Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema attended the inauguration of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan after a disputed election that triggered deadly protests and an internet blackout. Hassan won almost 98 percent of the vote, with the main opposition barred and international groups reporting violence and arrests. Hichilema urged Tanzanians to avoid street protests and resolve disputes through democratic channels, stressing that peace and stability are essential for development and regional cooperation.

ZESCO has further reduced electricity supply for households to as little as two to three hours per day, citing severe pressure on domestic generation and limited access to regional power imports. The utility said the strain on the interconnected grid has forced unplanned adjustments to load-shedding schedules to protect the system. ZESCO pledged to stabilize supply and urged the public to report outages and support efforts to curb infrastructure vandalism.

The African Development Bank approved a $14.54 million financing package for the Garneton North 20-megawatt solar project in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. The $24.5 million project will connect to the national grid under a 25-year power purchase agreement with Zesco. It is expected to supply clean electricity to 82,000 people and cut nearly 59,000 tons of CO₂ annually. It forms part of Zambia’s GETFiT program and Mission 300 push to expand renewable capacity and improve energy security.

Chief Machiya has urged Bemba-speaking citizens to evaluate Bill 7 clause by clause rather than reject it entirely. He said some proposals in the constitutional amendment package may offer national benefits and should be preserved, even if other sections are contested. The Chief encouraged constructive public engagement and called for a balanced approach that supports useful reforms while addressing concerns. He argued that selective retention can strengthen governance and promote informed debate.

The government has released K3 billion to clear Food Reserve Agency arrears for the 2025 marketing season. Verified farmers can expect to be paid by early next week. Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri said more than K2 billion has already been disbursed and the balance will be resolved through structured financing. FRA has bought over 1.6 million tonnes of maize after a bumper harvest. Officials say the payments will support rural liquidity ahead of planting.

Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said government has started talks with betting companies after some firms suspended parts of their operations in response to a new 10 percent excise tax on betting. He said the tax aims to curb gambling-related social harm, especially among youth, while still supporting industry growth and revenue needs. Musokotwane noted that consultations will guide possible policy adjustments and help balance public welfare with economic interests.

Zambia’s Energy Regulation Board cut fuel prices for November 2025 after its monthly review. Petrol dropped to K30.26 per liter, diesel to K28.30, and kerosene to K27.17. The regulator said lower international refined fuel prices and a favorable kwacha exchange rate reduced import costs. It added that monthly reviews remain the standard tool for aligning domestic pump prices with global trends and pledged continued monitoring of market conditions.

Zambia advanced its trade ties with the Democratic Republic of Congo as the government supported the first shipment of 40 metric tonnes of beef to the DRC, part of efforts to diversify exports and grow regional trade. Officials emphasized the DRC’s role as a key partner, with Zambian exports exceeding $1.2 billion in 2024. At a trade mission launch, leaders urged businesses to deepen cooperation, pursue joint ventures, and use corridors like Lobito to expand market access.

Zambia and the European Union will host the EU–Zambia Lobito Corridor Business Forum in Lusaka to attract more than 300 businesses and investors. The event aims to mobilize grants, loans, and private capital for projects that expand trade, transport links, and value chains along the Lobito Corridor. Officials say the forum will promote investment in agriculture, energy, and mining while supporting economic diversification, renewable energy, and climate-smart development aligned with ESG standards.