News Digest - Friday, December 19th, 2025

Today marks a significant step forward for Zambia's economic stability and a moment of political reckoning, as the nation secures crucial international financial support while witnessing decisive actions within a major opposition party regarding parliamentary conduct.

Main Stories

1. IMF Approves Final US$190 Million Disbursement to Zambia
   The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Zambian authorities reached a Staff-Level Agreement to complete the Sixth and Final Review under our Extended Credit Facility (ECF), unlocking a final disbursement of about US$190 million. This brings total IMF support since August 2022 to US$1.7 billion, affirming the progress of our nation's economic reform program despite global and domestic challenges.
2. PF Expels MPs Over Vote on Bill 7
   Patriotic Front (PF) acting president Given Lubinda announced the immediate expulsion from the party of all PF Members of Parliament who voted in favour of the contentious Bill 7 of 2025 in the National Assembly. Mr Lubinda stated these MPs defied clear party instructions, describing their actions as a betrayal of the party and the Zambian people, akin to "a stab in the back," and directed all PF structures nationwide to note their changed status.

Other Notable Stories

• No additional stories meeting the requirement of concrete details were present in the input.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• The imminent IMF disbursement reinforces Zambia's economic reform credibility and provides tangible resources to bolster national reserves and support fiscal stability.
• Monitor the parliamentary conduct and affiliation of the expelled PF MPs and any potential implications for the balance of power or legislative processes in the National Assembly.