News Digest - Wednesday, October 1st, 2025

Today's developments spotlight our nation's economic trajectory and international engagements, with significant fuel price adjustments impacting households alongside high-level diplomacy aimed at attracting investment and celebrating progress in key sectors like mining and agriculture.

Main Stories

1. President Hichilema Begins UK Working Visit for Trade & Investment
   President Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema arrived in Glasgow, Scotland, commencing a three-day UK visit focused on advancing trade, development partnerships, and investment. He will hold meetings with UK government officials and attend an investment forum in London, aiming to strengthen the long-standing Zambia-UK relationship to unlock investment, create jobs, and support sustainable growth for our nation.
2. ERB Announces Significant Fuel Price Hike for October
   The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has increased pump prices effective October 2025 due to Kwacha depreciation and rising international oil prices. Diesel now costs K26.20/litre (up from K25.30), Petrol K30.58/litre (up from K29.18), Kerosene K24.78/litre (up from K23.64), and Jet A-1 K27.11/litre (up from K25.83). This adjustment directly impacts transportation and household costs across Zambia.
3. Government Presents Final First-Term Budget, Highlighting Economic Turnaround
   Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane unveiled the 2026 National Budget, framed as consolidating economic gains made since 2021. The government cites progress in restructuring external debt, improving the investment climate, reviving mining production (noting copper output had dropped to 800,696 tonnes in 2021), boosting agriculture, and addressing energy challenges as foundations for future growth.
4. Access Bank Commits K150 Million to Support 3,000 Farmers
   Access Bank Zambia has allocated K150 million for the 2025/2026 farming season under the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), aiming to support 3,000 farmers. This significant increase from the K50 million committed last season (which saw K27 million disbursed to 1,000+ farmers) comes despite challenges like drought impacting repayment capacity.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa directed all ministries, provinces, and spending agencies to fully implement the K253.1 billion 2026 National Budget, emphasizing its focus on consolidating economic and social gains for all Zambians.
• Sports:
  • Coach Wedson Nyirenda praised Power Dynamos and Zesco United for reaching the CAF 2025/26 Inter Clubs competitions pre-group stages, calling it a promising sign for Zambian football and urging the teams to plan strategically for their upcoming matches. Looks like our boys are ready to show continental rivals what Zambian grit is made of!
• Politics:
  • A meeting of some opposition leaders at Tonse Alliance spokesperson Sean Tembo's Ngwerere home was violently disrupted by youths from a rival faction, forcing the leaders to leave; Mr. Tembo reported the incident to the Police.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Monitor outcomes of President Hichilema's UK engagements for concrete announcements on new trade/investment partnerships beneficial to Zambia.
2. Track the impact of the October fuel price increase on the cost of goods and services nationwide.
3. Observe the timely disbursement and utilization of the K150 million Access Bank SAFF facility to ensure farmers receive inputs ahead of the planting season.