News Digest - Friday, October 17th, 2025

Today's news reflects our nation's spirit of unity and progress, from President Hichilema’s call for collective reflection on the National Day of Prayer to significant economic strides in fertilizer production and regional food security cooperation, alongside corporate initiatives uplifting everyday Zambians.

Main Stories

1. President Hichilema Emphasizes Unity Ahead of National Day of Prayer
   President Hakainde Hichilema urges all Zambians to embrace peace, unity, and forgiveness during tomorrow’s National Day of Prayer, Fasting, and Reconciliation, reinforcing "One Zambia, One Nation" as foundational values. Government reaffirms its commitment to freedom of worship, recognizing faith as a unifying force guiding our collective responsibility toward national harmony.

2. Urea and Power Plant Commissioned to Boost Economy and Energy Security
   President Hichilema commissioned United Capital Fertilizer’s Urea Plant and integrated 85MW Power Generation Plant in Lusaka, advancing Zambia’s ambition to become a regional fertilizer hub. The facility creates over 3,000 direct jobs, while surplus electricity will feed the national grid, enhancing energy stability for households and industries.

3. Zambia and Malawi Finalize 200,000-Tonne Maize Export Deal
   Following a presidential agreement, Zambia will export 200,000 metric tonnes of maize to Malawi, strengthening regional food security cooperation. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwana and Malawian counterpart Joseph Mwanamveka will convene in Chipata to finalize logistics, showcasing our commitment to solidarity amid climate challenges.

4. Coca-Cola Launches "Ride Na Coke" with Free Bus Rides
   Coca-Cola Zambia’s "Ride Na Coke" campaign offers commuters free bus rides in Lusaka, Ndola, and Kitwe until October 16 when they purchase Returnable Glass Bottles, promoting sustainability through bottle recycling. The initiative targets 390,000 Zambians, blending community engagement with environmental responsibility—a refreshing twist on daily commutes.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Forensic experts testified at the Ibex Hill residence of late General Ronnie Shikapwasha during a court scene visit, detailing ballistic evidence showing he was fatally shot at close range with a double-barrel shotgun. His widow, Jane Lusengo, wept during the proceedings.
• Politics:
  • The UPND condemned recent PF factional violence, citing incidents where cadres disrupted a Phoenix FM interview with Acting President Given Lubinda and invaded Sean Tembo’s home, urging law enforcement to curb political thuggery ahead of 2026 elections.
• Crime & Justice:
  • Copperbelt Police seek "Bashi Loveness" for allegedly defiling two girls (aged 3 and 8) at CBU Township between October 1–9, after he lured them to a toilet and paid one victim K2.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Regional Food Security Collaboration: Finalization of Zambia-Malawi maize export terms in Chipata will test our logistical capacity to support neighbors while safeguarding domestic supplies.
• Energy and Economic Diversification: The Urea Plant’s surplus 85MW power injection into the national grid requires sustained operational efficiency to benefit households and businesses.
• Sustainable Corporate Partnerships: Coca-Cola’s bus-fare incentive model could inspire similar recycling initiatives if community uptake aligns with environmental goals.