Zambia, Mozambique in Joint 1,500 MW Power Generation Project

Zambia and Mozambique have agreed to develop a 1,500-megawatt power generation project that will significantly boost electricity supply across southern Africa and help stabilise energy security in both countries. The agreement, signed in Maputo this week, marks a new chapter in regional energy co-operation under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) power-integration programme.

Energy Minister Peter Kapala, who represented Zambia at the signing ceremony, said the project is part of a broader plan to diversify Zambia’s generation mix and reduce reliance on hydropower sources that have been affected by climate change. He explained that the 1,500 MW facility will be jointly constructed and operated along the Mozambique–Zambia power corridor and will incorporate hydro, thermal, and solar components to ensure sustainable output.

“This agreement is historic because it gives our two countries the opportunity to share capacity, technology and investment benefits,” Kapala said. “Once completed, it will not only cover our domestic demand but also provide excess power for export to neighbouring states through the Southern African Power Pool.”

The project will be implemented in phases over five years, with funding drawn from a blend of government contributions, development finance institutions and private sector investors. Pre-feasibility studies have already identified sites suitable for generation and transmission linkages to existing infrastructure on both sides of the border. Technical teams from ZESCO and Mozambique’s Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) have been tasked to finalise engineering designs and costing details by mid-2026.

ZESCO Managing Director Victor Mapani said the joint initiative represents a strategic shift from short-term energy imports toward shared generation projects that enhance long-term stability. He stressed that Zambia has faced power deficits during periods of low water levels at Kariba and Kafue Gorge, and that regional interconnectivity offers a reliable solution.

Under the agreement, the two countries will also construct a new high-voltage transmission line linking western Mozambique to eastern Zambia, allowing for two-way power flows. This infrastructure will support Zambia’s industrial zones in Central and Copperbelt provinces and enhance electricity access in Mozambique’s northern districts. Engineers expect the project to generate over 1,000 direct jobs during construction and hundreds of technical and maintenance positions once operational.

Mozambique’s Energy Minister Carlos Zacarias said the initiative illustrates African solidarity in addressing energy shortages through shared resources. “This partnership strengthens our friendship and ensures that electricity will fuel industrial growth on both sides of the border,” he said. He also confirmed that Mozambique has earmarked land for the power station and pledged policy support to fast-track implementation.

The deal could position Zambia as a net exporter of power within three years and help Mozambique monetise its vast energy resources. The project aligns with Zambia’s Energy Transition Strategy, which seeks to increase renewable capacity by 40 percent by 2030.

Once complete, the 1,500 MW plant is expected to feed into the Southern African Power Pool, benefiting countries such as Zimbabwe, Malawi and Tanzania through enhanced regional power trade. Officials say the agreement has received endorsement from the African Development Bank and other international partners who view it as a model for cross-border energy integration.

“This project is not just about electricity but about economic growth and regional integration,” Kapala said after the signing. “With 1,500 megawatts on the grid, Zambia and Mozambique will move closer to energy independence and help stabilise power supply for the entire region.”

Worshippers Dispersed at Night of Prayer, Government Issues Apology

The Zambian government has issued a public apology following a controversial police operation that halted an overnight Christian prayer gathering at the OYDC in Lusaka on the eve of Independence Day. The event, dubbed Standing in the Gap Night of Freedom, had drawn hundreds of worshippers from across the capital before police officers ordered the crowd to disperse around 21:00 hours.

Authorities reportedly claimed the gathering conflicted with a government programme scheduled for the same venue. Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as congregants prayed, sang, and prepared for the night’s worship when officers moved in, instructing them to vacate the premises. Many were left stranded, sparking anger among residents who viewed the disruption as unnecessary and disrespectful to a day associated with national prayer and reflection.

The incident triggered immediate backlash online and across civic platforms, with critics accusing the police of overstepping constitutional rights to freedom of worship and assembly. One widely circulated post read, “In a Christian Nation, on the eve of Independence and just days after the national day of prayer, police disrupted a vigil. Freedom of conscience is dying.” Other commentators suggested the move was politically motivated, alleging that officers acted “to please the powers that be.”

Among those who voiced concern was academic and writer Dr Lawrence Mwelwa, who published a reflective piece titled The Walls of Jericho Will Fall Again: Freedom on Our Knees. In it, he urged Zambians to respond to repression with prayerful persistence rather than anger. Drawing from figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela, Dr Mwelwa framed prayer as an act of civic courage, writing that kneeling was not surrender but defiance through faith. His essay, widely shared, became a rallying point for citizens who saw the incident as part of a broader struggle for freedom of expression.

The controversy intensified as social and political figures questioned who authorised the police action. Commentator Kennedy K. Mambwe asked pointedly on Facebook, “The President didn’t know? What about the Inspector General or the Minister of Home Affairs? On whose instruction did the Police act?” His remarks captured growing public frustration over perceived disconnection between the President’s public stance and enforcement actions on the ground.

As criticism mounted, State House released an official statement signed by Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka, categorically denying that President Hakainde Hichilema had ordered the shutdown. The statement reaffirmed the Head of State’s devotion to Christian values and commitment to religious liberty, describing the incident as regrettable and announcing an immediate investigation. “The President would never prevent Christians or any faith group from holding prayers, especially during the Independence period,” it read. “He deeply regrets the incident and has directed an immediate inquiry to ensure accountability.”

The clarification aimed to calm tensions but raised further questions about institutional discipline within the police command. Some critics described the apology as damage control, insisting that accountability must include dismissals of those who issued unlawful orders. One post bluntly stated, “There’s nothing that happens under the HH regime that the President doesn’t know. Then let him fire the culprits. Zambia kuchalo twasebana.”

Despite differing views, the official tone from State House emphasised reconciliation. The statement urged citizens to remain united in prayer for peace and national unity, reaffirming the country’s motto of One Zambia, One Nation. It also reminded the public that Zambia remains a nation anchored in love and mutual respect, even amid misunderstandings between state institutions and communities of faith.

The episode has reopened debate on the professionalism of the Zambia Police and the government’s approach to civil liberties. Many observers argue that the apology, while welcome, must be followed by tangible action to rebuild confidence in state institutions. For worshippers whose vigil was cut short, the incident has become both a test of accountability and a reminder of the fragile balance between authority and faith in a democratic society.

Mundubile Declares 2026 Presidential Bid, Calls for Economic Transformation, Constitutional Reform, and National Healing

LUSAKA, October 23, 2025 – Patriotic Front (PF) presidential hopeful Hon. Brian Mundubile has declared his ambition to contest the 2026 general elections, unveiling an expansive agenda focused on constitutionalism, youth empowerment, economic transformation, and national unity. Appearing on HOT FM’s The Hot Seat program hosted by Peter Zulu, Mundubile positioned himself as a seasoned leader prepared to restore Zambia’s democratic institutions, drive inclusive development, and heal what he described as a politically polarized nation.

Mundubile said his decision to run was firmly rooted in the will of the people and a calling to serve amid what he termed a leadership vacuum in Zambia. He criticized the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) for failing to deliver on key economic promises and accused it of stifling dissent and undermining the Constitution.

He said the PF was preparing for a convention where the party would democratically elect its 2026 presidential candidate and affirmed that he would support whichever candidate emerged from that process. However, he made clear his personal resolve to seek the presidency, citing his experience as a lawyer, former Government Chief Whip, and MP, and emphasizing that Zambia required “a leader who can feel the pain of the poorest of the poor.”

Reflecting on Zambia’s 61 years of independence, Mundubile called for honest introspection. He questioned whether the country was truly independent, arguing that both economic and political freedoms had been eroded. While acknowledging the country’s political liberation in 1964, he said economic dependence on foreign investors and suppression of freedoms have made true independence elusive.

He lamented that many citizens were now afraid to speak out or identify themselves publicly, pointing to what he described as shrinking civic space and politically motivated arrests. Mundubile referenced the imprisonment of several opposition figures including Chishimba Kambwili, Joseph Malanji, Ronald Chitotela, and Raphael Nakachinda as examples of selective application of the law. He stressed that his leadership would uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, warning against what he called the “rule of men.”

On the economy, Mundubile pledged to industrialize Zambia through targeted investment in agriculture, mining, and tourism. He proposed a value-chain approach to agriculture that would see farming blocks transformed into agri-industrial parks, creating jobs through production, processing, and exports. In tourism, he cited untapped potential in the Northern Circuit, including Kasaba Bay, and called for the completion of infrastructure like airstrips to attract private investment. In the mining sector, he promised to push for increased government ownership up to 41% arguing that the current 20% equity stakes did not give Zambians fair benefit from their natural resources.

He also called for decentralizing artisanal mining licenses and creating cooperatives for local communities to benefit from mineral wealth. He questioned the reduction of mineral royalties and accused the government of failing to maximize revenue during a global copper boom.

Mundubile spoke at length about poverty reduction, which he called the most urgent priority. He said that while national poverty rates averaged 60%, some rural areas were experiencing rates as high as 80%. He argued that the most effective strategy was industrial job creation, which would require investment and infrastructure to unlock growth across multiple sectors.

Responding to concerns about youth unemployment and inclusion, Mundubile emphasized his Christian upbringing and values, saying he is guided by humility, truth, and a deep sense of public service. He promised to prioritize youth in both political representation and national development programs. He argued that the existing legal framework, including Article 259 of the Constitution, already allows for the inclusion of youth and women in governance and faulted the current government for failing to use those provisions effectively.

On constitutional reform, Mundubile condemned the government’s attempt to reintroduce Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, which he said was “being pushed through the backdoor” using an executive-appointed technical committee. He argued that genuine constitutional reform must be driven by the people, not the government, and should include legislative backing, stakeholder engagement, and a legal roadmap. He said the process currently underway lacked transparency, public trust, and legitimacy, calling it an elitist attempt to “discipline citizens instead of disciplining the government.”

During the call-in portion of the program, several listeners challenged Mundubile to articulate how he would unite the opposition and restore trust among citizens. In response, he said the PF and other opposition parties were already in talks to form a broad alliance ahead of 2026. He acknowledged internal PF disputes but insisted they were being resolved behind the scenes, while the party continued to provide leadership on national issues.

He dismissed suggestions that UPND’s early campaigning would give them an edge, saying the public had already made up its mind. “Zambians have decided,” he said, adding that people now wanted the opposition to unite behind a credible candidate. He criticized what he described as failed promises by President Hakainde Hichilema, including reducing fuel and mealie meal prices, lowering the cost of living, and ending youth unemployment. “They promised to reduce the dollar in three hours four years later, the exchange rate has worsened,” he said.

He also criticized the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) for inefficiencies in the ongoing voter registration exercise, calling on the institution to extend the registration period and improve outreach in rural areas. Mundubile urged youths to register en masse, saying their vote was their power. He emphasized that credible leadership begins with civic participation and called for reforms in how registration equipment is deployed and managed.

On the question of national unity, Mundubile rejected tribalism and pointed to Article 259’s requirement for regional diversity in public appointments. He said that recent trends in civil service recruitment had dangerously eroded the “One Zambia, One Nation” ethos and warned that continued exclusion of certain groups risked deepening divisions. He argued that Zambians, in their daily lives, remain united across ethnic lines and that it is only political elites sowing division for self-preservation.

Mundubile called for political leaders to “remove fear” and “stand up for those who can’t speak.” He said his leadership would be defined by compassion, competence, and constitutionalism. “This country needs redemption,” he said. “That redemption will come through leaders like us leaders who listen, who care, and who love the Zambian people.”

In his last words, Mundubile reaffirmed his commitment to justice, youth empowerment, and opposition unity, declaring that the PF was ready to return to power with renewed vision and resolve.

Mweetwa Defends UPND Economic Record

Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa has presented a detailed defence of the United Party for National Development (UPND) government’s handling of the economy, saying the administration has achieved measurable stability after a series of fiscal and structural reforms.

According to Mweetwa, the government has reduced inflation, secured debt restructuring agreements with major creditors, and restored policy discipline across ministries. The administration’s economic management, he said, has allowed key sectors such as agriculture, education and energy to receive consistent funding despite global financial pressures.

The government’s first major milestone was the successful conclusion of a debt restructuring framework under the G20 Common Framework, which followed months of negotiations with bilateral and commercial lenders. The agreement, together with the US$1.3 billion International Monetary Fund programme, forms the basis for Zambia’s current reform agenda.

Mweetwa said the reforms have centred on controlling expenditure, improving domestic revenue collection, and redirecting resources to communities through the expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF). Each constituency now receives increased allocations for infrastructure and social projects, replacing the centralised funding model used in previous administrations.

He reported that CDF funding has been applied to construction of classroom blocks, rural health posts, staff housing and small bridges, particularly in areas that had been neglected in past national budgets. Local authorities have been instructed to adhere to transparent tendering procedures and community participation in project selection.

The minister outlined that the UPND government inherited a heavy external-debt burden, delayed payments to suppliers, and an overstretched civil-service wage bill. The administration responded by introducing a debt-management framework and a spending control mechanism intended to stop the accumulation of arrears.

In addition, ministries were directed to conduct internal audits and submit quarterly expenditure reports to the Ministry of Finance. These measures are designed to strengthen accountability and improve the credibility of government budgeting.

Mweetwa said inflation has remained within single digits for much of the year, and the exchange rate has shown relative stability. He linked this to consistent monetary policy and prudent fiscal coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Zambia.

The government has also maintained regular dialogue with cooperating partners to support sectors affected by reduced public investment, including energy diversification, education reform, and youth empowerment programmes. Under the current framework, development assistance is now tied to measurable outcomes and transparent disbursement procedures.

According to the Southern Province Administration, the UPND’s economic policy has prioritised long-term stability over short-term consumption. Funds saved through debt-service relief are being redirected to local projects, social protection programmes, and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Mweetwa said the government continues to monitor living costs and commodity prices through the Zambia Statistics Agency and relevant ministries. Efforts to improve food security are ongoing through inputs-support distribution and irrigation projects under the Ministry of Agriculture.

He stated that although households still face high prices, the broader economic environment shows gradual improvement compared to conditions before 2021. The government considers these results as evidence that reforms are taking hold, though it acknowledges that recovery remains incomplete.

Mweetwa reaffirmed that transparency and fiscal discipline remain core principles of President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration. Provincial and district offices have been directed to enforce compliance with procurement regulations and ensure that public officers follow approved budget guidelines.

He concluded by stating that the success of the current reforms will depend on sustained policy consistency and national cooperation, with government institutions required to prioritise service delivery and measurable development outcomes.