Zambia decided against extending its current IMF-supported Extended Credit Facility and will instead pursue a new full program once the ongoing arrangement ends in January 2026. Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane said the shift reflects completion of the existing program rather than reduced reform commitment. Zambia has met all performance targets since 2022, and the successor program will focus on concluding debt restructuring while supporting growth and medium-term development priorities.

Zambian authorities said the recent performance of the kwacha reflects improved foreign currency supply driven by strong mineral export earnings, external financing inflows and better compliance with foreign exchange regulations. The Bank of Zambia cited coordinated fiscal and monetary policies, tighter liquidity management and improved market confidence as supporting factors. Officials cautioned that exchange rate movements remain sensitive to global conditions and stressed that sustained stability depends on consistent policy implementation and export performance.

Access Bank Zambia said it has disbursed more than K3 billion to about 311,000 farmers under the Farmer Input Support Program payment system administered through the Food Reserve Agency. The bank said it extended branch operating hours and strengthened systems to manage high transaction volumes, ensure timely payments, and maintain verification and audit controls. Officials said the initiative supports farmer liquidity and government agricultural financing efforts.

Zambia said that they are in talks with Power China Eco-Environmental Group to explore joint projects supporting sustainable environmental management and green energy. Discussions include a pilot waste-to-energy project, advanced incinerators to reduce waste, and potential reuse of ash for fertilizer production. The proposed cooperation also covers pollution control, land rehabilitation, and water protection, aligning with Zambia’s broader green economy and circular development goals.

Civil Society for Poverty Reduction called on the Zambian government to clarify how mining taxes paid in Chinese yuan will be valued, managed and overseen. The group acknowledged potential benefits such as reduced conversion costs and reserve diversification. However,  CSPR warned that unclear exchange-rate rules and weak safeguards could shift currency risk to the state. The group urged transparency, risk mitigation measures, and parliamentary oversight.

The Socialist Party said the People’s Pact remains an alternative framework if the Tonse Alliance fails to resolve ongoing leadership and organizational disputes. He said this ahead of Zambia’s 2026 elections. Party official Cosmas Musumali warned that prolonged infighting within opposition alliances risks weakening their credibility and voter confidence. He said the People’s Pact was designed as a cooperative, principle-based platform to prevent opposition fragmentation if instability persists.

Former Patriotic Front member Innocent Kalimanshi defected to the ruling UPND, saying more opposition members are likely to follow. Kalimanshi, previously involved in PF mobilization, apologized for misleading citizens during the PF’s time in government and urged youths to support President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of upcoming elections. The UPND also reported thousands of recent defections ahead of the Chawama by-election.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region held an extraordinary defense ministers’ meeting in Livingstone on January 10. The agenda was to address the escalating security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Defense ministers from all 12 member states were expected to coordinate a regional response, review ceasefire oversight mechanisms, and assess impacts on regional stability. Preparatory meetings of experts and defense chiefs preceded the talks.