Zambia’s opposition Tonse Alliance elected Brian Mundubile as its president and presidential candidate ahead of the August 2026 elections. Mundubile defeated Dan Pule as Tonse split into rival factions. His rise comes as the Patriotic Front remains constrained by court injunctions, potentially positioning Tonse as an alternative opposition vehicle. Mundubile must still anchor himself in a registered party to qualify for nomination.

Hakainde Hichilema urged African Union members to show stronger political will in implementing institutional reforms, calling for faster decision-making and less fragmentation. Speaking at a virtual AU summit, he stressed peace and security, stronger early warning systems, and accountability. Hichilema also highlighted intra-African trade and education as foundations for growth and stability, while leaders including William Ruto backed reform momentum.

Norway and Zambia signed a policy agreement under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to cut emissions and strengthen Zambia’s energy security. The deal allows Norway to buy up to 3.5 million tonnes of verified carbon reductions over 10 years while supporting renewable investment, including up to 300 megawatts of new solar capacity. Officials said the cooperation aligns climate goals with energy and development priorities.

President John Dramani Mahama will undertake a three-day state visit to Zambia from February 4 to 6, 2026, at the invitation of President Hakainde Hichilema. He will hold bilateral talks, address Zambia’s National Assembly, meet the Ghanaian community, and co-chair a Ghana-Zambia Business Dialogue. The visit aims to strengthen diplomatic relations, promote trade and investment, and advance cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The visit also includes Ghana-Zambia digital and fintech collaboration.

Bywell Simposya of the UPND won the Kasama Mayoral by-election, polling 17,647 votes (41%). He defeated Peter Yuda Chikweti of the FDD, who received 14,302 votes (33%). Other candidates included Aaron Zimba (CF), Kapambwe Mukuka (UPPZ), Joseph Mubanga (SP), and Mary Bukisa (NFP). A total of 42,929 votes were cast from 138,286 registered voters, with 904 ballots rejected. Despite heavy rains, the election was peaceful and credible.

The Zambian government awarded 13,685 technical education, vocational, and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) bursaries in areas including agriculture, ICT, and digital skills. Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu said bursary support has expanded despite fiscal pressures, increasing from 4,522 in 2021 to 13,685 in 2026. The awards targeted students nationwide, prioritizing female applicants, learners from rural districts, and students with disabilities. The initiative aims to enhance skills development and support economic growth.