Zambia

The recent passing of Edgar Lungu, former president of Zambia, at the age of 68, has ignited a tumult of emotions and disagreements regarding his funeral arrangements. This multifaceted situation has left many baffled, particularly as it highlights a broader narrative of division between his family, political party—the Patriotic Front (PF)—and the current government. At the core of the controversy is the location and nature of Lungu's final send-off. The government, seeking to honor his legacy with a state funeral at an…

Zambia has embarked on a promising journey towards economic recovery, with projections indicating a growth rate of at least 6% this year. This significant expansion, the most robust since 2021, reflects the hopeful aspirations of many in the nation, as shared by Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane during a recent Bloomberg Africa Business Media Innovators conference. Musokotwane attributes this rebound to two pivotal factors: improved rainfall and a notable increase in copper production. Earlier in the year, he…

Unlocking Potential: Zambia's Electric Vehicle Initiative Zambia is embarking on an ambitious journey to engage with automakers, specifically aiming to attract electric vehicle (EV) component manufacturers. The idea is simple yet profound: establish production plants near the country’s rich copper mining sites. Why is this important? Copper is a critical raw material integral to electric vehicle engines, and Zambia, as Africa’s second-largest copper producer, is positioning itself as a vital player in the EV supply chain.…

Former President Edgar Lungu has passed away at the age of 68 while receiving medical care in South Africa. His untimely departure has cast a pall over the nation, igniting a flurry of emotions among citizens who once rallied behind his leadership. Lungu ascended to the presidency in 2015, taking the helm as Zambia's sixth head of state. His tenure was characterized by ambitious infrastructure developments, from sweeping road projects to new schools and hospitals. Yet, it was also a time when Zambia's financial burdens…

In a stark shift in its foreign aid strategy, the United States has decided to withhold $50 million in health assistance to Zambia. This decision stems from the alarming issue of "systematic theft" of donated drugs and medical supplies within the country. What does this mean for those in dire need of medical support? U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, Michael Gonzales, expressed the gravity of this choice. He described it as a "difficult" but necessary step after countless warnings to the Zambian government about the importance of…

The Future of Hydropower: A Bold Move by Zambia and Zimbabwe In an ambitious turn of events, Zambia and Zimbabwe are reigniting efforts to attract investment for the long-stalled $5 billion Batoka Gorge hydropower project. At the heart of this renewed interest lies a controversial proposal to source water from the Democratic Republic of Congo, a concept that has sparked myriad discussions, both for its potential and its implications. The Zambezi River Authority, a collaborative agency formed by the two…

March 2025 marked a notable shift in Zambia’s economic course that hadn’t been seen since the summer of 2023. It's during times like these that we wonder, what drives such change? How do such economic metrics speak to the lived experiences of individuals? In an unexpected twist, the annual inflation rate in Zambia slipped to 16.5% this month, moving slightly down from February's mark of 16.8%. Even a small dip can make the headlines, stirring hopes and speculation.…

In a significant gathering recently held in Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, leaders from various African air forces came together with a unified purpose: to bolster military aviation across national boundaries. The discussions primarily revolved around the increasingly complex dynamics of humanitarian crises and the essential role of disaster relief in addressing these challenges. As the world faces an array of trials—natural disasters, conflict, and pandemics—the discourse turned to how coordinated military efforts can serve…

A collaborative effort among various firms has welcomed the arrival of the initial set of 275 container wagons, designed to boost the transport capabilities of the Lobito Corridor project. This ambitious railway initiative stretches from Angola's Lobito port, reaching into the Democratic Republic of Congo and extending to Zambia. Unveiled in 2023 as part of the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, this corridor is backed by both the United States and the European Union. Once fully operational, it…

President Hakainde Hichilema has made a bold move by terminating the appointments of three prominent judges: Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda. These findings are especially notable given that he had previously suspended them over accusations of judicial misconduct. This action has ignited fresh allegations suggesting a potential encroachment of political influence into the realm of justice. Digging a bit into the past, it’s important to note that back in 2016, these very judges were…