News Digest - Thursday, August 28th, 2025

Small and medium enterprises face persistent financial hurdles according to banking officials, while Zambia prepares to host major continental conferences in 2026. Political tensions surface ahead of the 2026 elections, and developments continue in the Edgar Lungu burial dispute involving international appeals for dialogue.

Main Stories

1. SMEs Face Financing and Skills Challenges
   Access Bank Managing Director Lishala Situmbeko stated that small and medium businesses, vital to Zambia's economy, encounter hurdles like limited finance access, cash flow issues, and business skills gaps. Livingstone entrepreneur Evans Fenete noted challenges with loan repayments from banks and the Constituency Development Fund.

2. Lungu Burial Dispute Involves International Appeal
   South Africa's Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, expressed hope that Zambia's Constitutional Court ruling would resolve the burial impasse, urging dialogue between the Zambian government and Lungu family for an out-of-court settlement. Lamola Lungu should be buried in Zambia.

3. ZRA Highlights Weak Tax Systems in Africa
   Zambia Revenue Authority Commissioner General Dingani Banda reported Africa's average Tax-to-GDP ratio is around 15%, with Zambia averaging 18.3% over five years, reflecting weak tax systems. Banda noted challenges in extending initiatives like the customs accredited client programme to domestic taxes.

4. HELSB Awards Loans to 1,270 University Students
   The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board allocated loans to 660 first-year students at Kwame Nkrumah University and 610 at Mukuba University for the 2025/2026 academic year.

5. Government Disburses K200 Million to LASF
   Minister of Local Government Gift Sialubalo confirmed K200 million was released out of K400 million budgeted for 2024 to capitalize the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund. LASF Board Chairperson Martin Libinga acknowledged past significant financial and actuarial challenges for the scheme.

6. Zambia to Host Major African Conferences in 2026
   Zambia secured bids to host the African Marketing Confederation Conference, African ICT Conference, and Africa Supply Chain Conference in Livingstone from May 25-27, 2026, expected to draw over 2,000 delegates. Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba highlighted this positions Zambia as a MICE tourism hub.

7. Five Charged with Murder of Suspected Intruder
   Police charged agripreneur Maria Zaloumis, her Nigerian boyfriend Nathaniel Barthrem, and farm workers Daniel Chiluwa, Fortune Mwitangati, and Gift Daka with the murder of Enock Simfukwe Kasengele, who died after an alleged beating at Wonani Farm.

Other Notable Stories

• Politics & Governance:
  • PF MP Brian Mundubile asserted the UPND will lose the 2026 elections due to perceived disconnect from citizens' economic struggles, responding to UPND MP Twambo Mutinta's remarks.
  • Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo claimed President Hichilema "walked the talk" in revitalizing sectors like mining.
  • PF faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda stated voting for President Hichilema in 2026 would "be killing Zambians," citing poverty and rule of law concerns.
• Trade & Industry:
  • Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga advocated for Africa to reduce import dependence by building resilient local industries and embracing digital transformation.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Implementation of LASF capitalisation with remaining K200 million funding.
• Preparation progress for Zambia hosting three major African conferences in Livingstone, May 2026.
• Ongoing legal proceedings in the murder case involving Maria Zaloumis and four co-accused.