News Digest - Friday, July 3rd, 2026

Our nation stands at a pivotal moment as we prepare for the August 13, 2026 elections, with peace and democratic maturity taking centre stage in our political discourse. Meanwhile, critical developments in energy infrastructure, public health, and our mining sector continue to shape the daily lives of Zambians across all provinces.

Main Stories

1. UPND Livingstone Aspirant Commends Peaceful Campaigns, Warns Against Poster Vandalism
   UPND Livingstone Central Parliamentary candidate Gracious Mayangwa has praised residents for maintaining peaceful election conduct ahead of the polls, contrasting this with violent incidents recorded under previous PF leadership in 2021. Mayangwa however noted that some opposition cadres have been removing opponents' posters, warning that this constitutes a serious crime and that "the law is not blind" to political affiliation, colour, or tribe.

2. Chisamba Phase II Solar Plant Nears Completion, Set to Power 50,000 Households
   The 100-megawatt Chisamba Phase II solar power plant has reached 96 percent completion and will be commissioned by July 15, 2026, according to Kalungwishi Power Corporation Senior Project Manager Brian Kanyanga. The $79 million project, a wholly-owned ZESCO subsidiary, has set a remarkable seven-month construction record and is expected to significantly strengthen our national energy capacity at a time when reliable power remains essential for our households and businesses.

3. Government's Fuel Tax Waiver Provides Critical Economic Relief
   The UPND government's sustained tax waiver on fuel, which supported recent pump price reductions announced by the Energy Regulation Board, deserves recognition as timely intervention that protects ordinary Zambians from global market volatility. With instability around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz threatening to push international prices higher, this indirect subsidy has shielded not only motorists but marketeers, commuters, farmers, students, and workers whose daily costs are directly tied to fuel movements.

4. ECZ Dismisses 'Extra Ballot' Claims, Confirms 4.7 Million Papers Printed
   The Electoral Commission of Zambia has confirmed that approximately 4.7 million presidential ballot papers have been printed as of yesterday, dismissing claims by Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance observers in Dubai that 9.1 million ballots are being produced for 8.7 million registered voters. ECZ explained that ballots are printed in serialised booklets of 50 to accommodate varying polling station numbers, and noted that disclosing security features would defeat their very purpose.

5. Copper Prices Rise to $13,326 Per Tonne, Supporting 3 Million Tonne Target
   Copper prices have continued their upward trajectory, closing this week at $13,326 per tonne according to the ZEITI Mineral Commodity Prices Dashboard, representing a 7.27 percent increase since January. This sustained rally provides crucial momentum for our national ambition to produce three million metric tonnes annually by 2031, while cobalt prices held steady at $56,290 per tonne with a 5.5 percent year-to-date gain driven by global battery demand.

6. Measles Outbreak: 119 Confirmed Cases, Western Province Hardest Hit
   Zambia has recorded 119 laboratory-confirmed measles cases with Western Province bearing the heaviest burden, the Ministry of Health announced, signalling an urgent public health challenge requiring national attention and coordinated response.

Other Notable Stories

Governance & Justice:

• Former Matero PF MP Miles Sampa's cybercrime case, relating to a January 15, 2026 Facebook post about an alleged "fake polling station," failed to proceed as he was reportedly unwell. Sampa faces charges under Section 20 of the Cyber Crimes Act No. 4 of 2025.

Sports & National Pride:

• The Ethiopia Women's Under-17 National team, comprising 36 members, arrived at Simon Mwansa Kapwepwe International Airport in Ndola at 12:00 hours yesterday ahead of tomorrow's 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifier against our Copper Princesses. Our national team advanced after dominant victories over Rwanda and DR Congo, including a 5-0 thrashing in Ndola and 2-0 win in Lubumbashi for a 7-0 aggregate triumph.
• Copper Queens midfielder Hellen Chanda has declared Zambia will "deliver the trophy" at the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations, expressing confidence after returning to the squad following a lengthy absence as preparations intensify in Lusaka.

Infrastructure & Development:

• Airtel Africa will deploy 277 new network sites across Zambia in the next three months to address connectivity challenges, using one-square-kilometer grid technology to identify and upgrade underperforming areas. The company's mobile money agent network has surpassed 300,000 nationwide.

Security & International Affairs:

• Three Zambian peacekeepers were wounded, one seriously, when armed elements attacked Am Dafock and fired on a MINUSCA temporary base in the Central African Republic on June 30, reminding us of the sacrifices our servicemen and women make in pursuit of global peace.
• Director of Public Prosecutions Gilbert Phiri warned that Zambia's mining sector faces constant threat from transnational organised crime networks exploiting mineral resources, illegal mining, mineral theft, power line vandalism, cyber threats, smuggling, and corruption, speaking at the first-ever Zambia Mining Security Conference in Livingstone.

Law & Order:

• Police on the Copperbelt arrested 32-year-old Kitwe driver Wana Chambalu for allegedly assaulting Chinese road supervisor Shao Hong, 46, at an AVIC construction site along the Mufulira–Mokambo Road on June 28. Chambalu faces Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm charges after allegedly punching and kicking the supervisor who administered breathalyser tests to late-arriving drivers.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• The August 13, 2026 election period demands continued vigilance from all citizens and political actors to maintain the peaceful campaign environment currently observed in Livingstone and across the nation, ensuring our democratic process reflects the maturity we have worked hard to cultivate.

• Western Province's measles outbreak requires urgent Ministry of Health intervention and public awareness, as infectious disease control remains fundamental to protecting our most vulnerable citizens and preventing wider national spread.

• Copper price resilience must be leveraged to accelerate progress toward our 3 million tonne annual production target by 2031, with close attention needed to mining security challenges that threaten to undermine investor confidence and national revenue.