News Digest - Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Our nation stands at a pivotal juncture as we approach the August general elections, with critical developments unfolding across our judicial system, economic landscape, and political arena. From Chief Justice Malila's bold move to establish a specialised lands court to significant strides in debt management and infrastructure financing, Zambia continues to navigate complex challenges while strengthening institutions that serve our people.

Main Stories

1. Chief Justice Malila Proposes Specialised Lands and Environment Court
   Chief Justice Mumba Malila announced that the Judiciary will establish a specialised lands and environment court to expedite the resolution of land and environmental disputes, which have been clogging our courts and delaying justice for countless Zambians. Speaking at the opening of an induction workshop for newly appointed and promoted judges in Lusaka, Justice Malila emphasised that this specialisation will bring much-needed expertise and quicker turnaround times for cases involving our nation's critical land and environmental assets. The Zambia Land Alliance, through executive director Patrick Musole, has welcomed the proposal while cautioning that adequate funding must be secured, drawing lessons from the under-resourced Lands Tribunal which currently operates with part-time adjudicators.

2. Zambia Achieves 97.85% Bondholder Buy-In on $1.36 Billion Eurobond Buyback
   Our nation has secured strong early results in its cash tender offer for $1.365 billion in outstanding Eurobonds, with 97.85% of bondholders agreeing to sell back their notes by the June 9, 2026 early participation deadline. The Ministry of Finance and National Planning announced on June 10, 2026 that valid tenders totaled $1.335 billion, demonstrating broad investor confidence in Zambia's debt management strategy. This transaction, launched May 29, 2026, forms part of our broader efforts to improve debt sustainability and reduce long-term obligations, with the announcement formally made on the London Stock Exchange.

3. NAPSA Defends $300 Million Lusaka-Ndola Road Investment Amid Public Scrutiny
   The National Pension Scheme Authority has firmly rejected claims that it was directed by government to finance the Lusaka-Ndola dual carriageway, clarifying that its $300 million investment was independently approved under strict guidelines to protect members' funds. NAPSA Head of Corporate Affairs Cephas Sinyangwe explained on June 11, 2026 that the concessionaire approached NAPSA with a financing proposal, which was subjected to rigorous investment approval processes before the 13-year facility at 9.5% interest per annum was sanctioned. The arrangement includes a 3-year construction moratorium followed by 10 years of principal and interest repayment, with NAPSA holding senior lender status and first right of repayment from an escrow account receiving all toll gate revenues, and to date $5.9 million in interest has already been received.

4. President Hichilema Declines to Assent to Public Gatherings Bill, Citing Democratic Principles
   President Hakainde Hichilema has demonstrated responsive leadership by declining to assent to the Public Gatherings Bill, returning it to Parliament on the grounds that it was inconsistent with democratic principles, judicial precedents, and the constitutional rights and freedoms guaranteed under Part III of our Constitution. This decision reflects a commitment to protecting the civic space that is essential to our nation's democratic character, particularly as we approach a critical election period.

5. Police Surround Gary Nkombo's Residence as Electoral Dispute Escalates
   Police yesterday surrounded the residence of Gary Nkombo, the Mazabuka Central aspiring candidate, who described the action as intimidation and citizen victimisation, insisting that the people of Mazabuka Central must be allowed to freely express themselves through the ballot. Nkombo and four other aspiring independent candidates, Simon Mwila, Michael Chuulu, Faith Lungu, and Iris Kaingu Kamwi, have applied to the Lusaka High Court for leave to commence judicial review proceedings against the Electoral Commission of Zambia's decision to withdraw the 'Candle' symbol allocated to them, seeking a directive that the Commission maintain the symbol pending the outcome of the matter.

6. President Hichilema Warns Against Divisive Politics, Defends Economic Record
   President Hakainde Hichilema has warned Zambians against "small groups of people" seeking to divide the country, stating that national unity is a prerequisite for development and peace. Speaking on June 10, 2026 when receiving members of the UPND Alliance, including New Congress Party leader Peter Chanda, United Progressive Party leader Dr Saviour Chishimba, Patriotic Front faction leader Miles Sampa, and UNIP senior citizen Colonel Henry Muyoba, the President criticised opposition leaders for lacking clear vision and accused some of risking a return to unsustainable debt levels. He also announced that the country has refinanced Eurobond B, thereby lowering the cost of servicing that debt, and urged young people to reject divisive politics.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• The Electoral Commission of Zambia has defended President Hichilema's nomination, stating that he and running mate Mutale Nalumango met all constitutional and Electoral Process Act qualifications, in response to a court petition by Charles Longwe seeking to declare the nomination unconstitutional.

Political Developments:

• Citizens First president Harry Kalaba claims that former President Edgar Lungu wanted him to lead the Tonse Alliance, but he declined, and has expressed happiness over President Hichilema signing free education into law.
• UPND member Iris Kaingu Kamwi has resigned from the party with immediate effect, citing rejection by the party structure in Mwandi Constituency and the unsuccessful pursuit of a parliamentary candidacy, in a letter dated June 3, 2026.
• Independent presidential candidate Given Katuta says campaigning has been challenging as supporters expect money, regalia and drinks, but her team is focused on delivering a message of hope rather than street rallies with loud music.
• Political analyst Dr Neo Simutanyi observes that Zambians do not vote for manifestos but rather for change, noting that in 2021 citizens voted for UPND not because of the best manifesto but to remove the PF.

Sports:

• Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle praised her team's defensive solidity following their 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the Four Nations Tournament final on Tuesday evening at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, acknowledging the unique challenge of balancing victory with player development in a preparatory final.
• Mufulira Wanderers have completed the signing of Ghanaian defensive midfielder Evans Abu, 29, from Konkola Blades on a two-and-a-half-year permanent contract, as the club strengthens its midfield ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Health:

• Medical experts Veronica Nayame and Medson Chisulo have warned that high blood pressure is a silent killer affecting increasing numbers of Zambians across all age groups, with stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and excess weight contributing to rising cases, and emphasised that routine blood pressure checks and lifestyle changes can prevent strokes and heart disease.

Commerce:

• Coca-Cola Zambia has launched its nationwide Kwatamo Touch Muli campaign, running until 31 July 2026, offering Zambians a chance to win a share of K2.5 million worth of prizes including airtime, smartphones, laptops, cash prizes, and a Toyota Auris grand prize by purchasing participating products and dialing 38424#.

Traditional Leadership:

• Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV of the Ngoni people passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2026, triggering widespread mourning across the country, with the late traditional leader remembered as a humble giant who accommodated people from all walks of life and was a friend to his own adversaries.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• The proposed specialised lands and environment court represents a significant institutional reform, but its success will depend on Parliament's willingness to allocate adequate resources, learning from the underfunded Lands Tribunal's struggles, as we seek to secure property rights and environmental justice for our people.

• With the August 13 general election approaching, the escalating disputes over symbols, police presence at opposition figures' residences, and the President's warnings against division all signal a need for vigilant attention to the integrity and fairness of our electoral process.

• The $1.36 billion Eurobond buyback and the NAPSA infrastructure financing demonstrate our ongoing efforts to restructure debt and mobilise domestic capital for development, but Zambians should monitor whether these financial arrangements translate into tangible economic relief and improved public services in the coming years.