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What’s the fuss about Lt. Habwela when we’ve seen the worst?

Chief Editor
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What’s the fuss about Lt. Habwela when we’ve seen the worst?

Earlier this week, our beloved President Hakainde Hichilema officiated at the pass out parade of ZNS officer cadets in the sleepy town of Kafue.

No sooner the cat got out of the bag one of them was actually the President’s son, the later there was a conflagration on the mountain! Harsh critics and vicious detractors of the President of all kinds went into overdrive casting aspersions and banding around all sorts of conspiracy theories.

Ndipo people can be petty….we expected citizens to join President Hichilema and the first family in celebrating this feat as opposed to brewing a storm in a tea cup!

If we may call a spoon a spoon, and not a folk, this country has witnessed the worst in the past in terms of the first children (Presidents’ children). We once had a trigger-happy son of a president who would go into a frenzy terrorising night clubs grabbing people’s girl friends, if not jumping into the official vehicles of State House and spend the whole day burning fuel wheeling around the traffic circles as the cops watched in disbelief! Then there was another notorious son of a president….nay, a mafia who literally turned Plot 1 Independence Avenue into a thiefdom….he practically commandeered the procurement of fuel from the safety of State House let alone left his dirty finger prints on some of the major government contracts and projects.

Just when we thought we’ve had enough of drama from the Presidential children, came along another family that would always be in the news for all the wrong reasons. They would come into conflict with the law for suddenly acquiring unexplained wealth – prime properties in affluent neighborhoods, fleets of impressive limousines and swelling Bank accounts in every financial institution on Earth!

Now where is all this noise about a seemingly decent boy that steps out of his massively comfort zone and finds himself at ZNS eating bean, growing cabbages, tending to goats and doing ichilailai (road runs) wee hours of the day coming from, if not pure hatred?

It was within the President’s power and influence to see his son join the more superior entities such as the army or ZAF but he settled for the much lower rung of the military – ZNS, isn’t this surely commendable? Let’s learn to give praise where it is due for once; President Hichilema’s children are morally upright!

Anyway, we rest our case for now…

Prince Bill M. Kaping’a
Political/Social Analyst
Zambezi

Powell’s Fed exit could transfer power to Trump

Chief Editor
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Powell’s Fed exit could transfer power to Trump

Jerome Powell’s looming departure as Chair of the US Federal Reserve could hand President Trump significant influence over the world’s most powerful central bank – and with it the direction of global monetary policy, warns Nigel Green, CEO of global financial advisory giant deVere Group.

The warning comes as the Fed’s annual Jackson Hole symposium closes today in Wyoming, an event where policy shifts are often signalled and where investors are already looking beyond Powell’s remarks to the possibility of Trump shaping the institution’s future.

“Powell’s exit is not just about one individual stepping down,” says Nigel Green.

“It could transfer power to Trump, giving him the opportunity to appoint a Fed chair who reflects his priorities.

“This would have major consequences for interest rates, inflation, the dollar, and global markets.”

Powell’s term as Chair expires in May 2026, but the process of transition has already begun.

Trump has nominated Stephen Miran to replace outgoing Governor Adriana Kugler, pending Senate confirmation, with a term running into early 2026.

If Powell were to step down earlier from his longer-term position on the Fed’s board of governors, Trump could fill that seat directly.

“Markets move on expectations, not waiting for the official moment,” explains the deVere chief executive.

“If investors believe Trump’s choice will soon shape policy, Powell’s influence will erode quickly. This is why the countdown to 2026 matters now.”

Jackson Hole underscores the stakes. Last year, academic work presented there highlighted a turning point in the labour market, paving the way for Powell to argue for looser policy, which culminated in a 50-basis-point cut.

Trump derided the decision as too slow, a frustration that signals the type of Fed chair he would prefer to appoint.

“Trump could look for someone willing to cut more quickly, to align the central bank with his growth agenda and political programme,” comments Nigel Green.

“That kind of leadership would be far more aggressive than Powell’s cautious approach.”

History shows how leaders engineer such shifts. Japan’s Shinzo Abe appointed Haruhiko Kuroda to spearhead radical easing under Abenomics. In Britain, Mark Carney’s early confirmation as Bank of England Governor reset expectations months before his predecessor left.

“Global precedent suggests Trump could follow the same path,” says Nigel Green.

“The president has both the incentive and the ability to move early, ensuring markets focus on his appointee well before Powell’s term officially ends.”

The implications are global. The Fed’s decisions set borrowing costs not only for US households and businesses but also for governments, corporations, and investors worldwide. Shifts in US rates ripple into currencies, commodities, and capital flows.

“A Trump-influenced Fed could mean lower rates, a softer dollar, rising equities, and a renewed surge of interest in crypto,” notes the deVere CEO.

“But it could also risk overheating the economy, fuelling inflation, and undermining the Fed’s independence. The opportunities and dangers are equally significant.”

Central bank independence has always been contested. Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon both pressured Fed chairs to serve their political aims. What is different today is the scale of markets and the speed of global reaction.

“Once markets sense who might take Powell’s place, they will price in the change immediately. This means volatility and rapid adjustment long before May 2026.”

Nigel Green concludes: “Powell’s eventual exit could transfer power to Trump in ways that fundamentally reshape the Fed.

“Investors should recognize that this shift is already coming into view and prepare now for its impact.”

50% teens fell pregnant in Ndola’s Kaniki

Lusaka Times Editor
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50% teens fell pregnant in Ndola’s Kaniki

50% teens fell pregnant in Ndola’s Kaniki

A survey by Children’s Foundation Zambia has revealed a disturbing picture of teenage pregnancies in Kaniki, a settlement on the outskirts of Ndola, where almost half of adolescent girls have fallen pregnant. The findings, presented this week, link the crisis to poverty, transactional sex, and lack of access to reproductive health education.

The study shows that many girls, some as young as 14, are engaging in sex-for-money arrangements around the Sakania border area. The report notes that because families struggle to meet basic needs, young girls become vulnerable to exploitation by older men who provide money or material goods in exchange for sex.

According to the survey, widespread poverty in Kaniki has become the single most significant factor pushing teenagers into risky behaviour. Households in the area face persistent food shortages, limited employment opportunities, and weak social support systems. Parents often cannot afford school fees, uniforms, or supplies, making their daughters susceptible to offers of financial help that come with hidden costs.

The report cites testimonies from girls who admitted to entering into sexual relationships for as little as K50, enough to buy food or pay for minor household needs. “We found that the desperation for survival is pushing girls into situations where they trade their future for immediate relief,” the study notes.

Children’s Foundation Zambia also highlighted the lack of effective sexual health education in schools and communities. Most teenagers interviewed reported that they had little or no access to contraceptives, and those who became pregnant often dropped out of school permanently.

Community leaders have acknowledged the problem but say resources to tackle it remain limited. Local health centres struggle with shortages of staff and supplies, while non-governmental organisations covering reproductive health operate on restricted budgets.

The consequences of the crisis are far-reaching. Early pregnancies expose girls to health complications, including high risks of maternal mortality, unsafe abortions, and long-term reproductive challenges. Economically, teenage mothers are locked out of education, reducing their prospects for employment and increasing dependence on social assistance.

The report warns that if left unaddressed, the pattern will entrench a cycle of poverty in Kaniki. Families headed by teenage mothers often find themselves in deeper financial distress, with limited options for breaking free from deprivation.

Children’s Foundation Zambia has called for a coordinated response that combines education, healthcare, and social protection. Recommendations include community-based campaigns on sexual health, expansion of youth-friendly health services, and greater involvement of traditional leaders in addressing cultural practices that normalise early sexual activity.

Local leaders have urged government intervention through the Constituency Development Fund, saying that targeted programmes in border areas are urgently needed. “This is not just a health issue, it is a community survival issue,” one community representative said.

The Ministry of Health has not yet issued an official response to the survey, but officials in Ndola have previously acknowledged that teenage pregnancies remain one of the most stubborn social challenges in Copperbelt Province. Programmes promoting contraceptive use and keeping girls in school have been introduced in some districts, though coverage is uneven.

Chitotela property case sent back to High Court

Lusaka Times Editor
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Chitotela property case sent back to High Court

A higher court has ordered that the corruption-related property case involving former Tourism and Arts Minister Ronald Chitotela be returned to the High Court for determination. The ruling brings the matter back into the mainstream of Zambia’s judicial process after weeks of legal contestation.

Chitotela has been facing allegations that he acquired property suspected to be proceeds of crime while serving in government. The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) maintains that his declared earnings did not match the scale of assets under his name, raising questions about possible abuse of office.

In its decision, the higher court held that the issues at hand required full examination by the High Court, which has jurisdiction to test evidence in corruption matters. The referral means the case will now proceed to trial, where prosecutors are expected to lay out details of the alleged irregular property acquisitions.

The judges emphasised that while preliminary arguments had been raised, the matter could not be resolved outside the High Court process. The referral gives the ACC another opportunity to present its case and demonstrate whether the former minister violated the law.

Investigators allege that Chitotela accumulated several houses and other properties during his time in office that could not be explained by his ministerial income. He has consistently denied the charges, stating that his wealth was legitimately acquired through personal investments and other lawful means.

His legal team has previously argued that the case amounts to harassment and political victimisation. They maintain that the former minister has been unfairly singled out because of his association with the Patriotic Front, which lost power to the UPND in 2021.

The ruling is the latest development in the government’s wider anti-corruption campaign, which has brought several former officials before the courts. While the UPND administration has pledged to clean up corruption and recover public resources, opposition voices have accused it of using prosecutions as a political weapon.

For supporters of the government, the decision to send the case back to the High Court reinforces the message that no individual is above the law. For critics, it provides an opening to argue that the state is determined to drag political rivals through protracted trials.

The case will now return to the High Court for hearing on its merits. If prosecutors can prove that Chitotela’s assets were unlawfully obtained, he risks forfeiture of the properties and possible imprisonment. If the defence succeeds, the outcome will add weight to claims of political persecution.

Observers say the matter is an important test of Zambia’s judicial independence. Anti-corruption watchdogs have urged the courts to move expeditiously, warning that delays risk undermining public confidence in the justice system.

We’re in hell …HH, UPND have messed up the country – Changala

Lusaka Times Editor
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We’re in hell …HH, UPND have messed up the country – Changala

We’re in hell …HH, UPND have messed up the country – Changala

Political activist Brebner Changala has launched a stinging attack on the United Party for National Development (UPND) government, declaring that Zambians are “in hell” under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership. Speaking in Lusaka, Changala accused the administration of gross mismanagement of the economy, betrayal of campaign promises, and creating hardships that have left citizens struggling to survive.

Changala said that when the UPND came to power in 2021, many Zambians believed that a new era of prosperity and good governance had dawned. However, he argued that four years later, the reality has been one of rising prices, inadequate service delivery, and what he termed “an arrogant government detached from the suffering of ordinary people.”

“The UPND promised heaven on earth, but what we have received is the complete opposite,” he charged. “The people are being suffocated by a government that seems to care more about its international image than the plight of citizens at home. The economy is collapsing, jobs are scarce, and poverty levels are rising. We are in hell.”

Changala’s remarks come against the backdrop of ongoing debates about Zambia’s economic trajectory. While government officials point to billions of dollars in foreign investment commitments, inflation has continued to weigh heavily on household incomes. Basic commodities such as mealie meal, fuel, and cooking oil remain beyond the reach of many families.

He accused the administration of failing to cushion citizens from the effects of international shocks, such as fuel price fluctuations and currency depreciation. Instead, Changala argued, the government has hidden behind external factors to excuse its domestic policy shortcomings.

“Leadership is about protecting your people from global turbulence, not about giving excuses,” he said. “We cannot continue to blame everything on the international market when people cannot afford three meals a day.”

The activist further alleged that the UPND has failed on key governance promises, particularly around fighting corruption and strengthening institutions. He said cases involving high-profile individuals have either been delayed or abandoned, undermining confidence in the government’s commitment to the rule of law.

“In opposition, they spoke with passion about ending corruption. Today, they defend their own with the same arrogance they condemned in the previous regime,” he stated.

Changala also criticised the government’s relationship with the media, claiming that critical voices have been subjected to harassment and that public debate is increasingly shrinking.

He urged Zambians not to remain silent in the face of hardship, calling on civil society, opposition parties, and ordinary citizens to hold the government accountable.

“Silence in times of suffering is complicity,” he said. “We must rise and remind this government that they were elected to serve the people, not themselves. If they continue on this path, the UPND risks being remembered as the most disastrous government in our history.”

Changala’s remarks are likely to ignite further debate in the political arena, where opposition parties have stepped up criticism of the government ahead of the next election cycle. His words also add to a growing chorus of voices highlighting frustrations among citizens struggling with the cost of living.

The government has consistently defended its performance, pointing to increased foreign direct investment, infrastructure projects, and improved relations with international partners such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Officials argue that reforms will take time to yield visible results, and that citizens must remain patient as the economy stabilises.

However, Changala dismissed these arguments as inadequate, saying people cannot eat promises.

“Four years is enough time to see change. What we are seeing is deterioration, not progress. The government must wake up before it is too late,” he warned.

Government defers NGO bill to allow for consultation

Chief Editor
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Government defers NGO bill to allow for consultation

Government has deferred the much-anticipated Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Bill to allow for further consultations with stakeholders.

Community Development and Social Services Minister, Doreen Mwamba says that the deferment comes in response to a wide range of concerns raised by stakeholders regarding specific provisions in the current draft of the Bill.

Ms Mwamba announced the decision during a stakeholders’ meeting with various Civil Society Organisations and NGO representatives held at the Ministry headquarters in Lusaka.

She noted that the deferment is not a sign of abandonment but rather a deliberate and responsible step to ensure that the legislation being enacted is inclusive, fair, and reflective of the views and aspirations of all stakeholders, especially the NGOs it seeks to regulate.

Ms Mwamba noted that the move presents an opportunity for renewed engagement with stakeholders to integrate their substantive concerns into the revised draft.

She further stated that the Bill would be aligned with both regional and international best practices while remaining consistent with Zambia’s constitutional and developmental priorities.

Ms Mwamba reiterated the government’s commitment to developing a legislative framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the NGO sector while safeguarding the rights and autonomy of civil society actors.

She urged all stakeholders to take full advantage of the consultation window by submitting clear and actionable proposals to help shape the final version of the Bill.

ZANIS

President Hichilema salutes organisations supplementing governments efforts

Chief Editor
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President Hichilema salutes organisations supplementing governments efforts

President Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed organisations that supplement government’s agenda to improve the education sector, which he has described as a catalyst for economic growth of the country.

Mr Hichilema says education is paramount in government’s efforts to achieve its economic growth, adding that his administration is working tirelessly to grow the economy.

Speaking when the UK based religious leader, BHAI SHAIB, and his delegation paid a courtesy call on him at the State House in Lusaka today, Mr Hichilema explained that his Government is growing the economy to generate resources that can be channelled to support the education sector.

“I believe that education is key to the country’s economic growth and my Administration welcomes organisations that invest in the education sector, to supplement our efforts in our journey to provide quality education,” he said.

The Head of State has since commended Guru Nanak Nshkam Sewak Jatha (GNNSJ) spiritual leader, Bhai Shaib, for investing in education, health and religion.

“Let me commend you for doing a lot of noble work in the area of education, as you know education is very important of course religion, I consider education as the best investment and equaliser, it is the best gift we can give to our children and grandchildren and generations to come,” he added.

He further reiterated that his Government is focused on growing the economy to create job opportunities for the people, especially the youthful population.

The President noted that his administration is working to increase the treasury income to support children in school, the sick and the old as well as persons with disabilities.

And Guru Nanak Nshkam Sewak Jatha spiritual leader, BHAI Shaib explained that his organisation has invested in education, health and religion to help the people of Zambia.

He disclosed that his organisation yesterday also commissioned a clinic in Lusaka’s Mumana area to help address the health challenges that people are faced with.

Lungu’s Funeral Fumble: UPND Batuke Imenda’s Statement and HHs Rule

Chief Editor
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Lungu’s Funeral Fumble: UPND Batuke Imenda’s Statement and HHs Rule

In an era when artificial intelligence can fake official statements, the authenticity of a message attributed to UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda—directing party officials to refrain from commenting on former President Edgar Lungu’s funeral—remains uncertain. Its tone, urging prayers for the former First Family, is uncharacteristically restrained for a party that has often treated Mr. Lungu with open contempt. Whether genuine or not, the statement has raised questions about intent, and strategy.

If authentic, it marks a surprising shift in the UPND’s handling of politically sensitive matters. It begs the question, who is advising President Hakainde Hichilema during this crisis?

Until now, Mr. Hichilema has appeared passive while senior government figures hurled insults at his predecessor. Vice President Mutale Nalumango told Parliament the Patriotic Front should not allow “someone defeated in life to be defeated in death.” Party cadres circulated slurs, even referring to Lungu’s remains as “akatumbi,” while Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha publicly gloated over a temporary legal win in South Africa regarding the former president’s repatriation—only to see the case advance to the Constitutional Court, as well as appealed.

From a legal perspective, Kabesha’s public commentary was reckless. Standard practice dictates restraint–as a lawyer, he knows that attorneys are discouraged from prejudging or celebrating outcomes still subject to appeal. His words may now be used in further filings, potentially undermining Zambia’s position. The case also raises serious constitutional questions. Can Zambian law legitimately frame proceedings in South Africa, or must they be decided strictly within the ambit of South Africa’s own Constitution? These are thorny, complex issues that demanded sober handling—not premature triumphalism. The AG is well aware of this.

If the Constitutional Court reverses the earlier ruling, the government risks reputational and political fallout. Such an outcome would not only reopen questions about Zambia’s respect for due process but also drag back into focus corruption allegations hinted at in leaked audio recordings. The damage would extend well beyond the Lungu family, cutting at the credibility of the state itself.

The Imenda statement—if indeed authentic—reads less like leadership than retreat. It feels like damage control rather than principled governance, a late recognition that earlier approaches have backfired. Timing, in politics, is everything. Contrition delivered too late is indistinguishable from weakness. No doubt this is the case here. It is too late to call for civility now–the damage is already done. Many Zambians already know where UPND stands on this funeral.

Sadly, demeaning Lungu in death only created a leadership vacuum in the nation. What Zambia needs is ethical leadership and disciplined communication in moments of national crisis. A government that lurches from controversy to controversy, reacting instead of anticipating, erodes not just its moral authority but also the very legitimacy of its institutions.

President Hichilema must recognize that credibility cannot be managed by sporadic statements. It must be earned through restraint, consistency, and a demonstrable respect for the rule of law. Thus far, his administration has governed with pride but without prudence—too often mistaking arrogance for strength. The handling of Lungu’s funeral has laid bare a deeper problem–this government lacks grown-ups in the room.

Without sober counsel, the President risks ruling not as a statesman, but as someone surrounded by children—loud, impulsive, and unchecked. In times of national mourning, that failure of maturity becomes impossible to ignore.

Kapya Kaoma

State and Family Urged to Act as Preservation Clock Ticks on Lungu’s Body

Lusaka Times Editor
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State and Family Urged to Act as Preservation Clock Ticks on Lungu’s Body

The dispute over the burial of Zambia’s former president Edgar Lungu has now acquired an uncomfortable urgency, with biology threatening to overtake legal argument. Two Mountains Burial Services, in a formal letter dated 11 August and released through KBN TV, has placed both the Lungu family and the Zambian state on notice: while the remains are embalmed and stable, time is a material factor that can no longer be ignored.

The company’s representative, Johan Furstenberg, confirmed that embalming had provided temporary preservation but cautioned that no such measure is indefinite. Prolonged storage, he warned, inevitably increases the risk of visible deterioration. His firm has mooted the engagement of a pathologist and embalmer for an expert prognosis, yet pointedly asked who would bear the costs. That appeal was not theatrics. It was a reminder that in the science of preservation, delay is not neutral.

From the outset, the family has insisted on privacy, even attempting a tightly controlled burial in Johannesburg earlier this month. Cameras were barred, entry was restricted, and the ceremony was to proceed away from public scrutiny until the South African courts halted the process. That secrecy has collided with the state’s statutory duty to inter a former head of state at Embassy Park, a duty affirmed by the Pretoria High Court on 8 August. When the family escalated the case to the Constitutional Court, the High Court adjourned the matter sine die. The law has paused, but the passage of time has not.

The result has been fertile ground for speculation. Since 5 June, Zambian public discourse has been awash with conjecture about the circumstances of Lungu’s death, ranging from alleged gunfire to baseless claims of a faked demise. None has been supported by admissible evidence. Yet secrecy has created a vacuum into which rumour has effortlessly poured. Two Mountains’ intervention is a sober reminder: silence is rarely neutral in politics, and in death, as in life, perception can calcify into narrative if facts are withheld.

There remains a narrow, rational path forward. Both family and state could agree to a regime of limited disclosure, one that protects dignity while satisfying the public’s right to clarity. A joint medical note prepared by an independent pathologist, endorsed by both parties, could state the current condition of the remains, affirm the chain of custody, and specify preservation measures in place. Such a document would involve no photographs, no spectacle, but would place verifiable fact against rumour.

Chain-of-custody discipline is equally crucial. A contemporaneous log recording every transfer, temperature reading, and intervention would be invaluable. It would protect the family against allegations of mishandling, and the state against accusations of overreach. More importantly, it would ensure that if the Constitutional Court orders execution of the High Court’s judgment, repatriation can proceed without avoidable dispute over the body’s integrity.

Diplomatic space also exists. The government can reassure the family that before any formal state-led funeral, a family-led vigil will be allowed, respecting personal and religious rites. The family, in turn, can acknowledge that a president’s burial is inherently a matter of public interest, not partisan manoeuvring. Transparency on essentials is not political entrapment. It is a recognition that private grief and public duty are not mutually exclusive. Each side’s willingness to compromise would shorten the timeline and ease the national mood.

Two Mountains’ request for expert consultation should, therefore, be treated with urgency and routine pragmatism. If additional embalming, restorative care, or casket sealing is required, it ought to be done without delay. The financial implications are minor compared to the reputational damage of preventable deterioration. A nation’s dignity is ultimately reflected in how it says farewell to its leaders.

The court’s adjournment has created a procedural pause, not a pause in consequences. Biology advances regardless of legal briefs. Each day of impasse increases the risk that conversation drifts from protocol and law to speculation and grievance. What is needed now is a factual joint update, a clear logistical plan, and a narrowing of space for rumour. In this matter, time is not an ally.

Zambia’s Industrial Awakening

Lusaka Times Editor
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Zambia’s Industrial Awakening

Zambia’s Industrial Awakening

By Kelvin Phiri

For decades, Zambia was typecast as a resource economy a nation rich in copper yet trapped by its dependency on exporting raw ore. Factories once thrived but later shuttered, and communities suffered when global copper prices collapsed. For years, the country carried the stigma of underdevelopment. That reputation is now being rewritten.

According to a recent Nation report, Zambia has entered the top 10 list of Africa’s most industrialised countries, joining giants such as South Africa and Egypt. It is a milestone that signals more than just statistical recognition. It speaks to resilience, bold reform, and a vision that is gradually transforming the country from a commodity-dependent state into a diversified industrial hub.

Reform as the Turning Point

The turning point came in 2021, when President Hakainde Hichilema assumed office at the height of one of Zambia’s most severe economic crises. Public debt had spiralled, investor confidence had evaporated, and the kwacha faced instability. Instead of settling for survival mode, the administration pursued tough but necessary measures. Billions of dollars in public debt were restructured, and the government re-engaged with the International Monetary Fund and other global institutions. This injected credibility back into Zambia’s economy and created the foundation on which new industries could be built.

The reforms were not only about balancing ledgers. They sent a clear message: Zambia was open to business, open to diversification, and determined to reclaim its future.

Energy as the Backbone of Growth

No country industrialises without reliable energy, and Zambia understood this. Long reliant on hydroelectric power, the nation was repeatedly exposed to the consequences of drought. The answer lay in both expansion and diversification.

In 2023, the Kafue Gorge hydroelectric plant was fully commissioned, adding a substantial 750 megawatts to the grid. Almost simultaneously, two solar power plants in Kitwe — Riverside (34 MW) and Atimpi (60 MW)  came online. These investments stabilised electricity supply, gave industries a reliable backbone, and positioned Zambia as a potential exporter of energy within the Southern African region.With energy secured, the wheels of industry began to spin.

Industrial Zones and Global Investment

Across Chibombo, Ndola, and Lusaka South, new multi-facility economic zones have sprung to life. These industrial parks, designed with tax incentives and ready infrastructure, have attracted major players such as Tradeking, Zambeef, Lafarge, and Dangote. Within them, industries as diverse as cement, steel, food processing, and packaging are flourishing.

It is no longer about Zambia shipping off raw maize or copper. Instead, the country is adding value producing packaged goods, processed foods, and manufactured components destined not just for Africa but for Europe and beyond. A vivid example came recently when Zambia exported its first consignments of avocados to South Africa, signalling agricultural diversification and new trade opportunities.

The Future in Copper and Cobalt

Copper remains the country’s economic mainstay, accounting for about 70 percent of export earnings in 2022. But the approach to copper is changing. Rather than sending ore overseas, Zambia is actively negotiating with Afrexim Bank and Chinese partners to establish a value chain for electric vehicle batteries. This would mean using local copper and cobalt to produce battery components within Africa, securing Zambia a foothold in the booming global green economy.

If successful, the initiative would mark one of the most significant industrial breakthroughs in Zambia’s modern history.

Growth That Includes People

What makes this transformation remarkable is its inclusivity. In the new factories, young Zambians are employed in clean, modern environments. Smallholder farmers are supplying food processors, drawing rural communities into national value chains. Members of the diaspora are returning, establishing factories and investing in agriculture.

This is not growth reserved for foreign investors or corporate boardrooms; it is growth being experienced by ordinary people. It is a form of industrialisation that uplifts as it expands.

A Signal to Africa

Challenges remain. Copper still dominates exports, making Zambia vulnerable to price fluctuations. Agriculture continues to wrestle with climate change and limited mechanisation. Education and skills training must catch up with the demands of a modern economy. Yet the difference today is that Zambia is no longer passive. It is shaping its own destiny, leveraging reform, energy, and industrialisation to carve a new path.

When Zambia is named among Africa’s most industrialised countries, it is not just a trophy. It is a signal. A signal that when leadership, policy, and people align, transformation is possible.

For Zambians at home and abroad, this is an invitation to invest, to innovate, and to dream bigger. The Zambia of 2050 is being built today  not with copper alone, but with steel, energy, agriculture, and above all, determination.

President‘s son received no special treatment during ZNS training

Chief Editor
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President‘s son received no special treatment during ZNS training

Government says Lt. Habwela Hichilema, son of President Hakainde Hichilema, was officially commissioned as a military officer in the Zambia National Service (ZNS) following a rigorous training programme in which he reportedly received no preferential treatment.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with ZNS in Lusaka, Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana dismissed speculation that the President’s son was given special privileges during training.

Mr Kawana said the young officer cadet shared basic accommodation with three others, dug and slept in his own trench during a week-long bush exercise, and was only recognised by some instructors and fellow cadets as the President’s son during commissioning.

“Lt. Habwela Hichilema lived and trained like every other officer cadet, he participated in all scheduled training activities, including bush exercises, and endured the same hardships as his colleagues. When necessary, he was subjected to disciplinary measures like any other trainee.” Mr Kawana said.

ZNS Public Relations Officer, Brigadier Mable Nyone said ZNS felt privileged that the First Family chose it for his training, a decision she said the institution views as an honor.

She urged the public to see him as an individual forging his own path.

Meanwhile Fellow Trainees have defended the President’s Son, against claims of favoritism during military training, offering a detailed and emotional account of the young man’s physical and mental resilience throughout the program.

Captain Siva Asani, recalled a moment early in the program when he encountered the President’s son at the clinic, suffering from severely swollen legs due to the intense physical demands of training.

“That caught my attention, as a health professional, I knew what that kind of pain meant, but he didn’t stop. He continued participating in all activities, even those that were physically draining,” Captain Asani said.

“He’s someone who believes in doing things by the book. Even toward the end of training, during long hours of parade rehearsals, he kept encouraging us. He would whisper, ‘This is our commission, we must give it everything,” Asani said.

“The worst thing you can do to someone who has gone through military training is to claim they didn’t earn it. That would be unfair, we went through every phase, breaking down, rebuilding, and preparation. He was there, every step of the way,”he added.

Another trainee Sherry Kalela, praised Lt. Habwela Hichilema for his humility and strong work ethic, saying he completed training like any other recruit, without seeking or receiving special treatment.

“He trained with us from day one, ate what we ate, and did every task assigned, No instructor gave him anything extra, he earned everything,” she said.

Another officer, Jack Zimba, added that it was unfair for anyone to suggest the President’s son didn’t train, pointing out that he only revealed his identity on the day of commissioning.

President Hichilema and First Lady at the Commissioning Parade of over 400 officer cadets at ZNS Charles Joseph Nyirenda in Kafue District.

50 year old Lumezi man survives crocodile attack

Chief Editor
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50 year old Lumezi man survives crocodile attack

A 50 year old man of Lumezi District of Eastern Province is nursing injuries at Chipata Central Hospital after he was reportedly attacked by a crocodile on Luangwa River.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, has told ZANIS confirmed that the incident happened on August 18, 2025 around 21:00 hours in Chitungulu area.Mr Mweemba identified the victim as Frackson Zulu, aged 50, of Chief Chitungulu’s area in Lumezi.He revealed that the victim sustained deep multiple injuries on his left leg.

“Brief facts are that the victim, in the company of his friend, went fishing on Saturday August 16, 2025, and they had been camping since that day,” he explained.

Mr Mweemba indicated that the victim was attacked when he came out of the canoe to grab a net.

“The moment the victim came out of the canoe trying to pull the net, a crocodile got hold of him on his left leg trying to drag him into the deep water,” he explained.

He further disclosed that the friend managed to pick a log and hit the crocodile until it let go of the victim who was later pulled out of the water.

Mr Mweemba said the victim was taken to Chitungulu Clinic before he was referred to Lumezi Hospital, and later referred to Chipata Central Hospital for further treatment due to the seriousness of the injuries.

Chief Chamuka allocates land to 3, 000 women in his chiefdom

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Chief Chamuka allocates land to 3, 000 women in his chiefdom

Chief Chamuka of the Lenje people of Chisamba District of Central Province has in the recent past allocated land to 3,000 women in an effort to increase access to land among women in his chiefdom.

Chief Chamuka said the move is in line with the 2021 National Land Policy, which stipulates that 50 percent of available land should be reserved for women, while 20 percent should be reserved for youths and persons with disabilities.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, the traditional leader stated that empowering women with land enables them to engage in income generating ventures such as agricultural activities and construction of rental properties.

He observed that social practices in the past made it difficult for women in rural areas to own land, adding that land acquisition was previously a preserve of men and a few elite women.

“We are empowering women with land because an empowered woman is a powerful woman. Most of the women who have acquired customary land certificates in my Chiefdom have converted it to state land, while some are still in the process of doing so,” Chief Chamuka said.

The Chief added that he is promoting gender equality in his chiefdom as both men and women are striving to improve their standards of living.

“Land is a non-diminishing resource, one can use it for a settlement, collateral for loans from banks and for farming,” he said.

Chief Chamuka has since encouraged more women in his area to acquire land and ensure they follow the right channel of application.

President Hichilema commissions USD 1.25 billion Kansanshi Mine Plc Expansion Project

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President Hichilema commissions USD 1.25 billion Kansanshi Mine Plc Expansion Project

President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated First Quantum Minerals (FQM), the Kansanshi Team, and the people of Zambia on the remarkable launch of the S3 Expansion Project.

The President said First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Kansanshi Mine Plc Sulphide (S3) Expansion Project, is a reflection of the private sector’s confidence in government. He further noted that the establishment of such a huge US$ 1.25 Billion investment in Zambia, shows that the country is open for business.

Valued at over USD 1.25 billion, the S3 Expansion is one of the largest private investments in Zambia’s history. It will extend the mine’s life by more than 20 years and increase copper output to nearly 300,000 tonnes annually.

“This transformative project will generate significant benefits for our nation. It will boost export earnings, strengthen our balance of payments, create quality jobs, support local businesses, and enhance corporate social responsibility initiatives,” the president said.

President Hakainde Hichilema emphasized that while Zambia celebrates major investments in large-scale projects such as the S3 mine, equal attention must be given to securing the future of artisanal and small-scale miners.

“As we celebrate this major investment, we must also secure the future of our artisanal and small-scale miners. That is why we have directed the Ministry of Mines to convene an Artisanal Mining Conference to develop policies that promote legal, safe, and formalized mining practices. By doing so, we will protect lives, unlock opportunities for our citizens, and ensure Zambia’s mineral wealth benefits all,” he said, stressing that illegal mining will not be tolerated.

The initiative is expected to complement large-scale ventures while fostering a more inclusive and sustainable mining sector for generations to come.

President Hichilema extended gratitude to Traditional Leaders for their guidance, support, and leadership throughout the whole process.


Minister of Mines, Paul Kabuswe, noted that FQM is one of the highest single taxpayers in the country, attributing this success to the President’s vision and good leadership that activated the favourable investment environment in the country.

He explained that the project is one way of promoting the country’s economic growth through direct and indirect jobs.

Mr Kabuswe praised the government’s good policies that are in line with ensuring economic growth in the country.

And, First Quantum Minerals (FQM) Chief Executive Officer, Tristan Pascall, explained that the US$1.25 Billion investment is more than investment, stating that it’s a shared vision of prosperity for the country and beyond.

Mr Pascall said FQM remains firmly committed to community stewardship through technology that reduces emissions not just for the mine but also for the safety of communities.He further emphasised the need for mines to improve lives within communities, citing the company’s corporate social responsibility through education, among others.

In her remarks earlier, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Rebecca Terzeon, explained that the S3 Project, will contribute to the increased copper cathode produced in Zambia.Ms Terzeon stated that the expansion of the project is testament to FQM’s commitment to the Zambian people through long term economic growth. She recounted President Hichilema’s vision for the Zambian government’s ambition to achieve the production of three million tonnes of copper.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that our investments contribute positively to Zambia’s development,” she stated.And ZCCM-IH Board Chairman, Phesto Musonda, underpinned the government’s investment vision for the country. He said ZCCM-IH which holds 20 percent stake in Kansanshi Mine, has through the mine royalty, received K1.4 Billion.Mr Musonda said the company’s revenues that are actualised are meant to help the national goal such as the energy sector.

Meanwhile, in his welcoming remarks, North-western Province Minister, Robert Lihefu, highlighted that the province has become a beacon of economic growth.He stated that the project has enhanced employment opportunities in the province, a milestone that he said must be commended.

Come and watch the African Nations Championship with 1xBet and get a chance to win valuable prizes!

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Come and watch the African Nations Championship with 1xBet and get a chance to win valuable prizes!

Come and watch the African Nations Championship with 1xBet and get a chance to win valuable prizes!
The grand continental tournament between African national teams is in full swing. Especially for this football event, the betting company 1xBet is launching a new hot promo for Zambian fans!

Starting on August 22, Buffalo Park in Lusaka will host joint viewings of the African Nations Championship matches. The 1xBet brand will show the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final. Visitors will be able to get cool gifts and take part in a draw for valuable prizes!

• Everyone who comes to Buffalo Park and deposits at least 100 ZMW during one of the games will get stylish sunglasses.
• A bet of at least 100 ZMW on any of the matches will get you a voucher worth 100 ZMW to use at the bar. You can also use your receipt to enter the grand prize draw.

On August 30, after the African Nations Championship final, all receipts will be placed in a raffle drum and entered into a draw, with the lucky winners receiving:

• a TV set
• a smartphone
• a bar voucher worth 1,000 ZMW

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy top-level football in friendly company and win cool prizes from 1xBet. Come and watch the African Nations Championship at Buffalo Park and bet on your favorites. Remember: the more tickets there are in the raffle drum, the greater your chances of winning!

To stay up to date with all upcoming promos from 1xBet, subscribe to the company’s social media pages. Also, regularly visit the Promo section on the brand’s official website so you don’t miss out on the most profitable offers from the the best bookmaker.

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