News Digest - Thursday, January 29th, 2026

Zambia celebrates significant economic milestones as inflation drops to 9.4%, entering single digits for the first time since August 2023, while the IMF approves its final $190 million disbursement under the Extended Credit Facility, signaling strengthened fiscal credibility and growth projections of 5.8% for 2026.

Main Stories

1. Inflation Drops to Single Digits at 9.4%
   Zambia’s annual inflation fell to 9.4% in January 2026 from 11.2% in December 2025, driven by slower price increases in food (10.9%) and non-food items (7.3%), particularly cereals, fuel, and transport. This decline eases pressure on household budgets and moves closer to the government’s 6–8% target range.
2. IMF Approves Final $190 Million Disbursement to Zambia
   The IMF completed its sixth review under the Extended Credit Facility, releasing $190 million—the final tranche of $1.7 billion in total support—citing Zambia’s "strong economic performance," fiscal consolidation, and progress in debt restructuring, which reduces public debt to 78% of GDP from 112% in 2021.
3. President Hichilema Hails Economic Recovery Efforts
   President Hakainde Hichilema thanked citizens for their resilience amid economic reforms, linking declining inflation, kwacha stability, and the IMF milestone to "prudent fiscal management," while pledging to channel savings into jobs, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Anti-Corruption Commission arrests Lusaka couple Emmanuel Chilala and Sharon Hikaumba for allegedly diverting K15.6 million from a $10 million African Development Bank loan meant for livestock projects.
  • Kabwe High Court restrains Given Lubinda’s PF faction from holding a convention or using party assets, upholding an injunction filed by PF secretary general Morgan Ng’ona.
• Politics:
  • New Congress Party appoints former Malambo MP Makebi Zulu as its 2026 presidential candidate, citing his "renewed energy" and reform agenda.
• Economy:
  • Foreign direct investment hits a record $2.36 billion in 2024, up from $641.1 million in 2023, reflecting renewed investor confidence, per Bank of Zambia.
• Health:
  • Ministry of Health dismisses claims of neglecting a post-caesarean patient at Women and Newborn Hospital, clarifying she is receiving care and condemning unauthorized fundraising exploiting her condition.
• Legal Affairs:
  • Media personality Mutale Mwanza ("M-Nation") appears in court for cyber-harassment charges against fellow journalist Mwansa Lusumpa ("Chi-Chi Daisy") over alleged defamatory Facebook posts.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Kwacha Stability: Monitor exchange-rate trends as single-digit inflation and IMF backing bolster investor confidence.
• Road Safety Vigilance: Heighten caution on highways like Great East Road following fatal accidents, including the January 29 collision in Chongwe that claimed a student’s life.
• Debt Management: Track redirected savings from reduced debt-servicing (now 78% of GDP) toward social programmes like FISP, free education, and CDF.