News Digest - Thursday, July 24th, 2025

Today’s Zambian news digest reflects a nation at the crossroads of political integrity, economic empowerment, and social development. Key themes include political accountability and leadership, economic participation, sports development, and innovative infrastructure projects aimed at vulnerable populations. Several stories highlight ongoing concerns about governance, fairness in sports, and social issues, emphasizing the country's pursuit of stability, growth, and transparency.

Main Stories

1. HH is a celebrity admired by many – Muchima
   Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima praises President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, asserting that his celebrity status fosters admiration and confidence among Zambians. He links this popularity to the government’s efforts to address healthcare sector shortcomings, including outdated equipment and governance issues. The Minister is optimistic that under President Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia will witness transformative improvements over the next decade, signaling a focus on long-term reform and stability.

2. It’s possible to do clean politics – Nalumango
   Vice-President Mutale Nalumango advocates for moral integrity in Zambian politics, emphasizing that corruption stems from the moral character of leaders rather than systemic flaws alone. She urges a cultural shift towards ethical governance, suggesting that Zambia’s development challenges are deeply rooted in leadership values. Her comments highlight the need for a moral renaissance in politics to foster national growth and trust.

3. Those who sit, do nothing won’t get benefit of Kwacha gain – govt
   Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa underscores the importance of active economic participation to benefit from Zambia’s appreciating currency. He warns that passive individuals risk missing out on economic gains, stressing that proactive engagement and personal responsibility are vital for economic empowerment. This message encourages Zambians to take charge of their economic futures amid positive macroeconomic trends.

4. Viral audio controversy raises questions about political manipulation
   A leaked recording allegedly involving PF faction leader Robert Chabinga and Minister Doreen Mwamba suggests an attempt to influence judicial proceedings related to ex-President Edgar Lungu’s burial rights. The government has distanced President Hichilema from the matter, but the incident fuels concerns about judicial interference and corruption within Zambia’s political elite. Calls are mounting for the President to clarify the situation as the scandal threatens public trust.

5. Zambia's Chipolopolo focus on long-term talent development at CHAN
   Coach Avram Grant emphasizes using the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to nurture local talent and build depth for the national team. Zambia sees CHAN as a platform to develop homegrown players who could eventually move to European leagues, addressing the scarcity of Zambian players abroad and strengthening the national football pipeline. The strategic focus aims at sustainable growth rather than just immediate results.

6. Financial disparity undermines fairness in Zambian football – IG Musamba
   Police IG Graphel Musamba laments the unfair financial advantages enjoyed by certain football clubs, which hinder fair competition and talent retention, particularly at Nkwazi FC. Revenue imbalances stemming from external income sources distort the league's integrity. His comments call for reforms in football financing to ensure a level playing field and preserve the sport’s credibility.

7. Reflect and improve – Nkandu urges Copper Queens after AFCON setback
   Youth, Sport, and Arts Minister Elvis Nkandu encourages the national women’s team to learn from their recent loss at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. He stresses resilience, unity, and leadership as keys to future success. The message aims to boost team morale and reinforce the importance of mental strength in achieving international sports excellence.

8. Kaluya Bwalya emphasizes discipline for Power Dynamos players
   Football legend Kalusha Bwalya offers advice to Power Dynamos, urging players to stay disciplined and focused to succeed. His mentorship highlights the role of lifestyle and self-care in athletic performance, reinforcing the importance of experienced role models in nurturing Zambia’s football talent.

9. Mumbi Phiri disputes AI fabrication claim amid political controversy
   Former Patriotic Front official Mumbi Phiri challenges Robert Chabinga’s assertion that a damaging audio was AI-generated, suggesting it is part of a broader tactic to distract from a forensic audit on drug theft. The dispute exposes internal party struggles and questions over credibility, with implications for political accountability in Zambia.

10. Law enforcement cracks down on misconduct among female officers
    Two female officers from the Zambia National Service and Correctional Service are arrested over circulating obscene videos, highlighting ongoing issues related to morality laws and LGBTQ+ rights debates in Zambia. The case underscores tensions between traditional laws and individual freedoms, especially in the context of social media.

11. Japan, UNDP, and Zambia launch refugee infrastructure project
    A $5.9 million partnership aims to improve living conditions for over 42,000 displaced persons in Zambia’s resettlement schemes. This initiative promotes social services, economic opportunities, and resilience, exemplifying international support for Zambia’s humanitarian and development goals and fostering peaceful coexistence.

12. Zambia’s CHAN team prepares for tough competition
    Coach Avram Grant prepares the Chipolopolo for the upcoming African Nations Championship, emphasizing player development and a winning mentality. The focus on nurturing local talent aims to secure long-term success and increase opportunities for Zambian players in European leagues, boosting the country’s football profile.

13. Unfair football financing hampers club competitiveness
    Police IG Musamba highlights the financial imbalance between clubs like Nkwazi and others, which hampers fair competition and talent retention. The disparity undermines the integrity of Zambian football and calls for reforms in how clubs are financed and regulated.

14. JUMO and MTN Mobile Money Zambia launch overdraft service
    This new partnership introduces a responsible, AI-driven overdraft facility, Kwanisa Na MoMo, expanding financial inclusion for micro and small enterprises. The initiative aims to provide immediate access to funds, empowering small businesses and traders who are often excluded from traditional banking services.

Brief Updates

• The Public Accounts Committee reviews healthcare sector issues, signaling ongoing reform efforts.
• Zambia’s government emphasizes discipline and focus in national sports development.
• Concerns over fairness and transparency persist in Zambian football’s financial landscape.
• Investigations continue into social media cases involving LGBTQ+ rights and improper conduct.
• International partners like Japan and UNDP advance infrastructure projects supporting displaced communities.

Closing Reflection

Today’s stories reveal Zambia’s complex journey toward good governance, economic empowerment, and social resilience. Leadership integrity, fair sporting competition, and inclusive development remain critical areas to watch, as the nation strives to build a more transparent and prosperous future. Citizens should stay attentive to political accountability, sports reforms, and innovative social initiatives shaping Zambia’s path forward.