News Digest - Wednesday, July 16th, 2025

Zambia faces a pivotal period marked by economic ambitions, governance reforms, and social developments. The government’s focus on achieving robust growth, tackling corruption, and improving healthcare infrastructure underscores a commitment to transformation. Simultaneously, political tensions and issues surrounding freedom of expression continue to shape the national landscape, alongside efforts to strengthen local governance and sports. This digest highlights Zambia’s ongoing pursuit of sustainable development while navigating challenges related to energy, law enforcement, and civic rights.

Main Stories

1. Zambia Targets 6% Economic Growth by 2028
   The Zambian government has set ambitious macroeconomic objectives for 2026-2028, aiming for at least 6% annual growth and single-digit inflation. This strategic plan emphasizes increasing domestic revenues, managing borrowing, and strengthening foreign exchange reserves, reflecting a clear commitment to economic stability and development. Achieving these targets could significantly improve living standards and position Zambia for sustainable growth, but it hinges on effective policy implementation amidst current infrastructural challenges.

2. Hichilema Launches GIP Zambia to Boost SME Growth
   President Hakainde Hichilema launched the Growth and Investment Program (GIP) Zambia, a major initiative to stimulate small and medium enterprise (SME) development. The program aims to create jobs, attract investments, and diversify Zambia’s economy, aligning with the government’s broader development goals. The move signals a proactive approach to empowering local entrepreneurs and reducing reliance on traditional sectors like mining.

3. Zero Tolerance for Corruption in Medical Sector
   President Hichilema has ordered a thorough investigation into the medical supply chain audit, which revealed systemic issues and potential corruption. The government’s resolve to hold culprits accountable, including dissolving the Zambia Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) board, demonstrates a firm stance against corruption. These efforts are part of broader reforms to improve transparency and accountability within critical public service sectors.

4. Africa’s Mineral Wealth Must Benefit Citizens – HH
   President Hichilema advocates for Africa to transition from resource extraction to value addition, emphasizing that mineral wealth must serve citizens through industrialization and innovation. He calls for revised mining laws that prioritize environmental sustainability and intergenerational equity, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable mineral-driven economy for Zambia and the continent.

5. Healthcare Infrastructure Progress: Copperbelt’s Cancer Hospital Nears Completion
   The Copperbelt Province's first cancer hospital is 75% complete and expected to open in December 2025. This milestone highlights Zambia’s focus on healthcare development, aiming to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. The facility is part of a broader health hub plan, with potential for renewable energy and medical training, signifying a strategic investment in regional health services.

6. Economic Concerns: Price Inertia Among Businesses
   The Minister of Commerce, Chipoka Mulenga, expressed concern over businesses’ slow response to passing economic gains onto consumers despite favorable indicators like lower inflation. This lag could hinder public benefit from economic stability, prompting calls for fair pricing strategies that reflect improved economic fundamentals.

7. Legal and Democratic Tensions: Faith Musonda’s Bail and Political Rights
   Journalist Faith Musonda was released on K100,000 bail after being charged with misconduct related to her visit to President Hichilema’s residence. Her case underscores ongoing tensions between security concerns and press freedom, raising questions about the limits of individual rights and government oversight in Zambia’s democratic space.

8. Political Party Leadership Crisis: PF’s Uncertain Future
   UPND member Paul Moonga cast doubt on the Patriotic Front’s (PF) leadership prospects, suggesting no clear candidate exists to lead the party amid internal disarray. The upcoming PF convention will be a critical moment for the party’s future direction, as it seeks to recover from internal divisions and regain electoral strength.

9. Energy Security Challenges: Zimbabwe’s Load Shedding Compared to Zambia
   Zimbabwe’s diversified energy sources have improved power supply, contrasting with Zambia’s reliance on hydropower which exacerbates load shedding. Experts emphasize the need for Zambia to diversify its energy mix, potentially through investments like Maamba Collieries, to enhance energy security and economic stability.

10. Law Enforcement and Crime: Forfeiture Law Targets Wealthy Criminals
    The Director of Public Prosecutions highlighted the role of non-conviction based forfeiture laws in targeting illicit assets linked to organized crime. Authorities aim to dismantle criminal networks, especially those with wealthy, well-represented defendants, emphasizing professionalism and diligence in investigations.

11. Skills Development: Evelyn Hone College to Become a Polytechnic
    The government plans to upgrade Evelyn Hone College into a polytechnic to expand technical and vocational training. This initiative aims to produce skilled workers essential for Zambia’s economic growth, aligning education with industry demands.

12. Economic Diversification: Local Governments Urged to Innovate Revenue Generation
    The Ministry of Local Government encourages councils to think creatively, such as owning billboards, to boost revenue. This approach seeks to decentralize income sources, empower local authorities, and support national economic goals.

13. Economic Outlook: PwC Cautiously Optimistic Despite Power Challenges
    PwC’s Andrew Chibuye notes Zambia’s resilience amid infrastructural hurdles, especially in power supply. Sectors like agriculture and mining are expected to sustain growth, signaling cautious optimism for Zambia’s economic recovery in 2024.

14. Political Freedom in Question: ECZ’s Ban on Regalia and PF’s Response
    Given Lubinda of PF challenged the Electoral Commission’s ban on political regalia, citing constitutional rights. This confrontation reflects ongoing tensions over electoral fairness and the exercise of political freedoms ahead of upcoming elections.

15. Sports: Zambia’s Women’s Football Team Confident Ahead of WAFCON
    The Copper Queens, Zambia’s national women’s team, express confidence ahead of their quarter-final against Nigeria. Their recent success and strong morale suggest Zambia could make a significant impact in the tournament, boosting national pride and women’s sports development.

16. Decentralization Policy Implementation at 60%
    The 2023 National Decentralization Policy has seen moderate success, with districts varying in progress. Continued support is needed to fully realize its goal of bringing governance closer to citizens and fostering local development.

17. Controversy Over MP Tasila Lungu’s Absence
    Questions have arisen about the parliamentary membership and representation of Tasila Lungu, amid her family’s decision not to return to Zambia and ongoing legal issues surrounding her father’s burial. This raises constitutional and constituency representation concerns.

18. Online Content Regulation: Kazadi and Halwiindi Arrested
    Filmmaker David Kazadi and model Mwaka Halwiindi were arrested over pornographic videos, highlighting Zambia’s efforts to police online morality. The case emphasizes ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and societal standards.

19. Zambia’s CHAN Squad Announced
    The provisional squad for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has been named, with Kelvin Kampamba leading the team. The tournament serves as a key step for Zambia’s national team development and international ambitions.

20. Legal and Cultural: Journalists and Public Figures in Legal Battles
    Faith Musonda’s case and the burial controversies surrounding Edgar Lungu’s remains reflect ongoing tensions over press freedom, constitutional rights, and national identity.

Brief Updates

• ZAMMSA audit findings should be taken seriously, says TIZ, urging transparency.
• Pollen urges councils to think creatively to boost local revenue, such as owning billboards.
• Zambia’s economic growth remains challenged by power deficits, but sectors like agriculture and mining show resilience.
• Zimbabwe’s energy diversification is a model Zambia could emulate to reduce load shedding.
• Lubinda challenges ECZ’s regalia ban, asserting constitutional freedoms.
• Faith Musonda’s legal case continues, highlighting issues of press freedom and individual rights.
• The PF leadership crisis is set to unfold at the upcoming party convention, crucial for future politics.
• Zambia’s women’s football team is optimistic about their WAFCON prospects, energizing national pride.

Closing Reflection

Today’s developments underscore Zambia’s complex journey towards economic stability, democratic maturity, and social progress. The government’s focus on infrastructure, governance reforms, and economic diversification is promising, but challenges remain—particularly in energy security, political unity, and civic rights. Watching how Zambia navigates these issues, especially the upcoming party conventions and infrastructural projects, will be key to understanding its future trajectory.