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16/12/2025

BREAKING: The UPND have announced a new candidate, Morgan Muunda, for the Chawama By-election, dropping Timothy Katenga.

BILL 7 PASSES WITH JUBILATION AS DEMOCRACY TRIUMPHS There was jubilation in the National Assembly yesterday as Constitut...
16/12/2025

BILL 7 PASSES WITH JUBILATION AS DEMOCRACY TRIUMPHS

There was jubilation in the National Assembly yesterday as Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 7 passed the third reading stage with overwhelming support, securing votes from all 135 present MPs, including members from UPND, PF, and Independent representatives.

The historic moment saw Speaker Nelly Mutti lead celebrations, showcasing her excitement as she greeted MPs from across the political divide before exiting the House.

President Hakainde Hichilema hailed the passage as a victory for Zambian democracy, stating that "the greatest winners in this process are the people of Zambia and our democracy itself."

Minister of Justice Princess Kasune emphasized the Bill's significance during debate, noting that government acted on recommendations from both the National Assembly's Select Committee and the Presidential Technical Committee appointed on October 2, 2025.

"The Constitutional Amendment No. 7 of 2025 is not merely a legal document, it is a covenant with the Zambian people. It is about inclusion, fairness, representation and the strengthening of our democracy," Kasune declared, highlighting the historic nature of the moment with a female Speaker and Minister of Justice presiding over the process.

The Minister explained that the Bill addresses gaps, ambiguities, and operational challenges that have hindered constitutional implementation, making the Constitution work better for all Zambians.

PF members including Sunday Chanda, Remember Mutale, Anthony Mumba, and others joined UPND MPs in supporting the legislation, demonstrating cross-party commitment to constitutional reform.

President Hichilema called on all stakeholders to now focus on national development, urging unity across government, opposition, and civil society. "United by our shared destiny, let us reaffirm our commitment to One Zambia, One Nation, and work collectively for the progress and prosperity of our country," he stated.

The passage marks a significant milestone in Zambia's democratic journey and constitutional development.

NEW VOTERS UNABLE TO VOTE IN CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION AS ECZ USES OLD REGISTERThe Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has cl...
16/12/2025

NEW VOTERS UNABLE TO VOTE IN CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION AS ECZ USES OLD REGISTER

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has clarified that voters who registered in 2025 will not be eligible to participate in the forthcoming Chawama parliamentary by-election, as the Commission will rely on the old voters’ register.

Speaking at a stakeholder meeting on Monday, Assistant Lusaka Province Electoral Officer Charston Hamulyata stressed that only voters already captured on the old register would be allowed to vote, with the exception of those who renewed their registration this year. He urged stakeholders to clearly communicate this message to the public to avoid confusion on polling day.

Meanwhile, Assistant Lusaka District Electoral Officer Victor Kagoli assured stakeholders that the ECZ is fully prepared to conduct a free, fair and credible election. He said the by-election represents a reaffirmation of Zambia’s democratic values, adding that robust measures have been put in place to secure polling stations, ballot papers and electoral personnel. Kagoli also noted that electoral staff have undergone comprehensive training and commended the Zambia Police Service for maintaining law and order before, during and after the election.

Returning Officer Levy Lupando announced that the campaign period will run from 17 December 2025, to 14 January 2026, a day before the by-election. He added that all campaign materials must be removed within two weeks after the election and that nomination registration will take place between 09:00 and 15:15 hours, with possible extensions if candidate numbers are high.

Separately, the ECZ dismissed as false and defamatory social media allegations against Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro and ICT Director Dr Collins Kachaka, reiterating that the Commission has no role in managing parliamentary voting systems and remains committed to professionalism, transparency and its constitutional mandate.

BANK OF ZAMBIA CUTS POLICY RATE AS INFLATION DECLINESThe Bank of Zambia has reduced the Monetary Policy Rate by 25 basis...
16/12/2025

BANK OF ZAMBIA CUTS POLICY RATE AS INFLATION DECLINES

The Bank of Zambia has reduced the Monetary Policy Rate by 25 basis points to 14.25 percent, citing continued decline in inflation.

Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, BoZ Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya said the Monetary Policy Committee took into account that inflation has declined further in the third quarter, with projections indicating faster deceleration towards the lower bound of the six to eight percent target band.

Dr Kalyalya noted that inflation fell to 11.9 percent in October, inching towards the target band though still above it.

He attributed the decline to the continued appreciation of the Kwacha against major currencies and the impact of the recent bumper maize harvest, which has contributed to lower prices of maize grain and maize meal.

Inflation is forecast to average 7.6 percent in 2026 and move closer to the lower bound of the target band in 2027, averaging 6.6 percent over the first three quarters.

Dr Kalyalya revealed that Zambia's international reserves increased to $5.2 billion at the end of September, equivalent to 5.2 months of import cover, up from $4.7 billion in June.

The Kwacha appreciated by 3.1 percent against the US Dollar in the third quarter and gained a further 3.9 percent in October, mainly supported by increased foreign exchange supply from the mining sector.

The mining sector sold a net $440.5 million directly to the market in the third quarter.

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING
16/12/2025

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

16/12/2025

Morning Prayer Verse

"Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you."

- Psalm 25:5

UPND NAMES KANTHENGA AS CHAWAMA CANDIDATE AHEAD OF JANUARY BY-ELECTION The UPND has demonstrated strong grassroots confi...
15/12/2025

UPND NAMES KANTHENGA AS CHAWAMA CANDIDATE AHEAD OF JANUARY BY-ELECTION

The UPND has demonstrated strong grassroots confidence by selecting Timothy Kanthenga as its candidate for the Chawama Parliamentary Constituency by-election, signalling the party's continued momentum ahead of the 2026 general election.

The strategic appointment was announced by UPND Chairperson for Elections, Gary Nkombo, who highlighted the party's impressive track record in recent by-elections as evidence of growing public support for the UPND's development agenda.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lusaka today, Mr Nkombo expressed confidence that voters in Chawama will back the party's vision for continued progress under President Hakainde Hichilema's leadership.

Mr Kanthenga outlined an ambitious grassroots mobilisation strategy aimed at strengthening support for President Hichilema and the party's parliamentary candidates, setting a target of 100,000 votes for the President's 2026 campaign.

He emphasised the importance of unity and collective effort in delivering another electoral mandate for the UPND's transformation agenda.

The Chawama Constituency by-election is scheduled for January 15, 2026.

ZAMBIA SUGAR ANNOUNCES $132 EXPANSION PLANZambia Sugar PLC is investing $132 million in ongoing projects and plans to bo...
15/12/2025

ZAMBIA SUGAR ANNOUNCES $132 EXPANSION PLAN

Zambia Sugar PLC is investing $132 million in ongoing projects and plans to boost production from 400,000 to 500,000 metric tonnes.

Company Chief Executive Officer Oswald Magwenzi announced the expansion at the 4th Private Public Dialogue Forum on Friday, revealing that the Zambian sugar industry ranks among the world's top 10 producers.

Mr Magwenzi said the expansion would require an additional investment of between $60 million and $100 million, depending on final project specifications.

"At the International Sugar Organisation conference in London, I announced our intention to expand output to 500,000 tonnes," he said, adding that Zambia is consistently among the top 10 lowest-cost sugar producers globally.

The CEO noted that Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has challenged the industry to reach 1 million tonnes of production within five to eight years.

Mr Magwenzi said the expansion would strengthen non-traditional exports and help generate foreign exchange for the country, with significant market opportunities across the continent and region.

The production increase will include 5,000 hectares of out-grower schemes, representing separate investment beyond the $132 million in current projects.

Among the ongoing investments, Zambia Sugar has recently commissioned an $18 million falling film evaporator to increase processing capacity and is constructing a $75 million customer service facility near Mazabuka.

The company is also investing $23 million in modern irrigation systems at Nakambala.

Additionally, the Energy Regulation Board has approved the expansion of Zambia Sugar's coal generation plant from 40 megawatts to 53 megawatts, the first phase of plans to eventually reach 100 megawatts.

Mr Magwenzi said the investments demonstrate confidence from the company's board, management and parent company Associated British Foods in Zambia's economic environment.

VETERAN BROADCASTER KENNETH MADUMA DIES AFTER DECADES ON ZAMBIAN AIRWAVESFinance and National Planning Minister Situmbek...
15/12/2025

VETERAN BROADCASTER KENNETH MADUMA DIES AFTER DECADES ON ZAMBIAN AIRWAVES

Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has expressed profound sadness following the death of veteran broadcaster Kenneth Maduma, whose distinctive voice graced Zambian airwaves for decades.

In a statement released to ZNBC News, Dr Musokotwane mourned the loss of Mr Maduma, whom he characterised as an exceptional broadcaster who dedicated his career to serving the nation.

The minister said he stood alongside President Hakainde Hichilema, the grieving family, professional colleagues and all Zambians in honouring Mr Maduma's memory, speaking both personally and on behalf of his ministry's leadership and personnel.

Dr Musokotwane portrayed Mr Maduma as an unassuming yet influential figure in public service, whose daily contributions through broadcast media were often overlooked until his absence made them conspicuous.

Mr Maduma's extensive broadcasting journey took him through multiple organisations. He began at Zambia Broadcasting Services, continued through its transition to the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC), spent time at Radio Phoenix, before returning to ZNBC where he concluded his professional career.

The statement emphasised that Mr Maduma transcended the role of mere newsreader, serving instead as a guardian of public information whose composed and reliable delivery guided the nation through routine broadcasts and momentous occasions alike.

Dr Musokotwane highlighted Mr Maduma's exceptional skill in communicating government development policies with precision and professionalism, ensuring official announcements from public engagements reached citizens nationwide with their intended substance preserved.

Open Zambia would also like to send our condolences to the family of Mr Maduma at this time.

15/12/2025

131 votes for Bill 7 in Second Reading - it passes

15/12/2025

BILL 7 Day - Do you think it will pass?

EXCLUSIVE: SIKOTA INSISTED ON STUDIO VENUE FOR BILL 7 DEBATE As Minister Mulambo Haimbe and ULP President Sakwiba Sikota...
12/12/2025

EXCLUSIVE: SIKOTA INSISTED ON STUDIO VENUE FOR BILL 7 DEBATE

As Minister Mulambo Haimbe and ULP President Sakwiba Sikota face off on Diamond TV right now, Open Zambia can reveal that Mr Sikota specifically requested the debate be held in a television studio rather than before a public audience.

Sources close to the negotiations between the two legal teams indicate that Mr Sikota expressed concerns about facing a live public audience and insisted the encounter be conducted in the television studio setting with limited attendance.

The request represents a notable shift from the ULP leader's original challenge, which called for a public debate with President Hakainde Hichilema on the constitutional amendments.

According to sources familiar with the arrangements, Minister Haimbe's team had initially been open to various venue options, including university auditoriums or public halls that could accommodate civil society observers and interested citizens.

However, Mr Sikota's legal team made clear their client would only participate if the debate was held in Diamond TV's studio with a controlled audience limited to technical crew and moderators.

Minister Haimbe ultimately agreed to the studio format to ensure the debate proceeded, with government sources indicating that the substance of constitutional arguments matters more than the venue.

The development has raised questions among some observers about whether opposition figures genuinely seek public engagement or prefer controlled environments where they can manage optics more carefully.

The debate is currently airing live on Diamond TV.

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