News Digest - Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Anti-corruption actions dominate the news with prison sentences for prominent figures, while government officials express confidence about the 2026 elections. Zambia and Sweden launch a significant energy project, and ZRA emphasizes integrity during its annual commemoration. Sports achievements and financial sector growth also feature prominently.

Main Stories

1. Lusambo jailed for property crimes
   Former Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labour by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court for possession of property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime.
2. Government confident of 2026 victory
   Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa stated the UPND will easily win the 2026 elections, citing President Hakainde Hichilema's performance exceeding expectations and citizens' recognition of progress.
3. Zambia-Sweden launch €5.2m energy project
   The Zambian and Swedish governments launched the Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Livelihoods in Africa (EELA) project, worth €5.2 million over four years, to promote energy efficiency interventions. It will be implemented by UNIDO in partnership with Zambian ministries and ZABS.
4. Malanji, Yamba sentenced to prison
   The Lusaka Magistrate’s Court sentenced former Foreign Affairs Minister Joseph Malanji to four years imprisonment with hard labour for possessing property suspected of being proceeds of crime, and former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba to three years for failure to follow procedure. Their sentences run concurrently.
5. ZRA launches Integrity Month in Mongu
   The Zambia Revenue Authority launched its annual Integrity Month in Mongu at Mutelo House, with Commissioner General Dingani Banda emphasizing the critical need for integrity in domestic revenue mobilization amidst reduced external aid.
6. ZANACO profit grows 24% to K874m
   Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) recorded a profit after tax of K874 million for the year ended June 30, representing 24% growth, driven by a 20% increase in operating income and growth in its loan book and digital transactions.
7. ZRA plans Katima-Mulilo border upgrade
   Zambia Revenue Authority Commissioner General Dingani Banda stated that ZRA is engaging Namibian counterparts to upgrade the Katima-Mulilo border post in Sesheke to a One-Stop-Border-Post, recognizing its importance for trade via the Walvis Bay corridor.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice: Community Action Against Corruption CEO Brightone Tembo warned officials could face prison like Lusambo if DEC and ACC fight corruption non-selectively. PF acting president Given Lubinda claimed all PF members are potential prisoners under the UPND government. Chilanga UPND MP Sipho Hlazo asserted no Zambian government has ever fully met public expectations, while expressing confidence President Hichilema could become the best by 2031.
• Legal Proceedings: Bowman Lusambo’s lawyer, Charles Changano, questioned the court's decision, lamenting it didn't consider mitigating factors including that one of Lusambo’s children is named after former president Edgar Lungu.
• Sports: FAZ president Keith Mweemba confirmed the Football Association has started liquidating its debt, including payments to COSAFA, airlines, and hotels. Zambian judokas Simon Zulu and Rita Kabinda are training intensely for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, aiming for gold. Copper Queens Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya returned to the starting XI as Orlando Pride won their CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup debut 3-0 against Costa Rica's L.D. Alajuelense.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Prison sentences issued to former Minister Joseph Malanji (4 years) and former Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba (3 years) on corruption-related charges.
• Implementation of the Zambia-Sweden €5.2 million EELA energy efficiency project begins.
• Zambia Revenue Authority's Integrity Month activities underway, focusing on ethical revenue collection.