News Digest - Friday, August 22nd, 2025

Zambia's judicial system delivered significant sentences today, including an 18-month prison term for document forgery in a government employment case. Major infrastructure developments progressed with solar power agreements for national stadiums and a $300 million electrification project. Government appointments and international engagements also featured prominently.

Main Stories

1. Woman sentenced for forging certificate to secure govt job
   Chefu Musonda, a former Ministry of Agriculture employee, received an 18-month prison sentence from the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for uttering false documents and obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretence related to a forged Evelyn Hone College certificate. The sentences will run concurrently.
2. Chandler Foundation and ACC launch youth ethical leadership initiative
   The Chandler Foundation and the Anti-Corruption Commission launched a teacher training initiative in Kabwe (August 14-15, 2025) to promote ethical leadership among Zambian youth using the Character is Destiny curriculum, equipping educators with necessary skills and materials.
3. Govt signs MoU for solar power at Heroes and Levy stadiums
   The Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jiangsu Fanye Power Energy Equipment Company Limited to install solar power systems at National Heroes Stadium and Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, each expected to produce 10 Megawatts of power.
4. Govt appoints Patrick Kangwa as sole spokesperson on Lungu repatriation
   Government appointed Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa as the exclusive spokesperson regarding the ongoing court case and burial process for former president Edgar Lungu, following the South African High Court's indefinite adjournment of the family's appeal application.
5. Govt assures Heroes Stadium readiness before 2026
   Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu stated that renovation works on National Heroes Stadium are progressing well and assured the nation the facility will be operational before January 2026, potentially within a few months pending equipment arrival.
6. HH appoints Major General Henry Chiwaya as Deputy ZAF Commander
   President Hakainde Hichilema appointed Brigadier General Henry Chiwaya as the new Deputy Air Force Commander, promoting him to Major General, and redeployed his predecessor, Major General Kalaluka, into the diplomatic service.
7. Zesco and Anzana sign $300m electrification joint venture
   Zesco Limited and Anzana Electric Group committed to a $300 million joint venture to rehabilitate and expand the national electricity network, aiming to provide first-time grid connections to two million Zambians along the Lobito Corridor by 2030.
8. Supreme Court cancels seizure order for Chitotela's house
   The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Mumba Malila, quashed the Economic and Financial Crimes Court's judgement ordering the seizure of Ronald Chitotela's house in State Lodge, ruling the case was wrongly allocated to the EFCC division and lacked jurisdiction. The case was sent back to the High Court's general division for trial.
9. Dr Nalumango outlines priorities for Africa's development at TICAD-9
   Vice-President W.K. Mutale Nalumango, representing President Hichilema at TICAD-9 in Japan, called for innovative partnerships focused on economic transformation through value addition, infrastructure, AfCFTA implementation, reformed global finance, human capital investment, inclusivity, and climate action.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice: Supreme Court Judge Jane Kazora Kabuka retired after 19 years and five months of service, having been appointed to the High Court in Ndola in 2006 and later to the Supreme Court.
• Sports: ZESCO United announced the return of goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe on a two-year contract and signed Nigerian goalkeeper Sochima Victor Ndukauba.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Progress on solar installations targeting 20MW combined output at National Heroes and Levy Mwanawasa Stadiums.
• Implementation of the $300 million Zesco-Anzana joint venture aiming to connect 2 million Zambians to the grid by 2030.
• Continued legal processes regarding the seizure of Ronald Chitotela's property and the resolution of former President Lungu's repatriation.