News Digest - Thursday, July 2nd, 2026

Our nation stands at a critical juncture as we approach the August 2026 general elections, with pressing developments across energy infrastructure, economic relief measures, and the evolving political landscape demanding our collective attention. From ZESCO's landmark solar power agreement that promises to strengthen our energy security, to government interventions aimed at cushioning citizens against rising costs of living, these are matters that touch the daily lives of every Zambian family.

Main Stories

1. ZESCO Signs Historic 470MW Solar Plant Deal in Serenje
   ZESCO has signed a power purchase agreement with Swarna Solar Limited to construct a 470 megawatt solar project in Serenje district, Central Province, at a total cost of $470 million. This represents the single biggest power plant built in one location in our nation's history, sitting on 580 hectares of land, with equipment expected to arrive in August 2026 and the first 100 megawatts scheduled for commissioning by March 27, 2027. For our nation, this project signals a decisive step toward diversifying our energy mix and reducing the load-shedding burden that has long disrupted our homes, schools, and businesses.

2. Government Extends Fuel Tax Relief for 90 Days
   Government has extended the temporary suspension of excise duty on petrol and diesel, alongside zero-rating of Value Added Tax on these fuel products, from July 1 to September 30, 2026, through Statutory Instruments No. 56 and 61 of 2026. Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana stated that this intervention aims to stabilise pump prices and lessen the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on global oil prices, directly protecting our livelihoods, supporting economic activity, and maintaining macroeconomic stability across our nation.

3. Cost of Living Continues Rising, JCTR Reports Annual Increase of K349.50
   The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection reports that the annual Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for a family of five in Lusaka increased by K349.50 from K11,763.38 in June 2025 to K12,112.88 in June 2026, with a monthly reduction of K47.66 from May to June 2026. For our fellow citizens already stretching limited budgets to feed their families, these figures remind us that economic recovery remains unfinished business requiring sustained national focus and prudent policy.

4. State House Questions Linking Lungu Burial to Election Victory
   State House has directly challenged NRPUP leader Brian Mundubile to explain whether the late former president Edgar Lungu's wish was that he only be buried if Mundubile wins the August 2026 election, after Mundubile told a Chinsali rally that he and Makebi Zulu had agreed to give Lungu a "dignified burial" if elected. This follows the South African Supreme Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the Lungu family's right to choose the burial site, and raises profound questions about whether our national dignity and respect for the departed should ever become bargaining chips in electoral politics.

5. Vice-President Nalumango Warns Voters to Scrutinise Campaign Promises
   Vice-President Mutale Nalumango, during a live interview on Komboni Radio, cautioned citizens to critically examine campaign promises, drawing a pointed analogy that even a man proposing love will say sweet things while lying, and noting that some leaders "want to come back and distribute all the money in the reserve." She linked the PF's regrouping under Brian Mundubile's party to the murder of a UPND supporter in Kaputa District, and reminded our nation of the stalled infrastructure projects and cadrism that characterised previous governance, urging us to protect the development gains we have collectively achieved.

6. Copper Queens Intensify WAFCON Preparations with World Cup Goal
   The Copper Queens are intensifying preparations for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations at the University of Lusaka, with defender Margaret Belemu declaring that the team's primary objective is qualifying for the 2027 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, as the top four WAFCON finishers earn automatic qualification. With friendly matches against Algeria serving as preparation for their group opponent Egypt, our national women's team carries the pride of a football-loving nation that has long awaited sustained presence on the global stage.

Other Notable Stories

Politics & Elections:

• Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba, speaking on Choma Maanu Radio Station, has pleaded with citizens to elect him president in August 2026 rather than wait until 2031, and questioned whether a "strong" kwacha and single-digit inflation benefit ordinary citizens still struggling daily.
• Professor Nkandu Luo, arriving in Dubai on Wednesday alongside Kasonde Mwenda and Enock Tonga as Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance observers, lamented missing verification of the presidential ballot template before printing began, though the Electoral Commission noted all parties were invited well in advance with visa assistance offered.
• President Hakainde Hichilema has urged Chavuma residents to vote UPND on August 13 to "protect the gains" made on peace, free education, and Constituency Development Funds.
• President Hichilema thanked North-Western Province residents for "hope, unity and patriotism" during visits to Mwinilunga and Solwezi, reflecting on 23 years in opposition and crediting the province's loyalty for sustaining the UPND, while urging national unity and continued progress.
• Mandevu UPND aspiring candidate Christopher Shakafuswa claims residents are "fatigued" with former MP Jean Kapata, stating she failed to stand in 2021 due to lacking a Grade 12 certificate, and contrasting his approximately 60 programmes including classroom infrastructure, maternity wings, and market shelters against her record of fewer than 10 projects.

Sports:

• Super League champions Power Dynamos have confirmed the departure of four first-team players—captain Aaron Katebe, vice-captain Prince Mumba, and strikers Musonda Kapembwa and Austin Muwowo—following contract expiry, as the Kitwe club restructures ahead of domestic title defence and CAF Champions League campaign.

Health:

• Government, through Permanent Secretary for Special Duties Professor Lackson Kasonka, is pushing for reduced reliance on external financing of HIV, STI and TB programmes through establishment of a Zambia HIV Trust Fund and private sector engagement, with National AIDS Council Director General Kebby Musokotwane presenting a 2025–2028 strategy to increase corporate participation.

Business:

• Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar launched the Airtel Africa Sustainability Report during a media roundtable at Sarovar Hotel, with the event livestreamed by Mwebantu.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Energy Security Timeline: The Serenje solar project's August 2026 equipment arrival and March 2027 commissioning deadline for the first 100MW must be monitored closely, as any delays could prolong our national power challenges; Zambians should track whether this landmark investment delivers on schedule.

• Fuel Relief Expiration: With the 90-day fuel tax extension ending September 30, 2026, our nation must watch whether global oil price pressures from the Middle East crisis will necessitate further government intervention or expose citizens to pump price increases just weeks before the August election.

• Electoral Integrity Process: The ongoing ballot printing observation in Dubai, including the arrival of additional monitors like NRPUP representative George Chisanga, warrants continued scrutiny from all political stakeholders to ensure transparency and public confidence in the August 13 election outcome.