Zambia’s Technical Committee on Amendments to the Constitution has begun provincial consultations to gather public input on revising the Republican Constitution. The process includes submissions on electoral systems, parliamentary terms, and the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge Christopher Mushabati, the committee will visit all provinces through November 13, 2025, before submitting its final report to the government on November 26.

Opposition leader and lawyer John Sangwa accused Zambia’s ruling United Party for National Development of driving the nation into an economic and governance crisis. He said citizens are poorer than at independence, with government spending more on debt than on education and health. Sangwa also condemned the constitutional amendment process as rushed and partisan, arguing it lacks genuine consultation. He urged Zambians to demand transparent leadership and a people-driven Constitution.

Civil society groups in Zambia accuse authorities of violating religious freedoms after police stopped an overnight Christian vigil in Lusaka. The move sparked public outrage and calls for accountability. Government officials apologized and said President Hakainde Hichilema did not order the operation. They promised an inquiry into the incident. The controversy reignited debate over state interference in worship as Hichilema reaffirmed the Church’s role in national unity.

President Hakainde Hichilema announced that legislation to make free education a constitutional and legal right is ready for presentation to Parliament. He said the move would protect the policy from reversal by future governments and guarantee access for all Zambian children. Since its implementation, about 2.3 million children previously excluded from school due to financial barriers have enrolled, reflecting the program’s impact on expanding education and promoting equal opportunity.

Commerce Minister Chipoka Mulenga said producers must pass Kwacha appreciation benefits to consumers and proposed uniform prices for essential goods like fertilizer and cooking oil. He argued this would ensure lower costs amid a stronger currency and reduced inflation. However, MP Sunday Chanda cautioned that price controls would distort markets, cause shortages, and deter investment. He urged the government to address structural issues by lowering production costs, supporting local manufacturing, and reforming taxes.

Zambia has launched the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine under its national immunization program, marking a major milestone in disease control. Over 500,000 children aged six to eight months will be vaccinated in 83 high- and moderate-burden districts during the first phase. The rollout, supported by UNICEF, WHO, and Gavi, aims to reduce child deaths and complement existing malaria prevention measures. Zambia becomes the 24th country to introduce the vaccine nationwide.