Editor Zambia

09/06/2026

"Just as we have given a dignified funeral to Nkosi Yamakhosi Mpezeni IV, it is also our duty to give a dignified funeral to the 6th President Edgar Lungu" - President Hakainde Hichilema

09/06/2026

PHOTO FOCUS

Special Assistant to the President for legal Affairs Christopher Mundia writes below.

Bana Bahesu,

Today we are back with a very serious issue.

As we conduct our politics, let us refrain from committing serious crimes. The Penal Code Act, the Cyber Crimes Act and the State Security Act are very clear on these matters.

These offices we in public office temporarily occupy today will one day be occupied by others. Let us refrain from desecrating the sanctity of these offices in a quest to campaign for candidates of your choice through the spread of criminal disinformation and outright forgeries.

Hiding in the diaspora will not erase criminal activities now or in the future. This equally goes for those seeking high public office who are actively funding this criminality. Do not complain or feign political victimization when the long arm of the law comes knocking on your door.

"The wheels of Justice turn slowly, but grind exceedingly fine"

CM

09/06/2026

WHY GIVEN LUBINDA'S MOVE TO UPND WAS A LOGICAL POLITICAL HOMECOMING

The Editor Zambia

While people are just focusing on Given Lubinda joining the UPND, they are missing another bombshell revelation, in which Lubinda is disclosing that even Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu privately acknowledge that President Hakainde Hichilema is delivering on many fronts.

According to Lubinda, the two opposition figures are aware of the progress being recorded under the UPND administration but are unable to publicly admit it because of their own political ambitions and calculations.

This revelation further strengthens the argument that the debate is no longer about whether the government is delivering but whether some political actors are willing to acknowledge that reality openly.

If politics is ultimately about survival, relevance and aligning oneself with prevailing national realities, then Given Lubinda's decision to join the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is not only understandable but politically rational.

For years, Lubinda was one of the most loyal and resilient figures within the Patriotic Front (PF). He stood with the party during its formative years, defended it through difficult moments, and remained steadfast even after its dramatic loss of power in 2021.

Following the death of former president Edgar Chagwa Lungu, many expected Lubinda's experience, loyalty, and leadership credentials to naturally place him at the forefront of rebuilding the party.

However, events within the PF suggested otherwise.
Despite demonstrating maturity and stability during one of the party's most difficult periods, Lubinda encountered resistance from influential factions within the party.

Observers pointed to elements associated with the Chambeshi-Luangwa political grouping who reportedly viewed Lubinda with suspicion because of his mixed-race parentage.

The party has a legacy of this attitude, demonstrated when it rejected Guy Scott, who was arguably better placed to replace Michael Sata but was overlooked in favour of Edgar Lungu.

In a nation that prides itself on unity in diversity, such considerations were unfortunate and deeply retrogressive.

The tacit rejection of Lubinda by sections of the PF leadership and membership, including influential figures aligned to Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu, raised difficult questions about the future direction of the former ruling party.

If merit, competence, and loyalty could be overshadowed by questions of ancestry, then the PF risked alienating some of its most capable leaders.

Ironically, this was not the first time Lubinda faced hostility within the movement he helped build.
Long-time political observers will recall that even during the leadership of the late President Michael Sata, Lubinda was frequently treated with suspicion.

At one point, he was physically assaulted by party cadres despite being one of the party's senior leaders. His political journey within the PF was often marked by perseverance in the face of internal hostility.

The comments attributed to Lubinda, therefore, reflected more than mere political convenience. They suggested a politician who had reached certain conclusions after years of experience.

According to his remarks, Lubinda has acknowledged that the UPND administration under President Hakainde Hichilema has made significant progress in areas where PF struggled.

Among the achievements one can cite are debt restructuring, improved economic management, expanded Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations, the reduction of cadre violence, and continued efforts to combat corruption.

These are not insignificant observations.
Even some critics of the government acknowledge that Zambia's successful debt restructuring represented a major milestone after years of financial uncertainty.

The expanded CDF programme has brought unprecedented resources to local communities, while the disappearance of widespread cadreism has created a more orderly political environment compared to previous years.

In many respects, Lubinda's position mirrors that earlier taken by Miles Sampa, who has also publicly endorsed President Hichilema's leadership.

Political opponents may dismiss such endorsements as opportunism. Yet politics is often about recognising realities on the ground.
Leaders who fail to adapt to changing circumstances risk becoming prisoners of the past.

By joining the UPND, Lubinda has effectively signalled that he believes President Hichilema is steering Zambia in the right direction.

Rather than an act of betrayal, his move can be interpreted as an acknowledgement of achievements that he believes serve the national interest.

The development represents one of the most significant political realignments in recent Zambian politics.

It underscores the changing dynamics of a political landscape where former rivals increasingly find common ground on issues of governance and national development.

In politics, as in life, yesterday's opponents often become today's allies. Given Lubinda's decision to join the UPND stands as a reminder that political realities frequently triumph over old loyalties and that national interests can sometimes create unlikely partnerships.



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The Editor Zambia While people are just focusing on Given Lubinda joining the UPND, they are missing another…

08/06/2026

EDITORIAL

A Stronger Kwacha Signals Zambia’s Economic Turnaround

The continued strengthening of the Zambian Kwacha is offering encouraging evidence that the country’s economic fundamentals are improving and that reforms implemented over the past four years of United Party for National (UPND) government are beginning to produce visible results.

The local currency’s rise into the K17 range against the United States dollar is not merely a financial market event. It reflects a combination of positive developments taking place across key sectors of the economy, including mining, agriculture, public finance, and investment.

For many years, exchange-rate volatility posed serious challenges for businesses, consumers, and government planners.

A weakening currency often translated into higher prices for imported goods, increased pressure on public finances, and uncertainty for investors.

The recent appreciation of the Kwacha, therefore, represents a welcome shift toward greater economic stability.

Several factors have contributed to this performance. Foremost among them is the resurgence of the mining industry, which remains the backbone of Zambia’s export earnings.

Increased foreign exchange inflows generated through copper exports and mining-related tax contributions have strengthened the supply of dollars in the domestic market. As foreign currency availability improves, pressure on the local unit naturally eases.

The government’s efforts to attract investment into the mining sector are also beginning to bear fruit. Greater confidence among investors has supported expansion plans and renewed activity in an industry that is central to Zambia’s long-term growth ambitions.

The vision of significantly increasing copper production is no longer viewed as an aspiration alone but as a realistic target supported by policy consistency and private-sector participation.

Agriculture has emerged as another bright spot. Following a difficult period marked by drought and food security concerns, Zambia is now anticipating one of its most productive farming seasons in years.

A substantial maize harvest will not only satisfy domestic demand but could also generate export earnings from surplus production.

This development carries multiple benefits. Reduced dependence on imports preserves valuable foreign exchange reserves, while agricultural exports create additional inflows that support the local currency.

The improved outlook for farmers also stimulates rural economies and strengthens national food security.

Equally important has been the progress made in restoring confidence in Zambia’s public finances. The country’s debt management efforts have received positive recognition from both local and international stakeholders.

Measures aimed at reducing debt-related risks and improving fiscal discipline have reassured investors that Zambia is committed to responsible economic management.

Confidence remains one of the most valuable assets any economy can possess. When investors believe a country is managing its finances prudently, capital inflows increase, borrowing costs decline, and economic opportunities expand.
The recent gains enjoyed by the kwacha suggest that confidence in Zambia’s economic direction is steadily improving.

Broader economic indicators reinforce this positive picture. Growth in national output has accelerated in recent years, reflecting increased activity across multiple sectors.

Economic expansion generates jobs, supports business development, and creates a stronger platform for future prosperity.

The benefits of a stronger currency are not confined to financial institutions and investors. Ordinary citizens also stand to gain. Imported products become more affordable when the local currency appreciates, helping to ease inflationary pressures.

Businesses that depend on imported equipment and raw materials may experience lower operating costs, potentially translating into more competitive prices and increased investment.

Of course, no currency appreciation should be taken for granted. Global commodity prices, international economic conditions, and geopolitical developments continue to influence exchange-rate movements.

Zambia must, therefore, remain focused on sustaining production growth, expanding exports, and maintaining fiscal discipline.

Nevertheless, the recent performance of the kwacha provides a reason for cautious optimism. It demonstrates the importance of sound economic management and the value of strengthening productive sectors that generate foreign exchange.

The currency’s appreciation is ultimately a reflection of deeper improvements taking place within the economy. Stronger agricultural output, increased mining revenues, improved debt management, and rising investor confidence are all contributing to a more stable economic environment.

While challenges remain, the direction of travel appears encouraging. The strengthening kwacha offers a reminder that economic reforms, when consistently pursued, can deliver meaningful outcomes.

Zambia’s task now is to build upon these gains and ensure that the benefits of economic progress are felt by citizens in every part of the country.

08/06/2026

COURT HEARING OFFERS OPPORTUNITY TO FINALLY SETTLE AN UNCONVINCING CHALLENGE

The Editor Zambia

The decision by the Constitutional Court to set June 19 as the hearing date for the petition challenging President Hakainde Hichilema’s candidature is a welcome development for Zambia’s democracy and constitutional order.

More importantly, it presents an opportunity for a matter that many observers regard as lacking legal and practical merit to be conclusively determined and laid to rest.

For months, Zambians have watched as various legal and political arguments have been advanced in an effort to cast doubt on President Hichilema’s eligibility to stand in the August 13 general election.

The latest challenge, brought by UPND founder Charles Longwe, focuses on the internal processes of the ruling party and alleges that a convention should have been held before the president was adopted as the party’s candidate.

While every citizen has a constitutional right to seek legal redress and challenge decisions they believe to be unlawful, it is equally important that such actions be grounded in compelling legal arguments and supported by clear evidence.

In this instance, the petition appears unlikely to alter the political landscape or derail the electoral process.

As this publication has consistently maintained, the challenge seems more procedural than substantive. It raises questions about internal party arrangements rather than issues that directly affect the constitutional qualifications of the president to seek re-election.

For many citizens, the petition has, therefore, appeared disconnected from the pressing concerns facing the nation, including economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, and improved public service delivery.

The Constitutional Court now has an opportunity to provide clarity once and for all. A definitive ruling will not only settle the matter before the country heads to the polls but will also reinforce confidence in Zambia’s institutions.

Elections should be decided primarily by voters through the ballot box, not through a series of speculative legal battles that risk creating uncertainty without offering meaningful constitutional questions.

It is worth noting that the petition comes at a time when the country is preparing for one of its most important democratic exercises.

Political parties are mobilising supporters, candidates are presenting their manifestos, and citizens are evaluating competing visions for the future.

In such an environment, prolonged legal disputes can become distractions from the substantive debates that ought to define an election campaign.

The court hearing, therefore, provides a timely opportunity for the issue to be resolved. Whatever the outcome, Zambians deserve certainty. They deserve to know that the institutions responsible for interpreting the Constitution are functioning effectively and independently.

Equally, they deserve an electoral contest focused on policies, performance, and national development rather than endless procedural disputes.

Those seeking public office should be prepared to defend their records before the electorate. Likewise, those challenging candidates should present arguments that withstand rigorous legal scrutiny.

The strength of a democracy is measured not merely by the number of cases filed in court but by the quality and legitimacy of the issues being raised.

The June 19 hearing is likely to bring closure to a challenge that has generated considerable discussion but has yet to demonstrate a persuasive basis for overturning the Electoral Commission’s acceptance of President Hichilema’s nomination.

The nation now looks to the Constitutional Court to provide the legal certainty necessary for the country to move forward.

Ultimately, Zambia’s future will be determined not in courtrooms alone but through the collective will of its people.

As the election approaches, attention should increasingly turn toward the issues that affect ordinary citizens and the competing ideas offered by those seeking to lead the nation.

The sooner this matter is resolved, the better it will be for democratic stability, electoral certainty, and national unity.



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The Editor Zambia The decision by the Constitutional Court to set June 19 as the hearing date for…

08/06/2026

PF LEADERS SHOULD FOLLOW SAMPA'S EXAMPLE AND BACK HH

The Editor Zambia

The decision by Patriotic Front (PF) faction leader Miles Sampa to endorse President Hakainde Hichilema for a second term is one of the most significant political developments of the 2026 election campaign.

While critics may dismiss the move as political opportunism, it should instead be viewed as a refreshing display of political honesty and realism in a country where politicians rarely admit mistakes.

Sampa's endorsement is noteworthy because it comes from a man who occupied influential positions within the PF and understands both the strengths and weaknesses of the former ruling party better than most.

His recognition of the progress made under President Hichilema's administration demonstrates a willingness to place national interest above partisan loyalty.
More importantly, other PF leaders should emulate Sampa's example.

The endorsement of President Hichilema by former PF officials would amount to a tacit acknowledgement that the PF government failed Zambia in several critical areas during its decade in power.
Such an admission may be uncomfortable, but it would be an important step towards political maturity and accountability.

When the PF assumed office in 2011, Zambians had high expectations. The party promised economic transformation, job creation, and improved living standards.

While some infrastructure projects were undertaken, the later years of PF rule were characterised by mounting debt, economic instability, declining investor confidence, and increasing political tensions.

By the time the PF left office in 2021, Zambia had become the first African country during the COVID-19 era to default on its sovereign debt obligations.

The national treasury was under immense strain, inflation was rising, and many ordinary citizens were struggling with the high cost of living.

Relations between government and sections of civil society, opposition parties, and the media had also deteriorated considerably.

These are not allegations from political opponents. They are historical facts that many PF leaders privately acknowledge even if they rarely do so publicly.

In contrast, President Hichilema's administration has undertaken reforms that have fundamentally altered the country's trajectory.

The introduction of free education has enabled hundreds of thousands of children to access schooling regardless of their family's financial status.

Increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations have empowered communities to undertake local development projects previously impossible under centralised governance structures.

The government's efforts to restructure Zambia's debt have restored confidence among international lenders and investors.
Mining investments continue to flow into the country, with expansion projects creating employment opportunities and positioning Zambia to achieve ambitious copper production targets.

No government is perfect, and the current administration has faced legitimate criticism regarding the cost of living and electricity challenges.

However, fair-minded observers must acknowledge that these difficulties largely stem from structural problems inherited from previous administrations, including years of underinvestment in energy generation and the burden of unsustainable debt.

This is why Sampa's endorsement carries considerable weight. He is not speaking as a UPND official but as a former PF insider who has compared the records of the two administrations and reached a conclusion based on evidence rather than emotion.

Many PF leaders continue to campaign as though the electorate has forgotten the circumstances under which the party left office. They speak loudly about today's challenges while remaining silent about the role their own policies played in creating them.

If more PF leaders were willing to support President Hichilema, it would send a powerful message that Zambia's future is more important than partisan rivalries.
It would also demonstrate a level of political accountability that has been largely absent in the country's democratic history.

Ultimately, elections should not be contests of blind loyalty. They should be opportunities for citizens and leaders alike to evaluate performance honestly.

Miles Sampa has made his assessment. Whether one agrees with him or not, he has shown the courage to place national considerations above party dogma.

Other PF leaders should do the same. In doing so, they would not merely be endorsing President Hichilema. They would be acknowledging that Zambia deserves leadership capable of learning from past mistakes and building on present achievements.

Such an endorsement would be more than a political statement. It would be an overdue apology to the Zambian people for the shortcomings of the PF era and a commitment to support a path that many believe offers greater stability, accountability, and progress.



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The Editor Zambia The decision by Patriotic Front (PF) faction leader Miles Sampa to endorse President Hakainde Hichilema…

06/06/2026

…Kwacha performance reflects a strengthened macro-economic management, improved fiscal discipline, and renewed confidence in the country’s economic direction…

The Editor Zambia

THE Zambian Kwacha has been on a remarkable run, breaking the K18 threshold to trade at approximately K17.90 to the US Dollar on the interbank market.

The local currency has continued to strengthen against the United States dollar, entering the K17 range this week, with the Bureau De Change Association of Zambia describing the trend as sustainable, driven by positive market sentiments and not mere rhetoric.

As 2026 world’s best-performing currency, the Kwacha has breached the K18 psychological mark to begin trading within the K17 bracket for the first time since 2023.

This performance positions the Kwacha among the strongest performing currencies in the world, exerting notable pressure on the dollar.

Financial analysts say this achievement reflects a strengthened macroeconomic management, improved fiscal discipline, and renewed confidence in the country’s economic direction.

According to the experts, the appreciation of the Kwacha is not by accident, but as the result of President Hakainde Hichilema's institutional reforms that have strengthened the local currency’s performance.

Improvements in public financial management, revenue administration, and fiscal transparency have strengthened confidence in national economic governance.

The president’s reforms have enhanced predictability in policy implementation, a key factor in sustaining currency strength.

Among the factors driving this performance is President Hichilema’s policy adjustments, resulting in the stabilisation of key economic indicators.

The improved coordination of fiscal and monetary authorities has also helped rein in inflationary pressures, stabilising liquidity conditions, and restoring predictability in the foreign exchange market.

Equally, President Hichilema's policy on debt restructuring progress has played a role in restoring confidence.

By addressing external debt obligations and clarifying repayment frameworks, Zambia has reduced uncertainty among creditors and investors.

This has improved perceptions of creditworthiness and lowered risk premiums, supporting currency stability.

According to the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) website, the Kwacha was buying at K17.50 to a dollar and selling at K17.90.

Improved investor confidence stemming from Zambia's ongoing debt restructuring progress has supported the currency.

Before the UPND formed government in 2021, the Kwacha was a free fall experiencing a severe plunge, dropping from around K10 to the US Dollar in 2018 to a record low of over K22 to the dollar by mid-2021.

During the same period, foreign exchange reserves were critically low at around 1.2 billion dollars, weakening the central bank's ability to intervene.

This is what the PF Pamodzi and Tonse Alliance leaders who are hallucinating that President Hichilema has not delivered cannot stand.

June 2, 2021: $1 = K22.50
June 2, 2026: $1 = K17.50

If this is what failure looks like, then Zambians want more of it.

When the PF took office in 2011, the Zambian Kwacha traded at approximately K5 to $1 USD. By the time they exited power in August 2021, the currency had depreciated drastically, trading at over K22 to $1 USD

Annual inflation, which stood at a stable single digit (around 6-7%) in 2011, surged dramatically to a peak of 24.6% by June 2021, heavily driving up the local cost of living.

Real GDP growth collapsed from a robust 6% in 2011 down to negative growth (-2.8%) by 2020, largely due to the debt crisis, fiscal deficits, and pandemic shocks.

The PF has regrouped to come back to continue plundering national resources. The PF mismanaged the economy in their 10-year rule. The economy was ruined, and Zambians were subjected to violence.

Political commentors say anyone who served in the PF administration is unqualified to promise any good governance.



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…Kwacha performance reflects a strengthened macro-economic management, improved fiscal discipline, and renewed confidence in the country’s economic direction……

05/06/2026

Beyond Criticism, Zambia Needs an Opposition with a Clear Alternative Vision

As Zambia steadily advances toward the 2026 general elections, -only 69 days away-one undeniable reality continues to shape the country's political landscape: President Hakainde Hichilema and the United Party for National Development (UPND) remain firmly in control of the national conversation.

This is not merely because they occupy government offices. Rather, it is because they have successfully framed governance around measurable goals, economic transformation, and policy delivery.

Whether one agrees with every decision taken by the administration or not, there is little doubt that the government has consistently presented a roadmap that citizens, investors, and development partners can evaluate.

At the centre of this approach is President Hichilema's ambitious production agenda, encapsulated in the now familiar 10-10-10-5-3-1 development framework.

The targets—ranging from copper production and agricultural expansion to power generation and tourism growth—provide clear benchmarks against which progress can be measured.

Critics may challenge the practicality of achieving these objectives within the proposed timeframe, but the existence of a coherent vision itself has become one of the administration's greatest political strengths.

Unfortunately, this is where much of Zambia's opposition has struggled.

In any healthy democracy, opposition parties play a vital role in scrutinising government actions and offering alternative solutions.

However, criticism alone is never sufficient to convince voters. Citizens want to know not only what is wrong with the current administration but also what a replacement government would do differently.

Too often, opposition discourse has focused on attacking personalities rather than presenting policies. Public debates have become dominated by accusations, political insults, and attempts to exploit divisions instead of offering practical solutions to the economic challenges facing ordinary Zambians.

Such tactics may generate temporary political excitement, but they rarely inspire long-term confidence among voters seeking leadership and direction.

Meanwhile, the government continues to point to tangible programmes that directly affect people's lives. Free education has opened opportunities for thousands of learners.

University meal allowances and bursaries have been restored. The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has been significantly expanded, enabling communities across the country to undertake infrastructure and social development projects that were previously beyond reach.

Naturally, there are legitimate questions regarding implementation, efficiency, and sustainability. No government programme is beyond criticism.

Yet it remains difficult to deny that these initiatives are visible and have produced outcomes that many citizens can directly observe in their communities.

Equally significant is President Hichilema's management style. His private-sector background has brought a performance-oriented approach to public administration.

Supporters view his insistence on targets and accountability as necessary for accelerating development. Critics may see it as demanding or impatient. Nevertheless, many Zambians appear increasingly receptive to leadership that prioritises results over rhetoric.

Internationally, the administration has also strengthened Zambia's standing through debt restructuring efforts, macroeconomic reforms, and investor engagement.

These achievements have helped restore confidence among development partners and financial institutions, creating opportunities for future economic growth.

For opposition political parties, the challenge is, therefore, much deeper than simply criticising the government. They are competing against a narrative built around economic recovery, production, stability, and national development.

To succeed, they must present a credible alternative vision that speaks to the aspirations of the electorate.

The coming election should not be reduced to a contest of insults or personalities. It should be a competition of ideas, policies, and measurable plans for Zambia's future.

Voters deserve to hear competing economic blueprints, alternative growth strategies, and innovative solutions to persistent national challenges.

Democracy functions best when citizens are offered genuine choices. Until the opposition develops a coherent policy platform capable of matching or surpassing the government's development agenda, it will continue to face an uphill battle.

The lesson is simple: elections are won not merely by opposing those in power but by persuading citizens that a better and more credible alternative exists.



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Beyond Criticism, Zambia Needs an Opposition with a Clear Alternative Vision As Zambia steadily advances toward the 2026…