Open Zambia

Open Zambia An organisation promoting transparency and respect for the Rule of Law in Zambia. Open Zambia Facebook terms of use.

We want this Open Zambia page to be a resource for news and updates in Zambia, but we also want this to be a place of discussion, so we need to hear from you! We want to hear why you feel transparency and respect are important. That said, Open Zambia chooses to maintain decency standards over all of its content to protect the well-being of its followers. Violations of Open Zambia’s content standards includes (but is not limited to) posting abusive comments and explicit images. Our audience includes a wide range of individuals across all ages, we request everyone take this into account went publishing content. Therefore, the Open Zambia Facebook Terms of Use are as follows:

• You must not bully, intimidate, or harass any user.
• You must not post content that: is hate speech, threatening, or pornographic; incites violence; or contains nudity or graphic or gratuitous violence. The appropriateness of all content is of the sole discretion of Open Zambia and we maintain the right to remove any content or information you post on the Open Zambia page if we believe that it violates this policy statement. Any user may vocalize their support for or interest in any entity (place, organisation, or political party), or public figure, provided that it does not violate the terms of this agreement. Open Zambia Facebook is public and as such all postings are likewise public and viewable by everyone who might see the page.

UPND SECURES VICTORY IN KASAMA MAYORAL BY-ELECTION he United Party for National Development has claimed victory in Kasam...
30/01/2026

UPND SECURES VICTORY IN KASAMA MAYORAL BY-ELECTION

he United Party for National Development has claimed victory in Kasama's mayoral by-election, with candidate Bywell Simposya winning decisively with 17,647 votes against the Forum for Democracy and Development's Peter Chikweti, who received 14,302 votes.

District Returning Officer Innocent Mutambo officially declared Mr Simposya as Kasama District's duly elected Mayor at 17:35 hours.

In his acceptance, the newly elected mayor thanked Kasama residents for their confidence and committed to delivering development programmes throughout the city.

UPND Campaign Manager Chipoka Mulenga praised voters for backing President Hakainde Hichilema's policies and his administration's agenda. Campaign team member Paul Kabuswe echoed these sentiments, expressing appreciation to Kasama residents for their support of the party.

30/01/2026

BREAKING NEWS ⚠️⚠️⚠️
The UPND has won the Kasama Mayoral by-election after its candidate, BYWELL SIMPOSYA, secured 17,647 votes.

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA URGES STRONGER AFRICAN TRADE TIES AMID ECONOMIC SUCCESSES President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the...
30/01/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA URGES STRONGER AFRICAN TRADE TIES AMID ECONOMIC SUCCESSES

President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the diplomatic corps accredited to Zambia to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment as the country positions itself as an attractive destination for international business.

Addressing diplomats at the annual greeting ceremony in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema highlighted Zambia's significant progress in economic reforms, governance and social development, emphasising that these advances are creating substantial opportunities for investors across multiple sectors.

The President acknowledged the support Zambia has received in implementing its reform agenda. "These reforms are our reforms but we are happy that we had the support of the institution called the IMF," he stated, underscoring the collaborative approach that has underpinned the country's economic transformation.

Looking ahead, President Hichilema expressed confidence in Zambia's economic trajectory. "In 2026 we are looking at well over 6% GDP growth," he announced, adding: "but we want to push to do more in 2026."

The President later joined fellow African leaders at the third session of the AU Reform Committee, chaired by President William Ruto of Kenya. Speaking about the committee's work, President Hichilema emphasised that African institutions should focus on ordinary citizens—"the mother in Mongu, the young graduate in Lusaka, the farmer in Mkushi, and families right across our continent."

He stressed that boosting intra-African trade remains essential to unlocking sustainable development, noting that Africa still trades more with external partners than within itself. President Hichilema's dual focus on domestic reforms and regional integration underscores Zambia's commitment to delivering tangible results for its citizens.

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING
30/01/2026

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

Morning Prayer Verse "Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known...
30/01/2026

Morning Prayer Verse

"Call to me and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."

- John 10: 27-28

VOTING UNDERWAY IN KASAMA MAYORAL BY-ELECTION Voting is now underway in the Kasama mayoral by-election, with polling sta...
29/01/2026

VOTING UNDERWAY IN KASAMA MAYORAL BY-ELECTION

Voting is now underway in the Kasama mayoral by-election, with polling stations across the district opening their doors to voters this morning.

A check at Kasama Boys and Kasama Primary Schools found a small number of people queuing as the polling stations opened, with more voters arriving to cast their ballots throughout the morning.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has successfully deployed polling staff to nearly all stations, though two hard-to-reach polling stations in Kasama Central Constituency experienced delays due to adverse weather conditions affecting access.

ECZ Commissioner Major General Vincent Mukanda confirmed that polling staff for the two affected stations were deployed early this morning, with those stations receiving extended voting time to compensate for the delayed opening beyond the standard 06:00 hours start time.

"The rest of the polling staff and police officers were deployed yesterday to their respective polling stations, including five located in hard-to-reach areas," General Mukanda told journalists in Kasama.

The by-election features six candidates representing different political parties vying to lead Zambia's third-largest city:

Mary Bukisa - New Focus Party (NFP)

Mukuka Kapambwe - United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ)

Joseph Mubanga - Socialist Party (SP)

Bywell Simposya - United Party for National Development (UPND), the ruling party

Peter C. Yuda - Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD)

Aaron Zimba - Citizens First (CF)

The campaign period leading up to today's vote has been largely peaceful, with General Mukanda noting that only two incidents were reported to the Commission's complaints committee throughout the campaign.

Polling is expected to continue throughout the day, with results anticipated in the coming days once counting is completed across all stations.

HICHILEMA HAILS ECONOMIC PROGRESS AS INFLATION FALLS TO SINGLE DIGITSPresident Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed continued...
29/01/2026

HICHILEMA HAILS ECONOMIC PROGRESS AS INFLATION FALLS TO SINGLE DIGITS

President Hakainde Hichilema has welcomed continued progress in Zambia's economic recovery, highlighting the kwacha's stability, declining inflation, and successful completion of the IMF's Extended Credit Facility Programme in a press release today.

For the first time since August 2023, inflation has fallen into single digits, dropping to 9.4% in January from 11.2% in December, easing pressure on household budgets.

The President thanked Zambians for their patience and resilience during the economic recovery programme, noting that results stem from prudent fiscal management and structural reforms recognised by the IMF.

The Head of State observed that the country has moved from default in 2021 to being on a path to prosperity, with four years spent implementing reforms that must now translate into jobs and improved living standards.

The IMF projects real GDP growth of 5.8% in 2026. Public debt has fallen from 112% of GDP in 2021 to a projected 78% this year, while investment has increased in social programmes including FISP, free education, CDF allocations, and university bursaries.

Lower debt service payments are freeing resources for clinics, schools, and infrastructure development.

The President acknowledged much work remains but said foundations are now in place to accelerate job creation, ensure reliable energy, and unlock opportunities for youth, urging Zambians to continue working together to build on this progress.

MUNDUBILE ELECTED TONSE ALLIANCE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATEThe Tonse Alliance has elected Brian Mundubile as its presidentia...
29/01/2026

MUNDUBILE ELECTED TONSE ALLIANCE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

The Tonse Alliance has elected Brian Mundubile as its presidential candidate for the 2026 general election, marking a significant development in Zambia's opposition politics.

Mundubile, who is also a PF presidential aspirant, takes over leadership from Apostle Dan P**e amid a split that has divided the alliance into two factions—one led by Given Lubinda and another now headed by Mundubile.

Speaking after his election on Wednesday, Mundubile called for unity among opposition forces, insisting the country cannot afford further division.

"I stand before you as a deeply humbled man to accept the high privilege you've bestowed upon me to lead this great inimitable alliance as president," Mundubile said, paying tribute to his predecessor. "Apostle P**e stood firmly against political bullying and his highest integrity guided us through this delicate process of choosing who will lead the alliance in defeating the outgoing UPND government of President Hakainde Hichilema."

Mundubile emphasized the alliance's role as a unifying force, describing it as "a convergence of different political ideologies" that creates "a unifying melody that leads us back to our nation creed and motto, 'One Zambia, One Nation'."

He extended an invitation to all Zambians, including fellow PF members, to join what he called "the real Tonse tent," warning that "there is no time to divide the country any further and sacrifice its prosperity at the altar of political egos and selfishness."

ZAMBIA SIGNS MAJOR SOLAR ENERGY DEAL WITH CHINESE FIRMS The government has signed a significant agreement with two leadi...
29/01/2026

ZAMBIA SIGNS MAJOR SOLAR ENERGY DEAL WITH CHINESE FIRMS

The government has signed a significant agreement with two leading Chinese energy companies to develop up to 1,000 megawatts of solar power capacity, marking a major step in the country's renewable energy expansion.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed at State House in the presence of President Hakainde Hichilema, bringing together China Pingmei Shenma Holding Group and LONGi Green Energy Technology. Energy Minister Makozo Chikote signed for Zambia, while LONGi's Middle East and North Africa President James Jin and Golden Sun Chairman Shi Tao represented the Chinese firms.

The agreement stems directly from President Hichilema's 2025 state visit to China, where he engaged with investors to boost Zambia's energy sector. President Hichilema called the deal "a positive development" reflecting strengthened Sino-Zambian cooperation on sustainable development.

LONGi founder Li Zhenguo praised Zambia's social stability and conducive investment climate, describing these factors as crucial to the company's long-term commitment to the country.

Minister Chikote emphasised the agreement's strategic importance, stating it would "play a pivotal role in expanding electricity generation capacity through clean and sustainable sources" while supporting economic growth and job creation.

The 1,000MW solar initiative represents a substantial addition to Zambia's energy infrastructure, which currently relies heavily on hydroelectric power. The project is expected to improve nationwide electricity access, reduce carbon emissions, and advance the government's broader strategy of diversifying the energy mix while attracting foreign investment into critical economic sectors.

Morning Prayer Verse"The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house o...
29/01/2026

Morning Prayer Verse

"The righteous thrive like a palm tree and grow like a cedar tree in Lebanon. Planted in the house of the Lord, they thrive in the courts of our God."

- Psalm 92:12-13

ZAMBIAN ECONOMY SHOWS STRONG RECOVERY AS INFLATION FALLS BELOW 10%Zambia's economic management has delivered impressive ...
28/01/2026

ZAMBIAN ECONOMY SHOWS STRONG RECOVERY AS INFLATION FALLS BELOW 10%

Zambia's economic management has delivered impressive results, with inflation dropping to 9.4% in January, the first time below 10% since 2023. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of government policies in stabilising the economy and improving living conditions for Zambians.

The figures, announced by acting Statistician-General Sheila Mudenda, reflect a significant improvement from December's 11.2%, showcasing the administration's commitment to prudent economic stewardship.

The kwacha's outstanding 16% appreciation against the dollar since December highlights the success of strategic monetary interventions, including measures to regulate foreign-currency transactions. This currency strength, combined with favorable copper market conditions, has created an environment conducive to price stability.

Zambia's mining sector continues to demonstrate its vital importance to national prosperity, with copper comprising over 70% of export earnings, reaching record prices due to global supply constraints. This positions the country advantageously for sustained revenue growth.

The government's successful engagement with international partners has yielded positive outcomes, with the IMF recently approving a $190 million disbursement and opening pathways for additional support. This international confidence reflects the credibility of Zambia's economic reforms and fiscal management.

Food inflation declined to 10.9% from 12.9%, bringing meaningful relief to household budgets, while non-food inflation eased to 7.3%. These improvements across all categories demonstrate comprehensive economic progress.

The Bank of Zambia may now extend its monetary easing cycle, potentially reducing borrowing costs and stimulating business investment. This inflation success provides the foundation for sustainable economic growth while maintaining the administration's focus on achieving the central bank's 6-8% target range.

28/01/2026

BREAKING:

The Constitutional Court throws out petition to vacate Miles Sampa's Matero seat.

Address

Lusaka

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Open Zambia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Open Zambia:

Shortcuts

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram