Lusaka, Zambia – Energy Minister Makozo Chikote has announced a major reduction in electricity connection fees, lowering the cost from K4,846 to a subsidized rate of K300. The new pricing takes effect on December 22, 2025.

The announcement was made during the launch of the Rural Electrification Authority’s (REA) Accelerated Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) initiative.

Minister Chikote stated that the 2026 application window for the subsidy targets 100,000 new connections next year. He instructed REA and ZESCO to widely publicize the initiative, reinforcing the government’s goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030.

The effort is part of the $200 million World Bank-funded ASCENT-Zambia program, which aims to connect over 1.6 million Zambians to electricity and clean cooking technologies within five years.

World Bank Country Manager Dr. Achim Fock noted that the ASCENT initiative unites the World Bank Group, the African Development Bank, and other partners to support electricity access for 300 million people across sub-Saharan Africa.

REA Acting Chief Executive Officer Alex Mumba commended the government for the policy and financing reforms that enabled the program.

The Isoka Town Council has commenced consultations on the proposed 2026 budget alongside a review of the 2025 budget performance.

Council Public Relations Officer, Peter Sichali, said it is important that the community understands how the council is performing and what needs to be addressed moving forward.

Mr Sichali was speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting where the local authority presented key achievements and challenges recorded in the 2025 financial year.

He said the review highlighted progress in infrastructure development, social services and economic empowerment programmes.

“This platform allows us to give a clear account of what has been achieved this year and to outline our priorities as we prepare for 2026,” he said.

He added that stakeholders made several submissions under the Zambia Devolution Support Programme (ZDSP) for possible inclusion in the 2026 budget.

“Stakeholders proposed improved water reticulation to deal with persistent shortages, the procurement of a fire tender to strengthen emergency response, and the installation of streetlights from the Government Rest House stretch to enhance security,” he noted.

Mr Sichali has since reaffirmed the council’s commitment to participatory governance, noting that the contributions gathered would guide the upcoming budget formulation.

“The 2026 budget will reflect community priorities and align with national development objectives,” he stated.

And one of the businessmen in Isoka district, Bernard Simukoko, who attended the meeting, commended the council for creating an open platform for dialogue, saying such engagements help strengthen accountability and collaboration.

“Meetings like this allow us to openly highlight gaps and weaknesses without pointing fingers. It is only by acknowledging these flaws together that we can find practical solutions and build a stronger community,” he explained.

The meeting attracted representatives from the business community, traditional leadership, the church, civil society organisations, government departments and other community groups.

Eastern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Lewis Mwape, has commended Rusticstone, a local company specialised in granite slab production in Chipata, for investing in the construction industry.

Dr Mwape observed during his tour of the company that the development will contribute to the region’s economic transformation among other achievements.

He acknowledged that the initiative is a huge milestone as it also promotes the creation of local products for indigenous construction companies.

“For a city like Chipata, this is a significant setting because it creates local products for local construction companies,” he said.

Dr Mwape has since called on the company to ensure that skills are fully transferred to local people to promote growth.

Meanwhile, the company’s Supervisor, Cornelius Banda, revealed that about 180 metric tonnes of granite slabs are produced per month.

“We produce granite slabs and we get our material from a local mine in Chipangali district, thereafter we make tombstones and tiles among other products,” he said.

Mr Banda further explained that the initiative has in turn created jobs for about 45 local people in the district.

And BuyZed Campaign Chief Executive Officer, Evans Ngoma, commended the company for the initiative saying there was need for other entrepreneurs to take a leaf from Rusticstone.

“We would like to encourage entrepreneurs that are in the habit of exporting raw products to foreign countries to consider value addition by coming up with industries,” he said.

TiZ Calls for Higher Standards Ahead of 2026 Polls
Transparency International Zambia has stated that the standard of leadership a country enjoys is directly linked to the integrity of its elections, stressing that democratic societies rise or fall on the strength of the processes that produce their leaders. The organisation noted that Zambia’s political stability and governance record depend heavily on whether national electoral exercises are conducted credibly, transparently, and without undue influence.

During a media engagement, TiZ representatives explained that credible elections are not defined only by voting day activities, but by the entire chain of events leading up to the poll. They highlighted voter registration, boundary delimitation, campaign conduct, the role of law enforcement, media freedom, and the operations of oversight institutions as essential components in shaping the credibility of any election. According to the organisation, weaknesses in these areas can dilute public confidence even before ballots are cast.

TiZ emphasised that countries that allow opaque practices or political interference in electoral processes often end up with leadership that lacks legitimacy. The organisation argued that legitimacy is earned when citizens see an election process that is fair, efficient, predictable, and anchored in law. Transparency, they noted, is the principal safeguard against disputes, mistrust and instability.

The organisation also assessed the wider climate around Zambia’s upcoming electoral cycle. They warned that administrative bottlenecks, poorly communicated timelines, or selective application of regulations can distort the process long before the vote. They stated that unclear rules or late changes often disadvantage some participants and create suspicion among political stakeholders, sentiments they say should be avoided if the country is to sustain democratic gains.

According to TiZ, fair competition among political groups is only possible when the playing field is not tilted in favour of any participant. They stressed that the enforcement of campaign rules, equal access to public media, timely adjudication of electoral disputes, and the professionalism of the Electoral Commission and police service all contribute to the credibility of the final outcome. They pointed out that a country cannot expect the public to accept election results if many aspects of the process appear compromised.

The organisation further stated that transparency extends to the behaviour of political leaders. They encouraged all political actors to refrain from inflammatory language that may influence law enforcement agencies or intimidate voters. TiZ said the tone set by leaders shapes public perception of whether an election is competitive and open. A climate of fear, according to the organisation, reduces voter confidence and discourages participation.

TiZ also addressed the issue of public trust in state institutions. They argued that institutions responsible for elections must operate independently, without instructions from political offices or private interests. They emphasised that public trust is strengthened when institutions act with consistency, follow established procedures, and engage openly with concerned groups. The organisation added that unexplained decisions or abrupt shifts in administrative actions weaken confidence and generate unnecessary conflict.

The organisation urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral cycle, noting that voter responsibility extends far beyond merely casting a ballot. They encouraged the public to verify their details in the register, monitor campaign activities in their communities, and report irregularities through established channels. They noted that civic vigilance is critical to protecting the integrity of elections and discouraging misconduct.

TiZ also highlighted the role of civil society in strengthening transparency. They noted that independent observers, legal advocacy groups, youth networks and faith-based organisations all contribute to safeguarding the process. Their role, they said, includes educating voters, providing neutral oversight, and advocating for reforms when gaps emerge.

On the international front, the organisation said Zambia’s reputation for peaceful transitions should not be taken for granted. They noted that many countries that once enjoyed stability began to erode their democratic foundations after tolerating minor irregularities. They cautioned that democratic backsliding often begins subtly, with routine procedures being weakened gradually until they no longer function as intended.

TiZ called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to ensure the 2026 electoral cycle reflects high standards. They stated that the credibility of an election is determined by what happens before, during and after the vote, and insisted that no part of the process should be overlooked. They added that election management bodies must demonstrate readiness to respond to concerns promptly and professionally.

The organisation concluded by stating that Zambia has the institutional experience and national will to conduct credible elections, but warned that confidence can only be restored and strengthened when processes remain transparent from start to finish. They encouraged every stakeholder — political actors, institutions, civil society and citizens — to commit to practices that uphold the integrity of the electoral system.

Copperbelt Province Minister, Elisha Matambo, has condemned the riotous behavior of more than 400 Northern Technical College (NORTEC) students who were expelled following the discovery of a forgery syndicate at the institution.
‎
‎The affected students were expelled after management uncovered forged examination clearance documents bearing an authentic NORTEC date stamp but carrying fake signatures
‎
‎The falsified documents allowed unqualified students to sit for examinations despite failing to meet the mandatory 75 percent tuition fee requirement.
‎
‎The media reports that addressing the expelled students at the institution last evening, Mr Matambo said their conduct was unacceptable and misguided.
‎
‎He emphasised that airing grievances should always be done through lawful and peaceful channels, particularly dialogue, which he said is the most effective way of finding amicable solutions.
‎
‎The Minister further noted that education remains a top priority on President Hakainde Hichilema’s agenda, adding that students in higher learning institutions must operate in a peaceful and conducive environment to excel.
‎
‎”The administration of this country’s vision carrier prioritises education, ensuring students in higher learning institutions learn in a peaceful and conducive environment,” he said.
‎
‎He commended management for allowing the affected students to proceed with their examinations while investigations into the forgery scandal continue.

‎ However, Mr Matambo insisted that the eleven individuals directly involved in the fraudulent scheme must face the law.
‎
‎Meanwhile, a student representative, Katwisha Chilambe, assured the government that such unrest would not occur again.

He said the students were remorseful and grateful to management for showing leniency by permitting them to sit for their examinations.
‎
‎“On behalf of all my fellow students here, Minister, we want to apologise for what we did yesterday, it was uncalled for and will never repeat itself,” he said.
‎
‎And NORTEC Principal, Martin Kasonso, thanked the Minister for taking time to address the students, adding that his presence demonstrated the government’s commitment to the welfare of learners in higher education institutions.

Government has urged COMESA member states that have not yet ratified the three outstanding regulations to do so and speed up implementation of regional integration commitments.

Minister of Commerce Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga has encouraged member states to embark on an integrated planning and resource mobilisation programme.

The media reports that Mr Mulenga said this in a speech read for him by his Permanent Secretary Lillian Bwalya during the 46^th COMESA Inter-Governmental Committee Meeting held in Lusaka.

“Member States must accelerate domestication and implementation of instruments adopted by the Tripartite Council of Ministries, he said,

“fully engage in market integration, infrastructure development and industrial development,” he added.

Mr Mulenga also called for stronger collaboration with continental partners, saying the secretariat should work jointly with the three RECs in implementing programmes that support regional integration.

“The Secretariat should seriously work on alternative funding mechanisms,” he said.

Mr Mulenga further appealed to partners to support the upcoming 2026–2030 Medium-Term Strategic Plan once adopted.

He expressed appreciation to cooperating partners for continued support.

“We are grateful to our development and cooperative partners for their steadfast support in funding commercial programmes,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, COMESA Secretary General Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe stressed the importance of digital technologies in deepening regional integration.

“It is both a great honour and a profound privilege to welcome you all,” she said.

 Ms Kapwepwe said the summit theme Leveraging Digitalisation to Deepen Regional Value Chains for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth strikes at the heart of the current ambitions and future aspirations.

She noted that COMESA’s population and economic size provide a strong foundation for digital transformation.

“With a combined GDP of over one trillion United States Dollars and a population of over 680 million, we are well positioned to transform regional trade and investment,” she said.

Highlighting major digital projects, Ms Kapwepwe said the US$2.5 billion COMESA World Bank Digital Acceleration Programme aims to connect 180 million people and deliver digital services to at least 100 million by 2030.

Ms Kapwepwe noted that the meeting is also reviewing progress under the 2021 to 2025 Medium Term Strategy and considering the 2026 to 2030 Medium Term Strategic Plan, which identifies priority value chains across agriculture, agro-processing, tourism and other sectors.

“We must be bold in reform, diligent in implementation and innovative in forging new partnerships,” she said.

Ms Kapwepwe also emphasised the importance of peace and stability, noting that regional progress depends on strengthened collaboration to address ongoing conflicts.

“The future of our region is in our hands. Let us seize this moment to create a digital, competitive, resilient and united COMESA,” she said.