News Digest - Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026

Our nation stands at a pivotal moment as we approach the August 13 general elections, with critical conversations unfolding around economic resilience, electoral preparedness, and the everyday concerns that bind our communities together. From the maize fields that sustain our families to the debt restructuring that shapes our fiscal future, today's developments carry profound weight for every Zambian household.

Main Stories

1. Zambia Launches US$1.3 Billion Eurobond Buyback to Ease Debt Burden
   The Government has initiated a buyback of over US$1.3 billion in Eurobonds, marking one of the most significant debt management moves since our restructuring was completed. This operation shifts our national strategy from crisis management toward proactive debt reduction, directly addressing the expensive commercial borrowing—characterized by high interest rates and foreign exchange exposure—that has strained our public finances since the three Eurobonds totaling approximately US$3 billion were issued between 2012 and 2015. For our nation, this signals renewed fiscal discipline and a path toward sustainable public spending that could free resources for critical domestic investments.

2. Former Agriculture Minister Warns Against Maize Exports Amid Poor Rainfall Forecast
   Bob Sichinga has cautioned that continuing maize exports would be unwise given meteorological projections indicating below-average rainfall for the 2026/2027 farming season, even as ZamStats projects a 27.8 percent increase in maize production to 4.9 million metric tonnes for the current season. Sichinga highlighted that we already lose 30 percent of our harvest to poor storage, making the case for cautious stewardship of our staple crop. This warning touches every Zambian kitchen, as mealie meal prices and national food security hang in the balance—a matter too serious for our farmers and urban families alike to ignore.

3. HELSB Recovers K1.01 Billion in Student Loans, Eyes Expansion to Private Universities
   The Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board has recovered over one billion kwacha from former public university students between 2018 and 2026, with 789 students fully repaying their loans. Corporate Affairs Manager Chiselwa Kawanda attributed this to improved compliance and strengthened recovery systems, alongside new flexible repayment terms including a one-year grace period. The Board is now considering expanding loans to private universities, which would require additional government funding and stronger accountability mechanisms. This progress speaks to our collective investment in educating the next generation of Zambian leaders, though we must ensure the doors open wider without compromising financial sustainability.

4. Electoral Commission Urges Massive Voter Turnout for August 13 Elections
   ECZ Chairperson Mwangala Zaloumis has called on all eligible citizens to vote peacefully and responsibly on August 13, while pressing political parties to disseminate accurate information and respect electoral laws. Launching the "Count Me In" national Publicity and Voter Education Campaign, Zaloumis framed the election as an opportunity for every Zambian to contribute to our democratic process. In a political season where some describe the atmosphere as subdued, this reminder of civic duty resonates deeply—our voices at the ballot box remain the cornerstone of how we shape the Zambia we wish to see.

5. Garry Nkombo Charged with Assault Following Nomination Day Altercation
   Former Mazabuka Central MP Garry Nkombo, now running as an independent after leaving the ruling party, has been arrested and charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm following incidents on May 20 at Mazabuka Civic Centre. Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Moono Namalongo confirmed that Nkombo allegedly attacked UPND members Bilden Shaloba and Emmanuel Mweemba, who were supporting the party's nominated candidate Vincent Lilanda. Nkombo, who himself reported being attacked by UPND cadres during the same incident, was released on police bond after reporting to police on June 1. This case underscores the tensions we must guard against as our nation navigates the competitive season ahead.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Politics:

• Zambia Must Prosper leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya contends that low election enthusiasm reflects economic hardship, stating that "people are broke" and even the ruling UPND is reportedly "stingier" than other parties by making officials purchase campaign regalia rather than distributing it.
• UPND National Youth Chairperson Gilbert Liswaniso expressed confidence in securing fresh youth mandate for the August 13, 2026 election, with youth voters expected to play a central role.
• Former chief government spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa dismissed US Embassy claims of potential pre-election civil unrest, asserting Zambia has no record of election-related political unrest since independence and that the political atmosphere remains stable.

Sports:

• Zambia's women's and men's volleyball teams have departed for Harare, Zimbabwe to compete in the CAVB Zone VI senior LA28 qualifiers from June 7–14, 2026, joining Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, and hosts Zimbabwe. The women's squad is captained by Annie Kalaba and includes Sally Bwalya, Bibiana Sakayombo, Tendai Zulu, Jane Kaivwa, Limpo Mombotwa, Mainess Ngoma, and Mwelwa Ngosa.
• Under-17 women's national team captain Taonga Mubanga declared the Copper Princesses will target semi-finals or beyond at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco if they qualify, following their 7-0 aggregate victory over DR Congo that sets up a final-round clash with Ethiopia.

Agriculture & Economy:

• Job Accelerator Project Chief Agricultural Advisor Coillard Hamusimbi projected mealie meal prices will drop by July due to harvest dynamics, and suggested the 10 million metric tonne maize target might arrive before 2031 if small-scale farmer productivity improves. Hamusimbi noted Zambia produced 1.5 million metric tonnes even during the worst drought in memory, suggesting resilience in average rainfall conditions.

Social & Justice:

• The Ministry of Mines has announced it will no longer spend public resources rescuing miners trapped in illegal mining operations, with Permanent Secretary Dr Hapenga Kabeta stating those involved will be "on their own"—a policy shift following the recent rescue of five miners who survived 17 days underground in Mumbwa.
• Pastor John Nundwe, known as John General, testified in court that he was forced to strip at gunpoint while conducting prayers, and claimed he was lured with promises of a monetary gift and car from a woman who allegedly conceived following his prayers. He faces rape charges in a matter before Magistrate Amy Masoja Chilangwa.

International:

• Israel and Hezbollah agreed to halt attacks on each other amid confusion over US-Iran ceasefire negotiations, following a reportedly heated phone call between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where Trump opposed planned Israeli operations in Lebanon.
• A federal appeals court ruled President Trump's transgender military ban likely unconstitutional, setting up a likely Supreme Court showdown after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth responded "See you at SCOTUS."
• Russia launched one of its largest air assaults on Ukraine overnight, with hundreds of drones and dozens of missiles striking at least 38 locations, killing at least a dozen people and wounding over 100.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Food Security Front and Center: With Sichinga's warning on exports and Hamusimbi's price projections, our nation must balance immediate harvest gains against the 2026/2027 rainfall forecast—decisions made in coming months will directly affect mealie meal prices and household budgets.

• Electoral Integrity Under Scrutiny: As the ECZ ramps up voter education and international observers raise concerns, maintaining peaceful participation and transparent processes becomes paramount for Zambia's democratic credibility on the continental stage.

• Debt Sustainability Progress to Monitor: The Eurobond buyback represents a structural shift in our fiscal management; tracking whether this translates to lower debt servicing costs and freed fiscal space for domestic priorities will indicate whether the promised benefits reach ordinary Zambians.