains committed to engaging stakeholders constructively while advancing programmes designed to improve economic stability and service delivery.

His comments have added momentum to ongoing political discussion, with reactions emerging from different quarters of the political landscape. The administration continues to emphasise dialogue and participation as key elements of governance, encouraging citizens to remain involved in national conversations.

President Hichilema concluded by reiterating that leadership requires balancing competing perspectives while maintaining focus on development objectives. He said government will continue to engage with communities and institutions through public platforms as programmes move forward.

Education Minister Douglas Syakalima has rejected allegations that students were paid to attend an event linked to President Hakainde Hichilema, stating that no allowances or financial inducements were authorised by government.

The clarification follows claims circulating in public discussions suggesting that learners at Northern Technical College (NORTEC) had received money to welcome the Head of State during a visit. Syakalima said the assertions were inaccurate and did not reflect government policy governing student participation in national activities.

According to the minister, institutions of learning operate under guidelines that prohibit the use of financial incentives to mobilise students for political or ceremonial purposes. He said participation at the NORTEC event was voluntary and organised through normal institutional arrangements rather than external inducements.

Syakalima indicated that government officials engaged with leadership at the institution to establish what transpired and to verify reports circulating on social platforms. The ministry, he added, sought to ensure that the welfare and integrity of students remained protected amid heightened public attention.

The controversy emerged after differing narratives surfaced regarding logistical support provided to students. Some commentators interpreted arrangements related to transport and coordination as evidence of financial inducement. The minister, however, said logistical support should not be confused with cash payments.

He maintained that education authorities remain focused on maintaining an environment that shields learners from political exploitation. Syakalima said the ministry continues to monitor engagements between national leaders and tertiary institutions to ensure that policies protecting students are respected.

Officials stressed that participation by learners in public events is not unusual, noting that students frequently engage in national programmes and civic activities as part of broader educational exposure. The ministry said such involvement does not automatically imply political mobilisation or monetary incentives.

The issue has drawn reactions from various stakeholders, including political figures and commentators who questioned whether institutions were being used to mobilise support. Government representatives responded by reiterating that no verified evidence had been presented showing that students received payments.

Syakalima also addressed suggestions that institutional authorities had facilitated inducements, stating that leadership at the college had denied any wrongdoing. He said the ministry would continue to engage with institutions to ensure transparency and adherence to established guidelines.

The minister emphasised that protecting the credibility of Zambia’s education system requires clarity around how students participate in national engagements. He urged members of the public to rely on verified information rather than speculation, adding that the ministry remains open to addressing concerns through official channels.

Meanwhile, discussions around the NORTEC event have expanded into broader debates about the role of students in political and civic life. Authorities say the ministry is committed to safeguarding academic environments while maintaining opportunities for learners to interact with national leadership in a structured manner.

Government officials reiterated that no student was paid to meet President Hakainde Hichilema and that any claims suggesting otherwise misrepresent the facts surrounding the event. The ministry said it would continue to provide updates if further clarification becomes necessary.

A Lusaka property linked to former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba has been forfeited to the State following a court ruling that concluded long-running legal proceedings connected to asset ownership.

Details emerging from the judgement indicate that the property, situated along Lunsemfwa Road, was the subject of investigations that culminated in a forfeiture order transferring ownership to government authorities. The ruling represents a significant development in ongoing asset recovery efforts pursued through legal channels.

According to court proceedings referenced in the report, authorities argued that the property fell within the scope of forfeiture laws after a review of its acquisition and associated financial circumstances. The decision allows the State to take control of the property, marking the conclusion of a legal process that has drawn public attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.

Officials stated that the forfeiture order followed a structured legal process, including submissions presented before the court and assessments conducted under existing legislation governing property ownership and asset recovery. The ruling reinforces government efforts to pursue cases linked to financial misconduct through judicial mechanisms rather than administrative action.

Observers following the case noted that the forfeiture decision adds to a growing list of legal outcomes involving properties investigated under asset recovery frameworks. Authorities have emphasised that such proceedings are intended to strengthen accountability while ensuring that due process is followed throughout investigations.

Legal representatives involved in the matter outlined that the judgement effectively transfers ownership rights to the State, allowing government institutions to determine the future use or management of the property. The ruling also signals a continuation of efforts to address allegations of illicit enrichment through court-driven processes.

The case has attracted significant attention due to Mwamba’s previous role in government and his long involvement in national politics. While reactions have varied across the political spectrum, officials have maintained that the decision reflects the outcome of judicial deliberations rather than political considerations.

Court documents referenced in the report describe the property as a residential structure located in Lusaka, with authorities confirming that the forfeiture order has taken effect. The judgement follows earlier stages of investigation that sought to establish whether the property met criteria outlined under asset forfeiture legislation.

Government representatives have indicated that the enforcement of forfeiture orders remains part of broader initiatives aimed at strengthening governance and public confidence in legal institutions. Authorities say the process underscores the role of the courts in determining disputes related to asset ownership.

Legal analysts note that forfeiture proceedings often involve complex evidentiary requirements, with courts required to examine documentation and financial records before issuing orders. In this case, the ruling concludes a phase of litigation that has been closely monitored by both political and legal observers.

With the judgement now delivered, officials are expected to move forward with administrative steps required to formalise the transfer of ownership. Authorities have not indicated immediate plans for the property but confirmed that the forfeiture order is now in force.