News Digest - Tuesday, June 16th, 2026

Today our nation stands at a critical juncture as we prepare for the August general elections, with energy security emerging as a bright spot amid cautious optimism, while debates over political conduct, public health financing, and the future of our beloved football clubs capture the national conversation. These developments touch every corner of our country, from the copperbelt to the capital, and demand our collective attention as we shape Zambia's path forward.

Main Stories

1. ZESCO Cautiously Resumes Power Exports as Energy Security Improves
   ZESCO Board Chairperson Vickson Ncube has announced that the utility company is beginning to export power again as it works to recover its net exporter status, insisting that load shedding will not return after the August elections due to major investments in energy projects. The 2.5 MW Rusangu solar project is part of what Ncube described as a "solar explosion" working across our nation, marking a significant turnaround for a country that once lost its regional energy export market during prolonged blackouts that disrupted businesses and households alike.

2. Health Tax Reforms Could Unlock ZMK3.2 Billion Annually for Public Health
   Zambia's 2025 health tax reforms on tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages have the potential to generate up to ZMK3.2 billion annually while reducing non-communicable diseases, though the country currently collects only an estimated ZMK1.5 billion due to enforcement gaps. The proposed introduction of digital tax stamps—drawing lessons from Kenya where cigarette sales rose 76% and tobacco excise revenue grew 13%—could close this massive revenue gap, but only if paired with a uniform excise rate and proper taxation of loose-leaf tobacco that currently makes up an estimated 40% of smoked tobacco and is often sold to children in our markets.

3. UPND Calls for Disqualification of Violent Political Candidates
   UPND deputy spokesperson Elvis Nkandu has demanded that the Electoral Commission of Zambia disqualify any candidates who engage in political violence during campaigns, regardless of party affiliation, noting that all candidates signed declarations renouncing violence during nominations. This call comes after campaign suspensions in areas like Mazabuka due to violence, with Nkandu insisting the ECZ must not remain "toothless" in enforcing the peace our democracy requires.

4. ECZ Asserts Level Playing Field Provided for All Candidates
   ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro has affirmed that the Commission has the mandate to ensure fair and equal campaign conditions, stating that elections will proceed in constituencies where candidates have withdrawn and can only be cancelled if a party-sponsored candidate dies. As we approach the August 13 polls, this assurance matters deeply to all Zambians who expect a credible electoral process that reflects the will of the people.

5. President Hichilema Frames Election as Battle for Social Programs
   Speaking in Kasama, President Hakainde Hichilema declared he has not yet begun campaign rallies but emphasized that the August election is about protecting free education, Constituency Development Fund, and social cash transfers, urging party unity and telling members to "watch my steps." His re-election bid is explicitly anchored on continuing these programs that touch millions of our citizens, making this a defining choice for our nation's social policy direction.

6. Copper Princesses on Brink of Third Consecutive World Cup Appearance
   Zambia Under-17 Women's National Team head coach Carol Kanyemba has named a 35-member provisional squad for the final FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying round against Ethiopia, with England-based Asher Mwamba of Brighton & Hove Albion receiving her maiden call-up. Having already eliminated Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo emphatically, our Copper Princesses stand one step away from Morocco and a chance to once again fly our flag on football's biggest global stage.

Other Notable Stories

Sports:

• Nkana Football Club has confirmed the departure of five players ahead of the new MTN Super League season, with Congolese striker Idriss Mbombo, defender Dieugo Apanane, and midfielder Joe Wallace Banda leaving upon contract expiry, while goalkeeper Patrick Chooma and midfielder Francis Zulu return to parent club Prison Leopards after loan spells concluded.

Health & Society:

• A feature on bone health highlights that traditional Zambian activities—carrying water buckets, lifting market produce, and farming—provide natural weight-bearing exercise that strengthens bones, even as modern lifestyles with more desk work and car commuting may be reducing these benefits without us noticing. (No smartwatch notification for this one, fellow citizens—perhaps our grandmothers knew something the apps don't.)

Politics:

• Former PF deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri has dismissed Miles Sampa's recent remarks praising President Hichilema's record, claiming Sampa is merely trying to please his "new master" and can do as he wishes with PF because it is "his uncle's party."

Crime & Justice:

• Police are investigating an attempted murder in Kabwata Site and Service on June 13, 2026, where warrant officer Mwanauta Chansa allegedly shot a 40-year-old woman in the forehead; Chansa later died on June 15 after allegedly ingesting pesticide twice, first at the Kenneth Kaunda Peacekeeping Training Centre in Chongwe and later in Mtendere Compound.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Energy Export Recovery: Whether ZESCO can sustain its renewed export capacity through the election period and beyond will signal whether our energy crisis is truly behind us or merely in remission—watch for concrete export volume figures and regional buyer commitments.

• Health Tax Implementation: The procurement and rollout of digital tax stamps must proceed transparently and on schedule; any delays or opaque contracting will cost our treasury hundreds of millions of kwacha while leaving harmful products underpriced and underregulated.

• Electoral Violence Enforcement: The ECZ now faces its credibility test—whether any candidate from any party actually faces disqualification for violence will determine if campaign conduct rules are meaningful or merely ceremonial ahead of August 13.