News Digest - Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025

Zambia navigates constitutional debates and economic milestones today, with significant developments in parliamentary representation, agricultural payments, and sovereign credit ratings alongside crucial health initiatives.

Main Stories

1. Chawama Seat Nullification Challenged in Court
   Constitutional lawyer Tresford Chali has petitioned the Constitutional Court to quash Speaker Nelly Mutti's decision declaring the Chawama parliamentary seat vacant, arguing the ruling failed to specify which provisions of the Parliamentary Code of Conduct former MP Tasila Lungu violated. This legal challenge directly impacts how parliamentary vacancies are determined and upheld under our nation's constitution.
2. Small-Scale Farmers Demand Timely Payment with Interest
   The National Union for Small-scale Farmers of Zambia (NUSFAZ) has urged the government to pay farmers for maize delivered to the FRA by December 10, 2025, demanding a 30% interest penalty for delayed payments, citing the unfair burden of holding produce for over four months without compensation. This call addresses the critical cash flow challenges facing our vital agricultural sector.
3. Fitch Ratings Upgrade Promises Economic Benefits
   The Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) states the recent Fitch Ratings upgrade will lower Zambia's sovereign borrowing costs, reopen access to external markets, attract private capital, support foreign exchange stability, and aid in reducing inflation. This positive assessment signifies potential for enhanced national economic stability and growth impacting all Zambians.
4. Mine Worker Safety Concerns Highlighted at Chinese-Owned Operation
   A worker at a Chinese-owned copper mine in northern Zambia, speaking anonymously to the BBC, revealed ongoing safety concerns, including being forced to reuse damaged protective gear and fear of reprisal for speaking out, particularly around the time of a reported dam closure incident in February. This raises critical questions about occupational safety standards and worker welfare within our key mining industry.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • The Technical Committee on Constitutional Amendments presented its final report, reflecting over 11,860 public submissions, to President Hichilema, who commended their diligent work.
  • UPND Alliance Chairperson Charles Milupi stated that achieving gender parity in candidate selection by political parties requires constitutional amendments, commenting on concerns about women's representation following the Chawama vacancy.
• Health:
  • On World AIDS Day, the Government launched Lenacapavir, a new long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug (PrEP), and unveiled the 2025-2030 HIV Prevention Roadmap, highlighting a 52% decline in new infections since 2010 but noting persistent high rates among youth, especially young women.
• Politics:
  • Zambezi East UPND MP Brian Kambita argued that changing government now would be "disastrous," asserting resources are now distributed equitably and citizens will judge performance over time.
  • Heritage Party leader Chishala Kateka claimed opposition attempts to dialogue with President Hichilema over the past four years have been met with disdain and non-acknowledgement.
• Sports Administration:
  • FIFA Regional Lead Development Officer David Fani reaffirmed FIFA's commitment to supporting Zambian football's growth, praising the ongoing National Football Indaba.
  • FAZ President Keith Mweemba warned that national team players motivated primarily by money and inciting boycotts, like the recent Copper Queens incident in Malawi, will be axed regardless of popularity, demanding patriotism.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Monitor the Constitutional Court's response to the petition challenging the Chawama seat nullification, as its ruling will set a precedent for interpreting parliamentary vacancy procedures.
2. Track government response and timelines regarding NUSFAZ's demand for farmer payments by December 10, 2025, with potential interest penalties, crucial for agricultural sector stability.
3. Observe how the improved Fitch credit rating translates into tangible economic benefits like reduced borrowing costs and increased foreign investment in the coming months.