News Digest - Monday, December 8th, 2025

Our nation navigates critical democratic processes with the Chawama by-election date set and constitutional amendment reports slated for public release, while celebrating historic youth football triumphs on the continental stage and managing fiscal priorities including significant debt servicing.

Main Stories

1. ECZ Sets January 15 for Chawama By-Election
   The Electoral Commission of Zambia has scheduled the Chawama parliamentary by-election for January 15, 2026, with nominations taking place on December 16, 2025, following the declaration of the seat vacant due to the MP's continued absence; adherence to strict candidate adoption certificate requirements is mandated to ensure a credible process for our representative democracy.
2. Zambian U15 Teams Clinch COSAFA-CAF Schools Titles
   Zambia's U15 boys' and girls' national teams defeated hosts South Africa in both finals of the CAF African Schools Championship COSAFA Qualifiers in Stellenbosch, ending South Africa's three-year dominance and bringing pride to our nation through remarkable sporting achievement.
3. Cabinet Orders Release of Constitutional Amendment Report
   Cabinet has resolved to publish the full Technical Committee report on the constitutional amendments on the Ministry of Justice and technical committee websites, reaffirming the government's commitment to transparency as the parliamentary select committee receives stakeholder submissions.
4. Government Spent K5.26 Billion on Debt in November
   The Ministry of Finance and National Planning allocated K5.26 billion towards debt service payments in November 2025, part of the K15.56 billion total releases aimed at sustaining public service delivery and dismantling arrears, demonstrating ongoing fiscal management efforts.
5. Zambia Needs $200M Yearly for 3M Tonne Copper Goal
   The Zambia Chamber of Mines states that galvanizing $200 million annually in investment for green and brown mining projects is crucial for Zambia to achieve its target of producing three million tonnes of copper per annum by 2031, building on recent policy stability attracting fresh capital.
6. Over 500 Illegal Miners Flee Lower Zambezi After Army Order
   Following a directive by Zambia Army Commander Geoffrey Zyeele to halt unlawful gold mining, described as an economic crime, over 500 illegal miners have vacated the Lower Zambezi area, with Siavonga District Commissioner Geoffrey Jakopo confirming their departure.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo issued a stern warning against stock theft and bribery, vowing police would patrol day and night and demanding valid documentation for slaughtered and transported beef.
• Politics:
  • President Hakainde Hichilema visited the UPND party headquarters in Lusaka for a closed-door meeting lasting several hours, received enthusiastically by party members.
  • Former PF Secretary General Davies Mwila criticised Given Lubinda's leadership of a PF faction, claiming Lubinda lacks support and makes illegal appointments, delaying the party convention.
• Religion & Society:
  • Caritas Zambia Executive Director Fr Gabriel Mapulanga clarified the Catholic Church's opposition to aspects of Bill 7 is not driven by hatred for President Hichilema but by a desire for correct constitutional amendments for the nation's benefit.
• International:
  • Approximately 100 Nigerian schoolchildren abducted from St Mary’s Catholic school in Papiri last month have been released, according to Niger state authorities and the local Bishop.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Monitor the Chawama by-election nominations on December 16th and the subsequent campaign period leading to the January 15th vote as key indicators of local democratic engagement.
2. Track stakeholder submissions to the parliamentary select committee on constitutional amendments and public access to the released Technical Committee report for transparency in the process.
3. Observe investment announcements and exploration activities in the mining sector as critical steps towards achieving the ambitious national copper production target.