News Digest - Thursday, October 2nd, 2025

Our nation today witnesses pivotal moments in international diplomacy, constitutional governance, and economic planning. President Hichilema advances partnerships abroad while the National Assembly reconvenes for crucial appointments and constitutional discourse, coinciding with expert assessments of our transformative national budget and significant regional infrastructure developments.

Main Stories

1. President Hichilema Strengthens UK Ties in Glasgow Meeting
   President Hakainde Hichilema held discussions with King Charles III in Glasgow, focusing on sustainable natural resource management and mutual interests vital for Zambia's development. He emphasized Zambia's commitment to securing partnerships and financing from the UK to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and prosperity for our citizens, announcing further talks with investors and the UK government to deliver tangible benefits.
2. National Assembly Reconvenes for Human Rights Commission Ratification
   The National Assembly holds a special sitting today, October 2, 2025, to ratify the Presidential appointment of the Human Rights Commission Board, including Chairperson Dr. Pamela Sambo and Vice Chairperson Dr. Felicity Kalunga. This sitting, mandated by the Constitution within 21 days of the budget presentation, will also feature a ministerial statement from the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment on the critical 2025-2026 rainy season forecast.
3. EAZ Hails K253.1 Billion 2026 Budget as Transformative
   The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) President, Dr. Oswald Mungule, described the K253.1 billion 2026 National Budget as transformative, stating it consolidates economic gains achieved over the past four years and sets Zambia on a path towards becoming a prosperous middle-income nation with a resilient economy and equitable society.
4. Historic $1.4 Billion TAZARA Deal to Boost Regional Trade
   Zambia Railways Limited CEO Cuthbert Malindi stated that the $1.4 billion revitalisation agreement for the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) marks a significant milestone for southern and eastern Africa's transport, unlocking regional trade, industrialisation, and economic growth by enhancing connectivity and trade facilitation.
5. Catholic Bishops Reject Constitution Amendment Bill Process
   The Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) rejected the revised Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7, citing concerns it undermines participatory democracy, transparency, and constitutional integrity due to a tightly controlled process lacking meaningful public consultation and transparency, particularly regarding judicial appointments.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Lusaka High Court Judge Irene Mbewe upheld a Mareva injunction freezing Chief Nkana's bank accounts, following a lawsuit by Bowman Lusambo demanding US$105,000 allegedly owed from the sale of Bismark Mining Limited, based on evidence the chief intended to use the funds for medical treatment abroad.
• Social Issues:
  • A 10-year-old girl ("Jane") testified in the Lusaka Magistrates' Court that her 50-year-old uncle ("Malume") repeatedly defiled her at his Mandevu home between September 2024 and January 2025, resulting in genital warts; the accused pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent assault and defilement.
• Economic Development:
  • The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) assured citizens of adequate fuel stocks, reporting 41.5 million litres of diesel (against 4.5M daily demand) and 11.4 million litres of petrol (against 1.6M daily consumption) as of this week, with daily replenishments via Tazama pipeline and road transport.
  • Government welcomed the World Bank's approval of a $138 million grant for Phase II of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD II) Project, which Green Economy Minister Mike Mposha stated advances Zambia's National Green Growth Strategy for a low-carbon, resource-efficient economy by 2030.
  • President Hichilema, speaking at the International Symposium on Mine Waste Management in Kitwe, called for innovative solutions to manage mining waste as Zambia targets 3 million tonnes of copper production annually by 2031, highlighting pollution threats to water, communities, and ecosystems.
• Sports:
  • Zambia Under-17 women's team coach Carol Kanyemba stressed the need for at least three high-profile international friendlies to prepare adequately for the FIFA World Cup in Morocco (Oct 17-Nov 8), where Zambia faces Japan, New Zealand, and Paraguay in Group F – proving our passion for football runs deep, even at junior levels!

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Outcome of the National Assembly's ratification vote on the Human Rights Commission Board appointments today.
2. The substance of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment's forecast for the 2025-2026 rainy season, presented during the special sitting.
3. Government's response to the ZCCB's call for broader consultation and transparency regarding the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 and judicial appointments.