News Digest - Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

As our nation navigates energy challenges, political discourse intensifies ahead of 2026 elections, and Zambian excellence shines internationally, today’s developments underscore our collective resilience and aspirations for progress.

Main Stories

1. Energy Minister Projects Major Load-Shedding Reduction by December
   Minister Makozo Chikote confirmed Zambia’s power deficit stands at 1,555 megawatts but assured that 425 megawatts of new capacity will be added by December 2025, significantly improving supply. High-density townships in 21 areas now receive at least 10 hours of electricity daily, with plans to expand coverage as generation increases—a critical relief for households and small businesses nationwide.
2. Pharmaceutical Society Demands K10 Billion for Essential Medicines
   The Pharmaceutical Society of Zambia urges the government to double the medicines budget to K10 billion in the 2026 national budget, up from K4.9 billion, to offset withdrawn donor aid and reduce dependency. This increase is vital to safeguard public health services and ensure consistent access to life-saving drugs across our communities.
3. Opposition Unity Declared Essential for 2026 Election Success
   United Kwacha Alliance chairperson Sakwiba Sikota warned that opposition parties acting alone in next year’s elections will fail, emphasizing that Zambians demand collaborative leadership. This call reflects broader public sentiment for cohesive governance alternatives amid ongoing political realignments.
4. Government Defends Parliamentary Impartiality Amid Bias Claims
   Deputy Chief Whip Likando Mufalali countered accusations of parliamentary bias by Catholic Priest Fr. Augustine Mwewa, stating punishments stem solely from breaches of Standing Orders. This debate touches on the integrity of our legislative institutions as they handle increasingly contentious debates.
5. Barbra Banda Ranked 14th in Global Women’s Football Awards
   Copper Queens Captain Barbra Banda secured 14th place in the 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or—Africa’s second-highest ranking—reinforcing Zambia’s growing influence in international sports and inspiring young athletes across our nation.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Former Vice President Enock Kavindele asserted that Permanent Secretaries and directors exhibit more corruption than Ministers, citing higher conviction rates under the current administration.
  • Ex-accountant Sikelete Kashweka sued the State for K2 million, seeking reinstatement after his 2018 dismissal over alleged theft.
  • Acting Chief Magistrate Ireen Wishimanga will rule on October 17 regarding appeals by Fredson Yamba and Joseph Malanji.
• Energy & Trade:
  • Energy Regulation Board Director Elijah Sichone confirmed ongoing Open Access fuel import negotiations with Tanzania, Mozambique, and Namibia to stabilize supply.
• Environment & Livelihoods:
  • Fisheries Minister Peter Kapala extended the fishing ban on the Copperbelt’s Kafue River due to persistent pollution from Sino Metals’ March incident.
• Sports:
  • Power Dynamos coach Oswald Mutapa expressed confidence in advancing in the CAF Champions League after a 1-0 lead against ASEC Mimosas.
  • Athlete Muzala Samukonga reflected on a "mixed bag" season after narrowly missing the 400m finals at the Tokyo World Championships.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Monitor the December 2025 deadline for new power projects adding 425MW, which could reduce load-shedding for households and enterprises.
• Track the 2026 national budget allocation for medicines, where the Pharmaceutical Society’s K10 billion proposal aims to strengthen health sovereignty.
• Observe opposition coordination efforts following warnings that fragmented parties risk electoral failure.