News Digest - Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

Our nation navigates a day balancing sporting ambition against global uncertainties, as the Copper Queens push forward with WAFCON preparations despite tournament doubts, while economic analysis highlights Zambia's strengthened buffers against international volatility. Simultaneously, national unity is championed through events honouring our founding father and calls for positive international portrayal.

Main Stories

1. Copper Queens Name WAFCON Squad Amid Tournament Uncertainty
   Coach Nora Häuptle has named a 29-player provisional squad for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, including the return of captain Barbra Banda from injury and Malta-based Misozi Zulu, setting up camp in Lusaka despite ongoing speculation about the tournament's status in Morocco. This demonstrates our national team's unwavering commitment to represent Zambia on the continental stage, crucial for maintaining momentum in women's football development and potential future World Cup qualification.
2. Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon Receives K3.5 Million Sponsorship Boost
   The 2026 Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon, scheduled for April 28th in Lusaka, has secured significant sponsorship, with Professional Insurance Corporation Zambia (PICZ) contributing K2 million and Stanbic Bank adding K1.5 million, supporting an event expected to draw 6,000 runners to celebrate our founding father's legacy. This growing event, praised by Tourism Minister Rodney Sikumba for promoting peace and unity, reflects our collective effort to honour national history while fostering community health and pride.
3. Professor Haabazoka Highlights Zambia's Improved Resilience to Global Shocks
   Analysis indicates Zambia enters a period of potential global turbulence, fueled by conflicts like the US-Iran-Irael tensions, from a stronger position due to rebuilt foreign exchange reserves (approximately US$5.5 billion, covering nearly five months of imports), improving fiscal discipline, rising copper prices, and progress in domestic fertilizer production. These developments provide vital buffers for our economy, enhancing our ability to manage external volatility and protect citizens from severe economic disruption.

Other Notable Stories

• Governance & Justice:
  • Paramount Chief Mpezeni expressed criticism of the Tonse Alliance leadership under Brian Mundubile, questioning its capacity for development during a meeting with Nkana MP Binwell Mpundu, while MP Mpundu clarified that traditional leaders naturally work with the government of the day.
  • A Lusaka Magistrate's Court sentenced two women to two years imprisonment for attempting to bribe a police officer with K4,808 to secure the release of their husband, who was arrested for alleged defilement of his 10-year-old daughter.
• Economy & Infrastructure:
  • Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane stated in Parliament that all funds collected from toll gates nationwide are legally reinvested into road maintenance and rehabilitation.
• Regional Incidents:
  • Twelve people were seriously injured in an accident on the Mongu-Senanga Road in Western Province when a police vehicle transporting three coffins (containing a mother and her two children who drowned) overturned while avoiding a cow; all injured are receiving treatment at Lewanika General Hospital.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

1. Monitor the status of the WAFCON tournament in Morocco and the performance of the Copper Queens in their preparations, as their participation is a significant source of national pride and sporting development.
2. Observe the execution and national participation in the Kenneth Kaunda Day Marathon as a barometer of national unity and remembrance of our founding ideals.
3. Track key economic indicators like copper prices, exchange rate stability, and domestic agricultural production progress, crucial for maintaining the buffers highlighted against potential global economic shocks.