News Digest - Friday, July 25th, 2025

Today’s Zambian news highlights a mixture of governance, economic challenges, sporting achievements, and ongoing legal and constitutional developments. The country faces concerns over corruption and financial misconduct, while also making strides in sports and development initiatives. Political debates around government accountability and constitutional reforms continue to shape Zambia’s current landscape, alongside significant private sector involvement in social development.

Main Stories

1. Foreign Nationals Amass K1 Billion and $5 Million Through Mineral Smuggling, Reveals FIC
   The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has uncovered a major illegal operation where foreign nationals illicitly accumulated over K1 billion (approximately $55 million) and $5 million through mineral smuggling. This revelation underscores ongoing vulnerabilities in Zambia’s mineral sector, highlighting the need for stronger enforcement and border controls to combat illegal resource exploitation that deprives the government of revenue and hampers national development.

2. Zambia’s Political Rhetoric: UPND Claims Progress While Facing Criticism
   UPND Deputy Secretary General Gertrude Imenda defends President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration by asserting that critics are blinded by jealousy. She emphasizes the government’s long-term developmental foundation, despite challenges like load shedding. This reflects the polarized political environment, with the ruling party promoting achievements while opposition voices question the pace and transparency of reforms.

3. Controversy Over CDF Utilization in Lusaka: Alleged Hijacking by UPND Cadres
   Opposition MP Miles Sampa accuses Lusaka City Council of mismanaging Constituency Development Funds (CDF) due to alleged involvement of UPND cadres in corrupt practices. This controversy raises concerns about transparency and accountability at the local government level, potentially affecting service delivery and community development in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital.

4. Advocacy for Stable Local Governance: HH Urges Constitutional Amendments on Term Limits
   President Hakainde Hichilema advocates for removing term limits for local councilors to promote continuity and stability in governance. The proposal aims to retain experienced leadership but raises debates about entrenched power and opportunities for new leaders to emerge, shaping future local political dynamics.

5. Grassroots Sports Development Boosted by Private Sector and Government Support
   The government has received a major boost in sports development through a donation of 500 footballs valued at over K300,000 from Airumi New Energy Zambia, supporting grassroots initiatives. Additionally, Zambia’s national football team, Chipolopolo, is preparing for the 2025 CHAN tournament under Coach Avram Grant, emphasizing teamwork and strategic talent utilization to achieve success on the continental stage.

6. Private Sector Engagement in Youth Sports: Kansanshi Mine Partners with Zambia Athletics
   Kansanshi Mine and First Quantum Minerals have partnered with Zambia Athletics to support the "Catch Them Young" talent search program. This initiative aims to identify and develop young athletes, with implications for Zambia’s future sporting success and increased private sector involvement in social development.

7. Legal and Constitutional Developments: Court Cases and Reforms
   The Lusaka High Court upheld the 12-month jail sentence of former MP Munir Zulu for libel, emphasizing accountability beyond parliamentary immunity. Meanwhile, Zambia’s Constitutional Court is set to deliver a landmark judgment on the constitutionality of laws criminalizing "unnatural sexual offenses," which could significantly impact human rights protections for marginalized communities.

8. Government’s Anti-Corruption Drive: ZAMMSA Audit and Investor Confidence
   The government’s forensic audit into ZAMMSA revealed a potentially corrupt K685 million medical procurement exercise. Officials are committed to holding culprits accountable, viewing transparency as vital for restoring investor trust and promoting good governance despite initial concerns about negative perceptions.

Brief Updates

• The establishment of Yango Group’s new regional office in Abidjan reflects Africa’s expanding digital economy and tech ecosystem growth.
• Nelly Mutti, Speaker of the National Assembly, directs MP Tasila Lungu to return within 14 days after her father’s burial or face potential reclassification as absent.
• The court dismisses Munir Zulu’s appeal, reinforcing limits on free speech and accountability laws.
• Seven fatalities and multiple injuries occur in a tragic road accident involving a Likili bus and an abnormal load truck in Solwezi-Chingola.
• The government vows to pursue justice over the ZAMMSA medical procurement scandal, emphasizing transparency.
• The Constitutional Court’s upcoming ruling on "unnatural offenses" law could redefine the legal landscape for LGBTQ+ rights in Zambia.

Closing Reflection

Today’s stories underscore Zambia’s ongoing efforts to address corruption, strengthen governance, and promote social and sporting development. The legal and constitutional cases highlight a nation grappling with human rights and accountability, while private sector partnerships continue to drive progress. Readers should watch for the Constitutional Court’s landmark judgment, as it may significantly influence Zambia’s legal and social fabric in the coming months.