Checkmate 24/7

28/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HVWVcESpV/

HH Named Among World Leaders of 2025

By Joy Nyambe

President Hakainde Hichilema has been named among The Telegraph’s World Leaders of 2025, in recognition of his efforts to steer Zambia towards economic recovery and stability.

According to The Telegraph, judges on the awards panel observed that President Hichilema has led a remarkable turnaround, transforming Zambia from what was once described as an economic basket case into a model of reform and discipline.

In his four years in office, President Hichilema has demonstrated economic probity and fiscal discipline, while skilfully navigating complex geopolitical relations between Eastern and Western partners.

The publication recalls that in November 2020, Zambia became the first African nation to default on debt repayments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although recovery began, the economy was later hit by severe drought linked to El Niño, affecting agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.

Despite these challenges, Zambia is now close to completing a drawn-out debt revamp, sharply cutting repayments and giving government breathing space.

Economic growth is projected at 5.8% in 2025 and 6.4% in 2026, while the mining industry is tipped to record historic production and revenue levels.

The Telegraph further notes that President Hichilema has restored investor confidence, instituted fiscal prudence, reformed key institutions, revitalised the mining sector, and stabilised the economy.

25/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/reel/672387422506756/?app=fbl

15/12/2025

The Constitution Amendment Bill number 7 has passed the 2nd reading with a 131 Yes vote, and 3rd reading with a 135 Yes Vote. The house has adjourned sine die.

07/12/2025

About Power Trade “REEXPLAINED AGAIN”

By Dr Lubinda Haabazoka

I have been seeing on some pages people criticising power trade as theft and undermining ZESCO. Allow me, colleagues, to once more explain the principle of power trade, how it works, and why it’s important now more than ever.

What is power trade?

Power trading is the buying and selling of electricity as a commodity in wholesale markets, balancing supply and demand by trading electricity between producers, suppliers, large consumers, and traders for physical delivery or financial settlement, using various contracts (like PPAs, futures, spot) and platforms (exchanges, OTC) to manage costs, price volatility, and ensure grid stability, especially with renewables.

In short, you and I can form a company, get a licence from ERB, go and buy power from Lesotho, and sell it in Zambia or Congo or anywhere else. But for us to be able to sell the power, our grid must be a common carrier.

What is a common carrier?

In electricity markets, a common-carrier model (or “open access/common carrier” regime) means that transmission and distribution networks (the power lines and grid infrastructure) are treated as shared public infrastructure. In practice, it means that any licensed producer or supplier (subject to conditions) can use the existing grid to transmit or distribute power, regardless of who owns the network.
Meaning, you and I, as we are getting power from Lesotho, can agree with the owners of transmission lines in Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and then Zambia to help pass power through their lines to a customer, say in Northwestern Province, at a mine.

Do the owners of the transmission lines lose anything?

No, they don’t lose anything because they get paid what is known as a “wheeling fee” to use their transmission lines.
So is power trade a crime?
It’s not a crime because it helps provide grid stability, uses power efficiently, and reduces the burden of producing power by a single utility in the country.

Can any Zambian participate?

Yes, any Zambian can participate if they leave Facebook propaganda and go and form companies to also take advantage of the latest developments in our energy sector.

When did power trade start in Zambia?

The reform path was set by the introduction of the Electricity Act of 2019 (and related energy legislation), which laid the foundation for the liberalisation of the electricity sector under former President Edgar Lungu.

On 19 July 2024, under the current President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia formally adopted the Electricity (Open Access) Regulations, 2024. Under these regulations, qualified participants (independent power producers, licensed traders, or large consumers) can apply for access to the national transmission/distribution networks. Access is categorised as long-term (>5 years), medium-term (3 months–5 years), or short-term (

17/11/2025

There is a very good reason Aliko Dangote hardly talks about Africa in the negative.

29/08/2025

HH SORRY OVER THE LUNGU BURIAL IMPASSE

HH says he's sorry that the country, the World and the Lungu family has been exposed to the necessities of the Zambian legal systems over the burial of Edgar Lungu. He however clarifies that the law has to be followed.

19/08/2025

KWENYU: THE MARK OF CORRECTNESS, TRUST AND APPROVAL

By Aswell K Mwalimu

Another CiTonga word has emerged in Zambia's political landscape, shifting national thinking and public sentiments from negativity to positivity. The word is Kwenyu, ( the action of marking correctly).

Politically, Kwenyu represents correctness, trust, and approval of the current New Dawn Government's policies and the leadership. It symbolizes a new journey of showcasing the best aspects of Zambia and its people.

In 1990, the CiTonga word, Zwa ( "get out" or "away with you") was used as a collective political voice to express rejection and dissatisfaction with the then-ruling party's policies and overdue tenure. However, Kwenyu contrasts with Zwa, introducing a shift toward positivity in governance and policy implementation under the New Dawn Administration.

As Zambia embraces the concept of Kwenyu; marking correctness, trust, and approval, the people of Zambia can rally around this positive shift.

Zambia as a people ought to support positive governance encourage good policies and cultivate trust in the current leadership.

Further, Zambians must promote and strive for national excellence in all endeavors, showcasing Zambia's best aspects. We must push "One Zambia. One Nation,' from political rhetoric to productiveness!

On the social front, Kwenyu comes as a greeting to foster peace, unity and positivity. The time is right for all Zambians to channel their warmth, kindness, and brotherhood inward for our collective growth and progress.

Kwenyu is beyond a mere-word because it symbolizes a strong positive forward movement and national trust in the leadership. By embracing this spirit, Zambians can drive both the social and economic development to the flying-eagles' height.

[email protected]

31/07/2025

DEEP LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP https://www.facebook.com/100063530110557/posts/1355112363283088/

Happy 37th wedding anniversary to the one who still makes my heart skip a beat. Here’s to the quiet joys and endless shared memories we’ve built together. Love, Mutinta ❤️

04/07/2025

Moment of truth!!! A person claiming to be ECL's son speaks out on bringing the remains of his father to Zambian.

04/07/2025

Zambian Government Asserts Right to Determine Lungu’s Burial Site in SA Court

By Hannock Kasama

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has submitted to South Africa’s High Court, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, that the Zambian government has a clear right to determine the type of funeral and burial place for the late former President Edgar Lungu.

In a Supplementary Founding Affidavit, Mr. Kabesha submitted that such a right must be actualised by applying Zambian law.

He stated that the government has the right to accord the late President a state funeral, substantially identical to those given to his predecessors, in accordance with established customs, protocols, and laws of the Republic of Zambia.

He further submitted that Lusaka’s Embassy Park is the only Presidential Burial site and designated heritage site, as contained in the National Heritage Conservation Commission Act.

Mr. Kabesha said the site reinforces the public interest dimension and national symbolism attached to the burial of former Presidents.

He noted that Zambians have traditionally paid their last respects to past Heads of State through public viewings and state funerals, conducted at government expense.

Mr. Kabesha argued that the Lungu family is mistaken in asserting their right to determine the burial site and conduct of the state funeral.

He referenced the People vs. Secretary to Cabinet case involving Kaweche Kaunda, where the Lusaka High Court ruled that a state funeral is a public ceremony subject to strict protocol.

This precedent came during the burial site dispute surrounding First President Kenneth Kaunda in 2021.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kabesha submitted that the late President Edgar Lungu was never disqualified from receiving benefits under the Benefits of Former Presidents Act of 1993.

He contended that his benefits were merely suspended due to his engagement in active politics.

Upon his death, Mr. Kabesha argued, those impediments fell away, and the government acquired the right to accord him a state funeral at public expense, in line with Zambia’s customs and traditions.

He added that Lungu’s spouse and children are also entitled to his benefits, as stipulated under Section 4 of the Benefits of Former Presidents Act.

On June 25, 2025, the Pretoria High Court ordered Mr. Kabesha to file a formal repatriation application by July 3, with the Lungu family to submit a response by July 4.

This follows Mr. Kabesha’s injunction seeking to restrain the family from burying the former Head of State without government involvement.