News Digest - Monday, September 29th, 2025

Today's developments reflect our nation's steady progress in economic diplomacy, public safety reforms, and social welfare commitments, alongside crucial discussions on resource allocation and healthcare collaboration.

Main Stories

1. President Hichilema's UK Working Visit
   President Hichilema begins a three-day visit to the United Kingdom, including an audience with King Charles III in Scotland and participation in a London investment forum aimed at unlocking job-creating opportunities for Zambians through deeper economic collaboration.
2. 2026 National Budget Receives Positive Assessment
   Economist Trevor Hambayi described the K253.1 billion budget—representing 27% of GDP—as economically balanced, highlighting its 80% domestic revenue financing as a positive step toward national self-reliance and sustainable growth.
3. New Compulsory Standards for Public Safety
   The Zambia Compulsory Standards Agency (ZCSA) will enforce enhanced compulsory standards starting October 1, 2025, expanding product regulations to better protect citizens' health, safety, and our environment.
4. Extended Electricity Access for Low-Income Areas
   Townships including Matero, Chaisa, Garden, Mandevu, and Chawama now receive 10–15 hours of daily electricity, a move the UPND emphasizes prioritizes livelihood improvements over political considerations.
5. Government Reaffirms Sickle Cell Disease Support
   The Ministry of Health commits to consistent access to life-saving sickle cell medication and early diagnosis, highlighting efforts during a Lusaka awareness event to combat one of Zambia’s most common inherited disorders.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Police apprehended a suspect in the abduction and assault of Joe Nyondo at Old Leopards Hill Cemetery on September 25.
  • Grace Nachilima sued Maria Zaloumis and Nathaniel Barthram for K21.9 million in Kabwe High Court over the alleged torture and death of her son Enock Kasengele at a Chisamba farm.
• Social Development:
  • The House of Chiefs urged immediate constituency delimitation to ensure equitable Community Development Fund impact nationwide.
  • Health authorities called for stronger patient-provider trust and condemned unauthorized hospital recordings violating dignity.
• Economy & Investment:
  • Southern Province Minister Credo Nanjuwa assured investors of policy continuity during preparations for October’s Investment Expo in Livingstone.
• Other Updates:
  • Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo rebuked Ndola traffic police for causing peak-hour congestion with a 07:00 checkpoint.
  • Zanaco FC topped the football league after a 3–2 victory over Kabwe Warriors.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Monitor ZCSA’s October 1 rollout of enhanced safety standards affecting consumer goods nationwide.
• Track outcomes from President Hichilema’s UK investment forum engagements for tangible economic opportunities.
• Observe consistency in extended electricity supply to low-income communities as pledged.