The week in Zambian news is a study in contrasts: football glory and tragic loss, ambitious economic blueprints and the grim reality of corruption, a more inclusive Parliament and the long shadow of a drug scandal. As the nation settles into the post-election rhythm, the focus sharpens on delivery, accountability, and the quiet work of building a future.
Main Stories
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Red Arrows, Zesco Ndola Girls Claim Charity Shield – Red Arrows continued their dominance over Power Dynamos, winning the Samuel 'Zoom' Ndhlovu Charity Shield with a 1-0 victory, courtesy of Ackim Mumba's 79th-minute free kick. Coach Chisi Mbewe called it a "morale booster," while Power's assistant coach Linos Makwaza insisted his team was the best despite the loss – a claim the scoreboard didn't support. In the women's final, Zesco Ndola Girls secured their maiden Shield crown under coach Florence Mwila, edging Green Buffaloes. The wins set an early tone for the season, but Power's missed chances, including a saved penalty, will haunt them.
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ACC Arrests Three Over K16.7m Social Cash Theft – The Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested three Ministry of Community Development officials in Itezhi-Tezhi for allegedly stealing over K16.7 million meant for the Social Cash Transfer programme. The suspects – Goretty Moonga, Humphrey Chikwasha, and Anderson Ngulube – are accused of fraudulent withdrawals between February and April 2026, with the money allegedly funnelled into real estate and vehicles, which have been restricted. The ministry's Permanent Secretary has welcomed the arrests, but the case raises uncomfortable questions about how long this theft went undetected and whether more audits are needed across the country.
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HoneyBee, Chilufya Appeal to Proceed – The Economic and Financial Crimes Court has ruled that the DPP's appeal against the acquittal of former Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya, HoneyBee Pharmacy, and seven others is properly before the court. The respondents' attempt to dismiss the appeal for want of prosecution failed, with the court finding the delay wasn't the DPP's fault. This long-running case, stemming from the controversial medical procurement scandal, now moves forward – a test of whether the state can finally secure accountability in a saga that has dragged on for years.
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New MMPR MPs Sworn In, Marking a More Inclusive Parliament – The 40 new Members of Parliament under the Mixed Member Proportional Representation system have been validated and registered, including women, youths, persons with disabilities, and six student representatives. Civil society and student bodies have welcomed the move, with NGOCC noting female representation now stands at 63 out of 281 seats (22.4%). This is a genuine step forward, but it remains below the SADC target of 30% – and the real test will be whether these new voices translate into substantive policy influence, not just symbolic presence.
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Tragedy in Chisamba: Two Buried Alive in Sand Collapse – Two young men, Daniel Phiri (21) and Mukuwe Mbao (26), died after a sand wall collapsed on them while mining building sand in Kamaila, Chisamba. A third colleague, Simbao Mulenga, survived and is receiving treatment. Police have launched investigations. This is a recurring tragedy – similar deaths have occurred in Kalumbila and Chingola in recent years – and it underscores the desperate conditions that drive young Zambians into unregulated, deadly informal mining.
Other Notable Stories
Economy and Agriculture:
- Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has vowed to keep inflation low, saying the government will prioritise economic stability while pivoting to growth. He promised the 2027 budget will be "growth-oriented," anchored on the Grow Zambia Agenda, with a call to "produce, produce, produce and export, export, export." The rhetoric is bold, but the details on how this will be financed remain thin.
- The government says it may tighten spending to free up resources for infrastructure, with the private sector expected to play a bigger role through PPPs, particularly on the TAZARA and Lobito corridors. This is a sensible approach, but the devil will be in the execution – and in ensuring that "tightening spending" doesn't mean cutting services for the vulnerable.
- An editorial argues that precision agriculture, driven by the national soil sampling exercise, is the future. The point is well-made: one-size-fits-all fertiliser recommendations waste money and depress yields. The challenge is turning this data into practical, accessible guidance for smallholder farmers.
Governance and Diplomacy:
- Zambia participated in the 74th Extraordinary Meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group in New York, with Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe attending. The group reaffirmed its commitment to Commonwealth values, and Zambia serves as vice chair. The statement's references to "inclusive interparty process" and "fair, timely and transparent due process" will be watched closely given domestic political tensions.
- The Catholic Church has weighed in, with Chipata Diocese Judicial Vicar Father Evans Miti urging Zambians to accept President Hichilema's victory and move forward, while calling for national reconciliation and dialogue. He also reminded citizens that Zambia must solve its own problems, not wait for the UN.
Security and Crime:
- The Drug Enforcement Commission has arrested seven suspects for drug trafficking, including one allegedly supplying illegal miners at Danger Hill Mine in Mpika. The link between drugs and informal mining is a worrying trend that deserves deeper investigation.
Business and Events:
- The 2026 Insurance Week was launched under the theme "Insurance: Facing the Future with Confidence," with a livestream drawing attention to the sector's role in protecting lives and livelihoods. It's a timely reminder of the importance of risk management in an economy aiming for rapid growth.
Key Takeaways & Watchpoints
- The HoneyBee appeal is now live: Watch for the timeline of the substantive appeal and whether the DPP can finally secure a conviction in a case that has tested public faith in the justice system. The court's ruling removes a procedural hurdle, but the legal battle is far from over.
- Social Cash Transfer theft must prompt systemic reform: The Itezhi-Tezhi arrests are welcome, but the question is whether the ministry will now conduct nationwide audits of district welfare accounts to prevent similar thefts. Beneficiaries deserve assurance that their lifeline is secure.
- The Grow Zambia Agenda needs a costed plan: With the Finance Minister promising a growth-oriented budget, watch for the 2027 budget presentation for concrete allocations to infrastructure, agriculture, and job creation. The targets are ambitious – the funding must match.
- MMPR MPs must prove their worth: The new proportional representation MPs have been sworn in, but the spotlight will be on their legislative contributions. Will they champion the Grow Zambia Agenda, or will they become passive passengers in a Parliament still dominated by party machines?