The National Assembly of Zambia passed the Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025 after a special session convened for that purpose. The vote followed the suspension of key parliamentary Standing Orders on Friday, December 12, which allowed the bill to be rushed through its final stages without the standard notice period or procedural delays.

The motion to suspend Standing Orders 116(3) and 123 was moved by Vice President Mutale Nalumango. These rules typically require 24 hours’ notice for proposed amendments to legislation and prohibit more than one stage of a bill Second Reading, Committee Stage, and Third Reading from being completed in a single sitting. Their suspension enabled the government to complete all remaining stages of Bill 7 in a single day, before Parliament adjourns until February 2026.

Constitutional law expert Professor Cephas Lumina had submitted a formal written opinion to the Parliamentary Select Committee on December 9, 2025. In his submission, he argued that the bill is void ab initio because it originated from an unconstitutional initiation process. He also contended that the Technical Committee on Amendments to the Constitution had acted beyond its authority after becoming functus officio on December 1, rendering its subsequent report and engagement with the Select Committee legally impermissible. Professor Lumina urged the committee to discontinue all further consideration of Bill 7 and recommend that any future amendment process restart in full compliance with the Constitution.

Despite acknowledging receipt of Professor Lumina’s submission, the Select Committee’s final report did not list him as a witness. The committee completed and tabled its report with what some observers described as astonishing haste, raising questions about whether written submissions were meaningfully considered during the deliberations.

Opposition parties signaled their intent to boycott the vote. Patriotic Front (PF) senior member Brian Mundubile announced that PF Members of Parliament would not participate in the deliberations on Bill 7, citing concerns over its legality and the government’s disregard for a court judgment that declared the bill a nullity. Socialist Party (SP) president Dr. Fred M’membe echoed this stance, urging all opposition MPs, including independents and UPND members of goodwill, to stay away from Parliament on voting day. All People’s Congress (APC) president Nason Msoni described the upcoming vote as a serious public test of MPs’ loyalty.

Dr. M’membe referenced the UPND’s actions during the vote on Bill 10, when then-opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema kept his party’s MPs at his residence to prevent them from voting. He called on current MPs to heed the warnings from religious, traditional, civic, and intellectual leaders who have spoken against Bill 7.

The bill’s proponents, including the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND), maintain that the proposed amendments are non-contentious and aimed at improving governance. However, critics argue that the bill seeks to expand executive power, alter electoral timelines to entrench incumbency advantage, and replace by-elections with party-controlled replacements. They contend these changes threaten the country’s democratic foundations.

Legal scholar Sakwiba Sikota criticized President Hichilema for prioritizing constitutional amendments over pressing economic issues facing the nation, such as unpaid farmers and inadequate healthcare and education services. Leadership Movement president Dr. Richard Silumbe warned that Bill 7 is a “death trap” for Zambians, potentially creating a presidency that could disregard the Constitution at will. Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) interim chairman Gaston Sichilima urged citizens to ignore threats from New Nation Party president Dr. Nevers Mumba, who has warned of a potential constitutional crisis if Bill 7 fails, noting that similar predictions in the past have not materialized.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has been asked to provide a delimitation report that justifies the proposed increase in constituencies. The ECZ disclosed to the Select Committee that a report was prepared in 2019 and revised, but it is now under the control of the Executive. Minister of Foreign Affairs Mulambo Haimbe stated during a televised debate that it is up to the ECZ to publish the report, creating a contradiction with the ECZ’s position.

The Zambia We Want (ZWW) party has warned the ECZ against tampering with the voters’ register, expressing concern that the current civil service has become aligned with the UPND. ZWW secretary general Muhabi Lungu demanded an urgent external audit of the voter register, which is targeted to reach 10.5 million people, citing doubts about the practical possibility of achieving this target.

In a separate development, Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi issued a warning to individuals planning to disrupt proceedings at Parliament Buildings and surrounding areas. He stated that anyone engaging in unlawful activities would face firm action in accordance with the law.

Government Rolls Out Power Expansion Plan to Stabilise Electricity Supply

The government has unveiled a comprehensive power expansion plan aimed at increasing electricity generation capacity, strengthening the national grid, and addressing supply pressures driven by rising demand and climate-related challenges.

Officials say the strategy is designed to ensure reliable electricity for households, businesses, and public institutions while supporting long-term economic growth. The plan focuses on expanding generation capacity, diversifying energy sources, and upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure to improve efficiency and resilience.

Electricity demand in Zambia has continued to grow as population levels increase, urbanisation expands, and industrial activity intensifies. At the same time, hydropower generation, which remains the backbone of the country’s energy system, has become increasingly vulnerable to variable rainfall patterns. Authorities say these factors have exposed structural weaknesses in the power sector that require decisive and coordinated intervention.

The expansion plan prioritises the development of new generation projects across multiple energy sources. While hydropower remains an important component, government officials say future investments will place greater emphasis on alternative and complementary sources such as solar, thermal, and other renewable technologies. The objective is to reduce overreliance on a single source and ensure stable supply during periods of reduced water availability.

Officials say diversification of the energy mix is central to strengthening energy security. By spreading generation across different technologies, the country can better manage seasonal fluctuations and external shocks. The plan also seeks to position Zambia to take advantage of emerging technologies and private sector investment in the energy sector.

In addition to generation, the strategy includes significant upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure. Authorities acknowledge that ageing infrastructure and technical losses have contributed to inefficiencies, resulting in power outages and reduced reliability. Planned investments include strengthening transmission lines, expanding substations, and modernising distribution networks to accommodate increased generation capacity.

The government has also highlighted the role of independent power producers in accelerating implementation of the expansion plan. Officials say partnerships with private investors are critical to mobilising capital, technical expertise, and innovation. Clear regulatory frameworks and predictable policy environments are being prioritised to attract investment and reduce project delays.

Energy planners say the expansion plan is being implemented in phases to align new capacity with demand growth and available financing. Feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and grid integration planning are being undertaken to ensure projects are delivered efficiently and sustainably.

Beyond supply-side measures, the plan incorporates demand management strategies aimed at promoting efficient electricity use. Authorities say reducing wastage through energy efficiency programmes will complement generation expansion and ease pressure on the grid. Public awareness campaigns and incentives for efficient technologies are expected to form part of this effort.

Rural electrification remains a key component of the expansion strategy. Government officials say extending electricity access to underserved areas supports development, improves quality of life, and stimulates local economic activity. The expansion plan seeks to ensure that increased generation capacity translates into broader national access rather than benefiting only urban centres.

The strategy also considers Zambia’s role within the regional power market. By strengthening domestic capacity and grid stability, the country aims to participate more effectively in regional electricity trade, allowing for imports during shortages and exports during surplus periods. Officials say regional integration enhances flexibility and contributes to overall energy security.

Financing remains one of the major challenges facing the expansion plan. Power projects require substantial upfront investment and long-term commitment. Authorities say efforts are under way to combine public funding, private investment, and development financing to support implementation while maintaining fiscal sustainability.

Officials emphasise that the expansion plan is not a short-term fix but a long-term framework intended to guide energy development over several years. They say sustained coordination among government agencies, regulators, utilities, and investors will be essential to achieving the plan’s objectives.

As implementation progresses, government says it will continue to refine timelines and priorities based on demand trends, resource availability, and technological developments. The expansion plan is expected to play a central role in stabilising electricity supply, supporting economic activity, and strengthening Zambia’s energy resilience.

Government Moves to Formalise Artisanal Mining at Kikonge
Government has commenced efforts to formalise artisanal mining activities at Kikonge Mine as part of a broader strategy to regulate small scale mining, improve safety standards, and bring informal mineral production into the formal economy.

According to a report in the Sunday Times of Zambia, authorities said the move was aimed at addressing longstanding challenges associated with unregulated artisanal mining, including safety risks, environmental degradation, and loss of revenue to the state. Officials said the initiative would introduce clear operational guidelines and oversight mechanisms to govern activities at the site.

The report states that artisanal mining has played a significant role in livelihoods for many communities, but has often operated outside formal regulatory structures. Government officials said formalisation was necessary to ensure that mining activities complied with the law while protecting miners from hazardous working conditions.

Authorities said the process would involve registering miners, issuing permits, and setting designated mining zones to reduce conflicts and unsafe practices. Officials said formal structures would also enable better monitoring of production and environmental management at Kikonge Mine.

The report indicates that government intends to work closely with local communities, traditional leaders, and miners themselves to ensure a smooth transition. Officials said consultation was essential to avoid disruption to livelihoods while improving compliance and safety.

Government representatives said one of the key objectives of the initiative was to reduce accidents and fatalities associated with artisanal mining. They said unregulated operations often expose miners to dangerous working conditions, including unstable shafts and lack of protective equipment. Formalisation, they said, would allow enforcement of basic safety requirements.

The Sunday Times of Zambia report adds that environmental protection is another focus of the programme. Officials said uncontrolled mining had led to land degradation and water pollution in some areas. Formal regulation would introduce environmental safeguards and rehabilitation obligations to minimise damage.

Authorities also said formalisation would enhance revenue collection. By bringing artisanal mining into the formal system, government expects to improve transparency and ensure that mineral production contributes to national revenue through taxes and royalties. Officials said this would support public services and development programmes.

The report states that government acknowledged challenges in implementing formalisation, including resistance from some informal operators and the need for capacity building. Officials said education and sensitisation campaigns would be conducted to help miners understand the benefits of compliance.

According to the report, the initiative at Kikonge Mine forms part of a wider national effort to reform the artisanal and small scale mining sector. Government has previously indicated that formalisation is necessary to curb illegal mining and ensure responsible resource extraction.

Officials said the success of the programme would depend on effective coordination among regulatory agencies, including mining authorities, environmental bodies, and local government structures. They said clear roles and enforcement mechanisms were being established to support implementation.

The report also notes that government plans to support artisanal miners through training and access to appropriate equipment. Officials said improving technical skills and safety awareness would help miners operate more efficiently and reduce risks.

Authorities said the formalisation process would be implemented in phases, allowing time for adjustments based on feedback and observed challenges. They said lessons from Kikonge Mine would inform similar initiatives in other parts of the country.

As government proceeds with the initiative, officials said their objective was to strike a balance between economic inclusion and regulatory compliance. They said artisanal mining would continue to provide livelihoods, but within a framework that protects workers, communities, and the environment.