News Digest - Monday, September 28th, 2026

President Hakainde Hichilema is pressing the pedal on the Grow Zambia Agenda, using a two-day working visit to Abu Dhabi to push Mopani Copper Mines toward the three-million-tonne copper target. Back home, the arrest and court appearance of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda over an allegedly illegally obtained ZRA vehicle has stirred public interest, while the health sector moves to fix a critical data gap on births and deaths.

Main Stories

1. HH challenges Mopani to ramp up copper production – During his Abu Dhabi visit, President Hichilema met IRH CEO Ali Rashed Alrashdi and challenged Mopani Copper Mines to unlock more copper from its extensive licence area, stressing that the mine is key to the 3 million-tonne annual target by 2031. IRH reaffirmed its commitment, and ZCCM-IH reported the highest ore mining levels in three months. The ambition is clear, but the gap between current production and the 2031 target remains vast – and the President’s call for more exploration and new techniques will need to be matched by tangible investment and timelines.

2. Archbishop Alick Banda granted bail in ZRA Hilux case – The Lusaka Magistrates’ Court granted Archbishop Alick Banda K80,000 bail in his own recognizance, with three sureties bonded at K50,000 each, and ordered him to surrender his travel documents. He pleaded not guilty to possession of property reasonably believed to be unlawfully obtained, relating to a Toyota Hilux allegedly from the Zambia Revenue Authority. The case is part of a wider investigation into 22 ZRA vehicles allegedly improperly disposed of – a saga that has already seen former ZRA commissioner general Kingsley Chanda jailed. The Archbishop’s silence during earlier questioning and the long gap between his January warn-and-caution statement and this arrest raise questions about the investigation’s pace and thoroughness.

3. HH’s UAE visit: investment push or photo opportunity? – The President arrived in Abu Dhabi for a two-day visit focused on investment, value addition, and industrial development, with a bilateral meeting, MoU signings, and a business forum on the agenda. While the trip signals a continued push for foreign capital, the real test will be whether these engagements translate into concrete, verifiable investment commitments – and whether the promised local content benefits for Zambians materialise on the ground.

Other Notable Stories

Mining and Economy: President Hichilema underscored the need for mining companies to give full effect to the Local Content law, a recurring promise that has yet to show measurable results. The meeting with IRH also touched on the need for more exploration and use of new techniques to identify additional mineral resources – a positive sign, but one that requires sustained follow-through.

Health and Data: The Zambia National Public Health Institute is implementing a Sample-Based Registration System to improve data on births, deaths, and causes of death, currently in four provinces with a report expected by end of 2026. This is a welcome step toward evidence-based planning, but the project’s success will depend on whether the data actually informs policy and resource allocation.

Sports: Zambia Air Force Commander Lt Gen Oscar Nyoni has challenged Red Arrows to aim higher after finishing second in the MTN Super League and winning the ABSA Cup. Coach Chisi Mbewe says the team is ready for the Transitional League and the CAF Confederation Cup, with midfielder Ackim Mumba targeting the golden boot. The team opens its campaign away to Mutondo Stars on October 4.

Key Takeaways & Watchpoints

• Mopani’s production numbers: Watch for concrete production figures and investment announcements from Mopani/IRH in the coming months – the President’s challenge must be backed by verifiable progress toward the 3 million-tonne target.
• Archbishop Banda trial: The court will set a trial date; watch for how the prosecution presents evidence linking the vehicle to the wider ZRA disposal scandal, and whether other individuals are charged.
• UAE MoUs and follow-through: Monitor the outcomes of the Zambia-UAE Business and Investment Forum – will the signed MoUs translate into actual projects, jobs, and local content participation?
• SRS data report: The end-of-2026 report on births and deaths from Lusaka and Southern Provinces will be a key indicator of whether the health data system is delivering usable evidence for planning.