Over 500 defectors Join UPND in Chinsali

Over 500 individuals from various political affiliations in Chinsali District, Muchinga Province, have reportedly defected to the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). This significant shift in political allegiance underscores the ongoing realignment of political forces in Zambia, particularly in regions traditionally considered strongholds of other parties. The move is seen as a boost for the UPND's efforts to consolidate its presence across the country.

Source: Lusaka Times

ECZ confirms 23 presidential aspirants have paid nomination fees

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has confirmed that a significant number of 23 presidential aspirants have already paid their nomination fees in preparation for the upcoming 2026 general elections. This early surge in payments signals a potentially crowded and highly contested race for the nation's highest office, reflecting diverse political ambitions across Zambia.

Source: Lusaka Times

Why Ghana walked away from a US health deal

Ghana has reportedly halted a multi-million dollar health deal with the United States over concerns regarding the sharing of sensitive health data, particularly patient genomic information. This decision by Accra reflects a growing caution among some African nations about foreign access to their citizens' health data, a sentiment that resonates across the continent, including in Zambia. The move underscores the complex balance African governments must strike between securing vital health investments and protecting national data sovereignty.

Source: DW (English)

Am not guilty of Espionage, Nakacinda tells court.

Patriotic Front (PF) faction Secretary General Raphael Nakacinda has pleaded not guilty to espionage charges before the Lusaka High Court. This development marks a significant turn in a high-profile case that has drawn considerable attention within Zambia's political landscape. The charges stem from allegations of unlawful intelligence gathering, which Mr. Nakacinda vehemently denies.

Source: Mwebantu

President Hakainde Hichilema calls for high voter turnout.

President Hakainde Hichilema has called upon residents of Chambishi to participate in large numbers in the upcoming elections, urging them to vote for the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND). The President emphasized that victory in the August 13, 2026 general elections is not assured without strong voter engagement and support. This appeal highlights the UPND's focus on grassroots mobilization and securing a decisive mandate from the electorate.

Source: Mwebantu

Use media to campaign, UPND tells opposition

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has reportedly advised opposition parties to leverage media platforms for their campaigns, rather than resorting to street protests. This counsel suggests a shift towards more structured and accessible forms of political engagement, aligning with democratic principles of free expression.

Source: News Diggers

Dickson Jere declares Lusaka Central bid under UPND.

Prominent Zambian journalist and lawyer Dickson Jere has officially declared his intention to contest the Lusaka Central parliamentary seat under the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) banner. This move signals a significant shift for Jere from media and legal professions into active politics, aiming to represent a key urban constituency in the capital. His candidacy is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the upcoming elections within the party and the broader political landscape.

Source: Mwebantu

Is the US forcing Zambia to trade minerals for lives?

Zambia faces a critical deadline of April 30 to decide whether to grant American businesses preferential access to its vital mineral resources. This decision carries significant implications for Zambia's economic sovereignty, its burgeoning mining sector, and its international trade relations, particularly with key global powers. The move is seen as a strategic play by the United States to secure critical mineral supply chains amidst growing global competition.

Source: Al Jazeera English

Sovereignty vs. Survival: The U.S. Ultimatum on Zambia’s Minerals and Health Funding

This report examines the unprecedented 'Minerals-for-Meds' ultimatum issued by the U.S. administration, marking a sharp transition from traditional humanitarian aid to a transactional 'investment and growth paradigm.' By tying $1 billion in PEPFAR-related health funding to preferential rights over copper, cobalt, and lithium, the U.S. aims to secure global supply chains and counter Chinese influence in the region. However, this policy shift has sparked a national debate over sovereignty and survival, as health advocates warn that conditioning life-saving treatment on economic concessions could reverse decades of progress in Zambia’s fight against HIV/AIDS.

Congo, Zambia move to implement Simplified Trade Regime

Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are accelerating efforts to implement the Simplified Trade Regime (STR). This initiative aims to streamline clearance procedures for small-scale cross-border traders, ensuring they benefit from preferential trade rates. The Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, through its Principal Public Relations Officer Everness Nankala, confirmed that the two nations are operationalizing this transformative trade facilitation instrument. The STR is specifically designed to empower small-scale traders, with a particular focus on women and youth. After more than seven years of bilateral engagement and negotiations, both governments view the STR as a crucial driver for economic empowerment and improved trade relations between the two countries.

Source: Zambia: News Diggers!

Shuka Minerals drilling contractor appointed at Kabwe drilling

Shuka Minerals Plc, an African-focused mine operator, has appointed Ox Drilling Limited as the drilling contractor for the Phase 1 drilling program at the Kabwe Zinc Mine in Zambia. The program, scheduled to begin in mid-May 2026, will involve approximately 2,000 meters of diamond drilling targeting known mineralized zones around and beneath previous workings at depths of 100-500 meters. This initial phase, supported by geological consultants GeoQuest Limited, will provide data to finalize locations for a broader 10,000-meter Phase 2 program and a subsequent JORC resource and reserves upgrade later in 2026. This marks the first resource drilling at Kabwe since the 1970s. The company's objective for its 2026 exploration program is to achieve a 50% increase to the existing resource of 6.8Mt at 13.3% Zinc and 3.3% Lead, valued at an estimated US$4 billion. The program also aims to better understand the concentrations and metallurgy of Silver, Vanadium, Germanium, and Gallium as by-products.

Source: African Mining Market

Zambia: Utility commissions solar PV plant

The state-owned utility, Zambia Electricity Supply Company (Zesco), has officially commissioned a new utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. This development is located in the westernmost province of Zambia. This initiative marks a step towards diversifying Zambia's energy grid, which has historically been heavily reliant on hydropower. The commissioning of this plant contributes to the country's efforts to expand its power generation capacity and integrate more renewable energy sources.

Source: African Energy

Govt. secures carbon deal with Norway to boost solar investment

The Zambian government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, has secured a significant carbon finance deal under a bilateral agreement with Norway. This initiative aims to stimulate investment in solar energy projects by independent power producers (IPPs) across the country. The financing mechanism is designed to leverage Zambia's carbon credits to attract private sector participation in expanding its renewable energy capacity.

Source: Lusaka Times

Nakacinda pleads not guilty to amended espionage charge

Raphael Nakacinda, a prominent figure within a faction of the Patriotic Front (PF), has formally pleaded not guilty to an amended espionage charge before the Lusaka High Court. This development marks a significant turn in the high-profile legal proceedings that have captivated political observers across Zambia. The case continues to draw scrutiny as it involves a former ruling party official facing serious allegations.

Source: Lusaka Times

Pope Leo XIV arrives in Equatorial Guinea for a diplomatically challenging visit

Pope Leo XIV's recent visit to Equatorial Guinea, where he condemned the 'colonization' of minerals and the 'lust for power,' resonates deeply with Zambia's own experiences as a mineral-rich nation grappling with resource exploitation and governance challenges. His message underscores the critical need for African nations, including Zambia, to assert greater control over their natural resources for the benefit of their citizens. The Pontiff's remarks serve as a powerful call to action for ethical leadership and equitable resource management across the continent.

Source: Associated Press

Sean Tembo turned away from ECZ after arriving late to pay nomination fee

Opposition leader Sean Tembo of the Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) party was reportedly turned away from the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) offices after arriving past the official closing time of 17:00 hours. His attempt to pay the presidential nomination fee for the upcoming elections was thwarted by the closed doors, leaving his team disappointed. This incident highlights the strict adherence to deadlines by the ECZ and the logistical challenges faced by political parties during the nomination process.

Source: Lusaka Times

Muchinga UPND urges citizens to reflect on KK’s Legacy

The United Party for National Development (UPND) in Muchinga Province has called upon Zambian citizens to deeply reflect on the enduring legacy of the late first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda. This call emphasizes the importance of unity, peace, and national development, principles that Dr. Kaunda championed throughout his life and presidency. The provincial leadership believes that understanding Kaunda's contributions is crucial for fostering a cohesive and progressive Zambia.

Source: Lusaka Times

A nation built on pan-African principles faces questions about racism

Zambia, a nation that prides itself on pan-African principles and its fight against colonial rule, is confronting accusations of racism more than 60 years after gaining independence. Many Zambians report experiencing subtle, everyday discrimination that makes them feel like second-class citizens in their own country, despite the government denying that racism is a problem. These accounts include black individuals being overlooked for jobs, disregarded by landlords, and snubbed in public establishments. One man recounted an incident at a wine bar where he and his friends were told expensive wines were out of stock, only for them to be offered to a white family shortly after. Despite these challenges, there is a growing sense of optimism among some Zambians who are pleased that conversations about race are becoming more common, suggesting a potential shift towards addressing these deep-seated issues.

Source: BBC

Vice President encourages teachers to embrace entrepreneurship initiatives

Vice President Mutale Nalumango has reaffirmed the Zambian government's commitment to improving the welfare of teachers nationwide. She acknowledged the financial challenges faced by many educators and encouraged them to explore entrepreneurship initiatives to supplement their incomes and foster economic resilience. This call comes amidst ongoing efforts by the government to address teacher conditions and promote self-reliance within the public service.

Source: Lusaka Times

UPND adoptions to be merit-based, not imposed — Mufalal

The ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) has announced that its candidate selection process for the upcoming general elections will prioritize merit and grassroots recommendations over seniority or political history. This declaration, made by party official Likando Mufalali, aims to ensure that candidates truly represent the aspirations of their constituencies. The move is intended to foster internal democracy and present strong contenders across the nation.

Source: Lusaka Times

BHP eyes large-scale copper exploration in Zambia, mines ministry says

Global mining giant BHP is reportedly keen on pursuing large-scale copper exploration in Zambia, according to the country's mines ministry. This interest highlights a growing international focus on Zambia's mineral wealth, driven by surging demand for copper. Zambia, Africa's second-largest copper producer, aims to more than triple its output by 2031 and is actively seeking foreign investment to develop its largely underexplored deposits. BHP's renewed interest in Africa marks a shift, as the company had largely withdrawn from the continent since 2015, with a notable exception being its recent failed bid for Anglo American partly due to its South African operations. However, BHP recently launched exploration workshops across southern Africa, including Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, and Angola. BHP's head of global generative exploration, Campbell McCuaig, indicated that the company is targeting deeply buried or hidden large copper deposits using advanced geological methods and large-scale data analysis. He praised Zambia's efforts to expand access to geoscience data, such as airborne surveys and digitized geological records, which are crucial for attracting international investment into what remains one of the world's most prospective regions for copper.

Source: MINING.COM

Zambia Launches a Nationwide Polio Vaccination Campaign to Protect Every Child Under Five

Zambia, through its Ministry of Health and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners, has launched a nationwide polio vaccination campaign, dubbed Sub National Immunization Day (SNID), at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka. This initiative aims to vaccinate 3.7 million children under five across six provinces, utilizing the novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2), a next-generation vaccine proven effective in over 40 countries. The campaign's urgency stems from the recent detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in Lusaka, following similar detections in neighboring countries. Minister of Health Dr. Alex Katakwe emphasized the proactive nature of the campaign, urging parents and caregivers to ensure all eligible children are vaccinated, even if previously immunized, to close immunity gaps and prevent the virus from causing irreversible harm. Two additional rounds of vaccination are planned later in the year to ensure comprehensive protection. Zambia is joining other Southern African nations like Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in a regional response to combat polio. The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, as part of GPEI, are actively supporting the campaign by procuring and distributing 4,437,500 doses of polio vaccines to 116 districts and 3,500 health facilities, highlighting the collaborative effort to eradicate this debilitating disease.

Source: WHO | Regional Office for Africa

Zambia Convenes High Level Conference to Accelerate Women’s Political Participation Ahead of the 2026 Elections.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with several Zambian and international partners, recently convened a three-day High-Level Conference in Lusaka to address the underrepresentation of women in politics ahead of the 2026 General Elections. This initiative, part of UNDP’s Africa Facility for Women in Political Leadership, aims to foster evidence-based dialogue, secure political commitment, and coordinate actions to dismantle structural barriers hindering women's participation, such as patriarchal norms, gender-based violence, and limited access to campaign financing. Despite progressive policies, women in Zambia remain significantly underrepresented in decision-making roles, holding only 14% of parliamentary seats, 7.6% of councillor positions, and 17.8% of Cabinet Minister roles, despite being the majority of the population and electorate. President Hakainde Hichilema, through a speech delivered by the Minister of Justice, emphasized that inclusive governance and national advancement are impossible without women's leadership, stressing the need to dismantle barriers to their full participation. UNDP Resident Representative Dr. James Wakiaga highlighted the urgency of the conference, noting that only four years remain until the 2030 deadline for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, which include targets for gender equality and women's political empowerment. The conference seeks to accelerate progress towards these goals by fostering a more inclusive political landscape in Zambia.

Source: United Nations Development Programme

Zambia - Education, Literacy, Schools | Britannica

This Britannica article provides an overview of Zambia, focusing specifically on its education system. It is part of a broader entry covering various aspects of the country, including its land, people, economy, government, and cultural life. The content is structured with a table of contents, allowing readers to navigate through different sections like 'Education' under 'Government and society'. The article is fact-checked by Britannica Editors and written by Richard Hamilton Hobson, a former public relations officer in Lusaka, Zambia. It also offers citation options and links to external resources for further information.

Source: Britannica

DRC and Zambia listed among countries that hold most of the world’s copper

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia are significantly bolstering Africa's standing in the global copper market, driven by increasing demand for the metal. The DRC has emerged as one of the top four countries globally for copper reserves and is expanding its influence through new industrial partnerships, such as a deal involving state miner Gécamines. Zambia is also strengthening its position as a key producer, aiming to exceed one million tonnes of copper by 2026 and triple its output to three million tonnes by 2031, supported by efforts to attract international investment. Both nations are critical to future supply, anchoring production along the resource-rich Central African Copperbelt. Globally, copper reserves are highly concentrated, with Chile leading. Copper's role is evolving beyond construction to become crucial for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and AI infrastructure, leading to sharply rising demand. However, extraction is becoming more challenging, raising concerns about future supply constraints.

Source: Business Insider Africa

The Untold Story of Willie ‘Orlando’ Kunda (Part Two)

This article, part two of Willie 'Orlando' Kunda's untold story, highlights his significant contributions to Zambian football in 1965. Kunda, wearing the number nine shirt, played alongside veterans in the Rothmans’ International Trophy against Kenya, scoring once as Zambia emerged victorious. He also scored twice against the Middlesex Wanderers and another two against Uganda's Busoga, marking his final national team outing. 1965 was a stellar year for Wanderers, who reclaimed the league title and secured multiple cups, including the Heinrich Cup and the Castle Cup. Kunda was instrumental in their success, notably scoring a hat-trick in the Zambian Castle Cup final against City of Lusaka. The article culminates with Wanderers' historic Inter-Rhodesia or 'Super' Castle Cup match against City Wanderers of Salisbury. Kunda, then a 19-year-old schoolboy, scored Wanderers' second goal in a match they initially dominated, aiming to bring the coveted trophy home for good.

Source: ZamFoot

AIDS Creeps Back in Parts of Zambia, a Year After U.S. Cuts to H.I.V. Assistance

AIDS cases are resurging in parts of Zambia, particularly in areas like Mpongwe, following significant cuts to U.S. H.I.V. assistance programs. A year ago, Mpongwe saw one or two advanced H.I.V. cases per month, but now experiences dozens, with patients like Saulo Kasekela and Lewis Chifuta succumbing to advanced H.I.V. disease and opportunistic infections. The Trump administration's decision to upend the flagship global H.I.V. program during its first month in office forced Zambia to scrap crucial interventions aimed at preventing the spread of the virus and protecting vulnerable populations. While the Zambian government scrambled to maintain access to lifesaving medications, other vital aspects of the program were lost. Currently, a pared-down system operates on reduced U.S. support, and Zambia faces a looming April 30 deadline set by the Trump administration. This deadline ties future health funding to Zambia granting the U.S. expanded access to its mineral resources, potentially jeopardizing remaining H.I.V. assistance.

Source: The New York Times

10 African countries where inflation is rising fastest in 2026 amid global conflict

High inflation, indicated by rapidly increasing Consumer Price Index (CPI) levels, remains a significant economic challenge for many African nations. This persistent inflation leads to widespread price instability, diminishing consumer purchasing power and straining budgets for governments and businesses alike. Key drivers include rising costs of food, fuel, and fertilizers, exacerbated by Middle East conflicts and global supply chain disruptions. The World Bank projects Sub-Saharan Africa's growth rate to remain stagnant at 4.1% in 2026, a figure revised downward due to these inflationary pressures. The rising costs are also linked to tighter global financial conditions and geopolitical concerns. The most severe impact of this excessive inflation is the erosion of purchasing power, particularly affecting low-income households who spend a large portion of their income on necessities. This forces them to cut back on essential services like nutrition, healthcare, and education, further exacerbating poverty and hindering long-term development.

Source: Business Insider Africa

Kenya Joins Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Zambia, Uganda, and More Countries in Grappling with an Unprecedented Jet Fuel Crisis That Threatens Southern Africa’s Flight Operations

This article reports on a severe jet fuel crisis impacting several African nations, including Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Zambia, and Uganda. The widespread shortage of jet fuel poses a significant threat to flight operations across Southern Africa, indicating potential disruptions to air travel and cargo services in the region. The crisis highlights a critical challenge for the aviation sector in these countries, which could lead to increased operational costs for airlines, flight delays, cancellations, and reduced connectivity. Such disruptions could have broader economic implications, affecting tourism, trade, and regional mobility. The situation underscores the vulnerability of the aviation industry to supply chain issues and commodity price fluctuations, necessitating urgent attention from governments and stakeholders to mitigate the impact and ensure the stability of air travel infrastructure in the affected African nations.

Source: Travel And Tour World

Funders commit $1.3 billion to Zambia critical minerals rail

The Africa Finance Corp. (AFC) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have committed $500 million each, alongside Italy's $320 million, to fund a new railway project in Zambia. This $1.3 billion initial commitment will support the construction of an 830-kilometer rail line connecting Zambia's copper mines to the Angolan port of Lobito, aiming to facilitate critical mineral exports to global markets. The pan-African lender, AFC, is leading the project, which is part of the larger Lobito Corridor initiative. This railway is projected to cost up to $5 billion, with construction slated to begin this year and completion by 2030. The project is seen by the US and EU as a strategic effort to counter China's influence in Africa and secure access to vital minerals like copper and cobalt, essential for electric vehicles and defense industries. It involves refurbishing an existing line to the Democratic Republic of Congo and building a new spur into Zambia's Northwestern and Copperbelt provinces, marking the largest new rail construction in Zambia since the 1970s. Project officials expect to select an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor by July or August, with groundbreaking anticipated by early 2027. The railway is expected to reduce cargo travel time significantly and generate an economic impact of approximately $3 billion for Angola and Zambia. It aims to secure commitments for 2.5 million to 3 million tons of cargo, with 1 million tons already committed and visibility to reach 5 million tons.

Source: MINING.COM