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President Hakainde Hichilema addressed concerns about Zambia’s democratic practices, stating that enforcing laws did not restrict civil liberties. His remarks followed observations from civil society and international bodies regarding shrinking civic space and politically sensitive prosecutions. Supporters highlighted institutional reforms and development initiatives. Critics pointed to selective enforcement, restrictive laws, and limited transparency, particularly on opposition rights and unreleased audit reports.
Former Defence Minister Richwell Siamunene urged President Hakainde Hichilema to discipline officials promoting tribalism after a leaked audio allegedly showed RTSA CEO Amon Mweemba favoring ethnic bias in recruitment. Siamunene said unchecked tribalism threatens national unity and undermines merit-based public service. He called for swift investigations and sanctions, stressing that leadership must serve all Zambians equally, ahead of the 2026 general elections.
President Hakainde Hichilema met hundreds of traditional leaders at Mulungushi International Conference Center, urging them to promote unity and stability. He highlighted government achievements, including restoring the rule of law, restructuring external debt, and rebuilding investor confidence. Hichilema called on chiefs to support community agriculture, foster harmony, and reinforce values of hard work, peace, and self-reliance to strengthen Zambia’s development and food security.
The government supplied at least 10 hours of electricity daily to households in low-income areas, targeting communities without alternative energy sources. Energy Minister Makozo Chikote urged higher-income residents to install rooftop solar systems to reduce grid demand. He said Zesco’s limited finances constrained power exports, though Copperbelt Energy Corporation used its network to export electricity to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) launched a K29 million consultancy to tackle pollution at Sino Metals in Chambishi, Kalulushi District. ZEMA handed the site to contractor Applied Science, which will conduct a two-month environmental assessment, including water and soil sampling, social impact analysis, and stakeholder consultations. ZEMA will monitor progress and use the findings to address public concerns over environmental damage.
A Chinese Communist Party (CPC) delegation visited Zambia to reinforce ties with the United Party for National Development (UPND). The visit follows a UPND delegation’s trip to China two months earlier and continues party-to-party and government-to-government engagement. CPC Standing Committee member Wang Linhu emphasized shared history and development cooperation, citing projects such as the TAZARA railway. The delegation is scheduled to meet UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda and Zambia’s First Deputy Speaker.
President Hakainde Hichilema swore in new ambassadors and senior policy officials, urging them to carry out their duties with diligence and accountability. The appointments included ambassadors to Ethiopia, the UAE, Russia, and South Africa, along with two Cabinet Office policy specialists. Hichilema emphasized attracting investment, expanding markets, and representing Zambia’s interests abroad, while reinforcing the country’s foreign policy priorities of peace, security, and economic development.
The government introduced education reforms, replacing content-based exams with a skills- and competence-focused model. Announced at the IAEA conference in Livingstone, the changes align with the 2025 national curriculum. Education Minister Douglas Syakalima highlighted inclusivity, fairness, and technology use. The Examinations Council of Zambia will implement the reforms to better prepare students for workforce demands and support national development.
The International Growth Centre (IGC) appointed Dr. Victoria Kwakwa as Country Director for Zambia, effective Oct. 1, 2025. A former World Bank Vice President, she will lead more than 20 research projects aligned with Zambia’s economic priorities, strengthen partnerships, and guide policy-driven research. She succeeds Shahrukh Wani, who has led the program since 2022. IGC supports Zambia in decentralization, mining, agriculture, and electrification.
