News Digest - Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026

Today's developments highlight our nation's economic resilience amid global uncertainties, with positive growth indicators and strategic calls to protect Zambians from oil price shocks, alongside firm actions against workplace injustices.

Main Stories

1. Labour Commissioner Recommends Expulsion of Expats in Worker Assault Case
   Labour Commissioner Givens Muntengwa has recommended the revocation of work permits for two Chinese nationals filmed violently assaulting a female employee at Zamfresh Company. He stated this sends a strong signal that such conduct, violating Zambian labour laws, is unacceptable and perpetrators will be removed to protect all workers.
2. PwC Affirms Zambia's Economy on Positive Path
   PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Country Senior Partner Andrew Chibuye reports Zambia's economy is on the right trajectory, citing enhanced stability and improvements in key macroeconomic fundamentals. He highlighted an upward trend in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a reduction in annual inflation to a single digit, within the 6-8% target band.
3. Experts Urge Boosted Fuel Reserves Amid Global Price Surge
   Following escalating Middle East conflicts driving up global oil prices, experts are calling for increased strategic fuel reserves and bulk buying mechanisms in Zambia. This aims to act as a buffer against price fluctuations threatening domestic fuel costs and recent economic gains.
4. President Hichilema Calls for Middle East Ceasefire Over Oil Price Concerns
   President Hakainde Hichilema has called for an immediate end to the conflict in the Middle East's Gulf region, citing the sharp rise in international oil prices it has caused, which poses a direct threat to Zambia's economy and citizens.

Other Notable Stories

• Business & Consumer: Place 5 food orders over K160 on Yango between March 1-31 to automatically enter a draw for one of three iPhone 17s, with the live draw scheduled for April 6th via INWIT.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Monitor the implementation of the Labour Commissioner's recommendation to revoke work permits for the expatriates involved in the Zamfresh assault, signalling enforcement of worker protection.
• Track global oil price movements and the government's response regarding strategic reserves, given their direct impact on local fuel costs and pump prices.
• Observe upcoming inflation and GDP figures for confirmation of the positive economic trends highlighted by PwC.