The Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) says there is a 20 percent chance of recording rainfall exceeding 25mm over the extreme northern parts of Luapula and Northern Provinces.

This is according to the latest Weekly Weather Bulletin issued by ZMD for the period 5th to 11th May, 2026.

The Weekly Weather Bulletin further revealed that the rest of the country has less than five percent chance of recording 25mm rainfall during the forecast period.

“There is a 20% chance of recording rainfall exceeding 25mm over the extreme northern parts of Luapula and Northern provinces, while the rest of the country has less than 5% chance during the forecast period.” The statement read in part.

And ZMD has advised farmers to regularly check their crops for termites, grain borers, and signs of disease, imploring farmers to promptly report any sighting of crop disease to the nearest agricultural extension office.

Meanwhile, ZMD indicates that Northwestern, Copperbelt, Luapula, Northern and Muchinga Provinces forecast to experience mornings that are partly cloudy, windy at times and mild to warm.

Maximum temperatures are expected to range from 11°C to 18°C, while afternoons are forecast to be partly cloudy, slightly windy and warm to hot with a chance of isolated showers.

Maximum temperatures are expected to range from 25 °C to 33 °C, while nights will be partly cloudy, slightly windy, and mild to cool, with a chance of isolated rains.

During the same forecast period, Western, Southern, Lusaka, Central, and Eastern provinces are forecast to experience mornings that are mainly sunny, becoming partly cloudy by mid‑morning, windy at times, and mild to warm.

“Maximum temperature will range from 11°C to 18°C. Afternoons will be partly cloudy, slightly windy and warm to hot.

Maximum temperature will range from 25°C to 33°C. NIGHTS: Mainly clear, slightly windy and mild to cool,” the statement indicated

Government has released approximately three million Kwacha, as part of a phased approach to rehabilitate the Lusaka Play House, in order to amplify its significance in shaping arts in the country.

Speaking during the commencement ceremony in Lusaka, Minister of Youth Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu, who was represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Kangwa Chileshe, said his ministry has also released 500 thousand Kwacha to equally support five associations in supplementing revenue and operations.

 Mr Nkandu added that the renovation is part of an ongoing national exercise to provide more infrastructure for the arts to showcase their talents, network and earn a living.

“The playhouse serves as a crucible for developing talent across the arts, and it has remained an ever-constant partner with the government in advancing the growth and development of the creative industry,” said Mr Nkandu.

Mr Nkandu called for more partners to support the arts space, stating that the renovation will contribute to creation of employment for the arts sector, catalyse and develop the industry value chain.

And Lusaka Theatre Chairperson, Mponisi Moddy, expressed optimism that the facelift will attract corporate partners and other businesses through conferences.

Ms Mponisi also called for increased collaboration among stakeholders, in order to fully utilise the arts space for the better.

Meanwhile, National Arts Council Chairperson, Maureen Lilanda, described the arts space as a once ignored hero that housed distinguished events in good and bad times.

President Hakainde Hichilema has commissioned the Mongu–Limulunga Road in Western Province, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance road infrastructure development and boost economic activities in the region.

Speaking during the commissioning, President Hichilema said the completion of the Mongu/Limulunga Road demonstrates the government’s commitment to improving connectivity across the country, particularly in rural and flood prone areas such as Western Province.

The Head of State emphasised that improved road networks are key to unlocking economic potential, noting that the newly upgraded road will facilitate the movement of goods and services, improve access to markets for local farmers, and boost tourism activities linked to the Kuomboka Ceremony.

President Hichilema further stated that the road will ease transportation challenges that residents have faced for many years, especially during the rainy season when accessibility becomes difficult.

And Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi, said the government is currently upgrading the Katunda/Lukulu Road as part of efforts to improve the movement of people and goods in the province.

Mr Milupi explained that the project is a key component of the government’s broader infrastructure development agenda aimed at opening up rural areas and enhancing economic activities.

He noted that once completed, the Katunda/Lukulu Road will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and improve access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets.

Mr Milupi added that improved road infrastructure will enhance connectivity between districts, promote trade and investment, and support key sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

Meanwhile, Western Province Minister, Kapelwa Mbangweta, disclosed that since assuming office, the United Party for National Development (UPND) government has embarked on vigorous infrastructure development programmes as a key driver of economic growth in the region.

Mr Mbangweta said the government is committed to ensuring that no part of the country is left behind in terms of development, adding that Western Province is now witnessing increased investment in road networks, health facilities, schools, and other public infrastructure.

He emphasised that improved infrastructure will not only stimulate economic activities but also improve the living standards of the people by creating jobs and enhancing service delivery.

The Mongu/Limulunga Road is expected to play a crucial role in strengthening economic ties within Western Province and contribute to national development.

The Republic of Burundi has highlighted the importance of enhanced information sharing as well as strong partnership with Zambia in the mining industry.

Speaking in Lusaka today, Head of Office for Economic Affairs and Development Cooperation in the Office of the Prime Minister of Burundi, Xavier Ngendakumana, noted the need for his country to learn from Zambia’s thriving mining industry especially its progressive and positive policies that have been attracting substantial investment in the country.

“Burundi is here to gain insights from Zambia’s experienced geological sector and artisanal and small-scale mining industry. We are keen to strengthen our cooperation and apply best practices that will benefit our own mining sector,” Mr Ngendakumana stated.

A high-level delegation from Burundi is currently in Zambia for a five-day study visit, during which they have commended the major development and growth achieved thus far in Zambia’s mining sector.

During the visit, Mr Ngendakumana met with Zambia’s Minerals Regulation Commission, Director General, Tom Hara, to discuss further enhanced collaborations between Zambia and his country’s mineral sectors such as enhanced regulation, monitoring alongside reinforced regulation.

In his response, Mr Hara, noted the vital role of the Minerals Regulation Commission which was established to differentiate between policy formulation from regulatory functions.

Dr Hara adds that this is aimed at enhancing governance efficiency in the mining sector, citing that the Commission is mandated to issue all mining as well as non-mining rights and ensure compliance among other compliance applicable laws.

He further underscored the Commission’s assurance to continued collaborations with other countries and institutions meant to promote best practices in the sector.

The visit by the Republic of Burundi marks a significant step toward strengthening the Burundi-Zambia cooperation in mining, with particular focus to fostering knowledge exchange, sustainable development, and investment growth in the sector.

This was made available in a statement issued to the media by the Minerals Regulation Commission, Public Relations Officer, Michelo Malungisa.

Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) Commissioner, McDonald Chipenzi has urged election officers to uphold professionalism and impartiality as they prepare to manage the nominations process ahead of the 2026 general election.

Speaking during the official opening of the fifth cohort of the District Election Staff Training Workshop on Nominations for Southern and Muchinga Provinces, Mr Chipenzi described the nominations stage as one of the most sensitive and foundational phases of any election.

Mr Chipenzi said the training aims to equip officers with the knowledge and practical understanding required to manage nominations, with strict adherence to the law, Commission regulations, and established guidelines.

“Achieving a clear and uniform understanding across all districts is essential to ensure consistency, fairness, and transparency in the conduct of nominations nationwide,” he said.

He cautioned that the nomination process often attracts significant public, political, and media attention.

“Any misinterpretation of procedures or inconsistency in their application can undermine public confidence in the Commission, therefore your professionalism, impartiality, and strict adherence to the law must guide every action you take,” he added.

ECZ Commissioner urged officers to pay particular attention to candidate qualifications and disqualifications, noting that these areas are often challenged and can lead to disputes if not handled with precision.

He also stressed the need for accuracy in nomination procedures and documentation, warning that errors at this stage can have far-reaching legal implications.

He added that the Commission expects all election officials to adhere to the law without fear or favour, ensuring that the nomination environment remains peaceful, orderly and compliant with electoral regulations.

“As electoral officers, you carry the responsibility of safeguarding the integrity of this process because the public looks to you not only for efficiency but also for fairness and transparency.

“You are the face of the Commission at the local level, and the public’s trust in the electoral process depends on your conduct to a certain extent,” Mr Chipenzi said.

Meanwhile, addressing finance officers, Mr Chipenzi directed them to exercise strict accountability and due diligence in managing the 2.2-billion-kwacha budget allocated for the 2026 General Election, warning that these are public money and no corruption, mismanagement will be tolerated.

He indicated that officers are the Commission’s front line in financial management and must ensure funds are properly retired and accounted for.

“So, we want to see due diligence in the way we manage these 2.2 billion budgets that the government has given,” he added.

He stressed that delays in releasing funds during critical election periods like nominations and polling day could disrupt the entire electoral process.