News Digest - Friday, May 8th, 2026

24 articles from 4 sources

Our nation stands at a defining crossroads as the Electoral Commission of Zambia prepares to process 26 presidential aspirants for the August general elections while our government pursues economic recovery and energy sector reforms under the Ninth National Development Plan to secure jobs and stability for every Zambian. We have also seen robust preparations in our agricultural sector with 375 storage facilities confirmed ready for the 2026 maize harvest alongside decisive judicial action reinforcing that public trust must never be abused, as a former police officer was sentenced to 45 years for defiling a minor in custody. Together, these developments underscore that strengthening our democratic institutions, economic foundations and rule of law remains central to the future we are building as a people.

Main Stories

  1. ECZ names 26 presidential aspirants and tightens nomination requirements
    The Electoral Commission of Zambia has released the names of 26 presidential aspirants who have paid nomination fees for the August general elections, including President Hakainde Hichilema, Brian Mundubile, Makebi Zulu, Prof Dan Pule, Harry Kalaba, Dr Fred M'membe and Dr Chitalu Chilufya, confirming that our democratic contest is widening ahead of provincial pre-processing set for 11 to 15 May. To safeguard the credibility of our vote, the Commission now requires every candidate to present an adoption certificate signed by both the party president and secretary general as recorded with the Registrar of Societies, while aspirants who are not official party members must additionally produce a confirmation letter, ensuring that only leaders with genuine mandates can seek to steer our nation's future.

  2. Government pursues jobs and economic stability under 9NDP as World Bank backs reforms
    Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has reaffirmed government's commitment to economic recovery and energy sector reforms under the Ninth National Development Plan, telling the first quarter National Development Coordinating Committee meeting in Lusaka that these measures are designed to attract private investment, create jobs and reduce poverty across our country. The World Bank simultaneously launched its 2026 Zambia Economic Update in the capital, with Secretary to the Treasury Felix N

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Generated on May 8, 2026 at 3:07 PM UTC