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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.
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09/02/2026

What Kwacha Gains Mean for Zambians [story in comments]

09/02/2026

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CALLS FOR UNITY AT MINING INDABA: "WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER"

President Hakainde Hichilema has told delegates at the 2026 Mining Indaba that Africa's prosperity depends on collaboration rather than competition, as he outlined Zambia's remarkable economic turnaround.

Speaking at the premier mining conference, President Hichilema reflected on a changing global landscape, noting: "I see the world is now about who is for you and who is against you, whilst I see that we are together, we're one team."

The President, who previously attended the Indaba as a newly elected president in 2022, emphasised that the forum "truly symbolises Africa's strength and shared aspiration for prosperity and transformative partnerships."

President Hichilema pointed to concrete achievements since taking office, highlighting the rescue of Konkola Copper Mines, which was in liquidation and facing expropriation when he came to power. "Today we can say we've ended that, and the business is back in production," he declared.

The economic figures paint a striking picture of recovery. Zambia is projected to achieve 6.4% GDP growth this year, a dramatic reversal from the -2.8% recorded not long ago. Inflation is also declining.

But the president stressed that success extends beyond statistics. Mining revenues have enabled 2.3 million more children to return to school through a government programme, demonstrating how the sector's prosperity can benefit ordinary citizens.

President Hichilema argued that "the key to success does not lie with governments or mining companies" alone, but with everyone in the value chain, from contractors to suppliers.

"We are one economy, we must work together," he said, calling for a focus on "complementarity rather than the differences or competition."

The president outlined an inclusive vision for the mining sector: "When there is inclusion, there is invested interest. When there is invested interest, there is an insurance policy against negative behaviour." He wants the industry to be profitable not just for stakeholders and shareholders, but for the ordinary Zambian citizen.

As Africa grapples with its role in the global energy transition, President Hichilema reminded delegates that "Africa has a lot to offer to the world's future," urging them to recognise the continent's mineral wealth and potential.

His message was clear: working together delivers "longer term joy and success" - and despite inevitable challenges, staying focused on that success is what truly matters.

09/02/2026

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema's Wheelchair Donation Drive Reaches Mandevu

First Lady Mutinta Hichilema is continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of Zambia's differently abled citizens through her ongoing nationwide wheelchair donation initiative. The programme, designed to improve mobility, promote independence and expand access to opportunities for persons with disabilities, recently reached Mandevu Constituency in Lusaka.

The donation ceremony underscored the First Family's sustained commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities across the country. UPND Chairman General for Special Duties William Banda, who spoke at the event, emphasised that the initiative reflects a broader government effort to advance inclusivity and ensure equal participation in society for all Zambians, regardless of physical ability.

Banda reaffirmed that the government will continue collaborating with various stakeholders to strengthen support systems for persons with disabilities, recognising that mobility aids such as wheelchairs are essential tools for restoring dignity and enabling full participation in everyday life.

The gesture was warmly received at the local level, with UPND Mandevu Constituency Chairperson Hendrix Ndhlovu describing the donation as both timely and meaningful for the community.

The First Lady's wheelchair programme forms part of a wider pattern of social welfare interventions championed by the Hichilema administration, which has consistently prioritised the needs of marginalised groups. As the initiative expands to more constituencies, it continues to reinforce Zambia's commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

09/02/2026

Morning Prayer Verse

"But those who in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

- Isaiah 40:31

06/02/2026

GHANA AND ZAMBIA FORGE COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP DURING MAHAMA STATE VISIT

President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana concludes a three-day state visit to Zambia today during which the two nations agreed to elevate their bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership focused on trade, investment, and industrial cooperation.

President Mahama, accompanied by First Lady Lordina Mahama and a high-level delegation of cabinet ministers and private sector representatives, held tête-à-tête consultations and official bilateral talks with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House in Lusaka.

The two leaders identified priority areas for cooperation spanning agriculture, renewable energy, mining value addition, fintech, waste management, and skills development, with a strong emphasis on leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area.

A Zambia-Ghana Business Dialogue held during the visit yielded immediate results, with fintech transactions worth US$7 million concluded between companies from both countries and a further US$65 million in negotiations underway — deals expected to generate approximately 8,000 jobs.

Ten Memoranda of Understanding were signed covering bilateral air services, visa waivers for diplomatic and ordinary passport holders, health cooperation, defence, disaster risk management, diaspora cooperation, trade promotion, and standardisation.

President Mahama also addressed the Zambian Parliament, highlighting shared democratic values and the importance of Pan-African cooperation for peace and sustainable development.

Both presidents reaffirmed their commitment to coordination across multilateral bodies including the African Union, COMESA, the Commonwealth, and the United Nations, pledging practical, results-oriented cooperation between the two nations.

06/02/2026

Morning Prayer Verse

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

- John 4:18

05/02/2026

ZAMBIA'S ENERGY SECTOR ATTRACTS ZMW 3.74 BILLION IN NEW INVESTMENT AS ERB APPROVES 42 LICENCES

The Energy Regulation Board (ERB) has approved 42 licences and construction permits representing a total investment pledge of ZMW 3.74 billion (US$189 million), signalling sustained investor confidence in Zambia's energy sector.

The approvals, granted following a meeting of the ERB Licensing Committee on 15th January 2026, span both renewable energy and downstream petroleum subsectors, reflecting broad-based growth across the energy value chain.

In the petroleum sector, the ERB authorised the construction of three new retail service stations and approved the commissioning of four additional stations for operational use. The Board also licensed 205 petroleum transportation fuel tankers, a move expected to strengthen the national supply chain and enhance distribution capacity across the country.

The renewable energy subsector received 12 licences covering the importation, supply, maintenance, and installation of clean energy equipment and technologies. These approvals are expected to support the expansion of energy access, particularly through decentralised solutions aligned with national energy policy objectives.

All licences and permits were issued in accordance with the Energy Regulation Act No. 12 of 2019, underscoring the effectiveness of the regulatory framework in facilitating compliant and sustainable energy investments.

The scale of private sector participation reflected in the latest approvals reinforces the importance of Zambia's predictable and transparent regulatory environment in attracting investment into energy infrastructure development. The ERB said the approvals contribute directly to improved energy security and accessibility of both petroleum products and clean energy solutions nationwide.

05/02/2026

PRESIDENT MAHAMA BEGINS THREE-DAY STATE VISIT TO ZAMBIA

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama is in Zambia for a three-day State Visit aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Zambia.

President Mahama's aircraft touched down at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport at 15:00 hours on Wednesday, where he received a warm reception from President Hakainde Hichilema and First Lady Mutinta Hichilema at the Presidential Pavilion. The Ghanaian leader is accompanied by First Lady Lodina Mahama.

The visit features an extensive programme of diplomatic and economic engagements. This morning President Mahama paid tribute at the Presidential Burial Site at Embassy Park. He is now holding bilateral discussions with President Hichilema at State House. The two leaders will witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding covering key areas of cooperation between the two nations.

President Mahama is scheduled to address the National Assembly and participate in the Zambia–Ghana Business Forum, providing opportunities to strengthen commercial ties and explore new investment opportunities. The visit will also include a State Banquet held in his honour and a meeting with members of the Ghanaian diaspora community in Zambia.

This State Visit reciprocates President Hichilema's 2023 visit to Accra and reflects the growing partnership between the two West and Southern African nations. Both countries are committed to expanding collaboration in trade, agriculture, education and regional integration.

President Mahama is scheduled to conclude his visit and depart Zambia on Friday, February 6, 2026.

05/02/2026

ZAMBIA RECORDS 21.6% REDUCTION IN GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CASES

Zambia recorded 9,707 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases between September and December 2025, representing a 21.6 percent decrease from the 12,378 cases reported during the same period in 2024.

However, Zambia Police Service Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi revealed that sexual abuse cases increased to 1,022 from 968 the previous year, marking a 5.6 percent rise.

"Of the cases recorded, 6,796 were criminal in nature, while 2,911 were non-criminal," Chilabi stated in a Wednesday announcement.

Lusaka Province recorded the highest number of criminal GBV cases with 1,483 incidents, representing 22 percent of the national total, followed by Luapula with 1,055 cases and Western Province with 849 cases.

Women and girls remained the most affected, accounting for 79.1 percent of all victims. A total of 2,716 children were reported abused during this period, with 1,571 girls and 456 boys affected in criminal cases.

Physical abuse remained the most prevalent form of GBV with 3,689 cases, including 3,076 cases of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. Child defilement cases totalled 689, with girls representing most victims.

"The Fourth Quarter of 2025 shows a decline in overall GBV cases, indicating progress in prevention and response efforts," Chilabi stated, though he noted concerns about rising sexual and economic abuse cases.

During the period, 7,957 victims and offenders received professional counselling from the Victim Support Unit.

05/02/2026

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

05/02/2026

Morning Prayer Verse

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

- Revelation 21:4

04/02/2026

ZAMBIA SETS SIGHTS ON 10,000MW POWER GENERATION TARGET

President Hakainde Hichilema has unveiled an ambitious plan to nearly triple Zambia's electricity generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts, positioning the country as a key player in Africa's regional power market.

Speaking at the Continental Energy and Infrastructure Investment Forum in Lusaka, President Hichilema outlined how Zambia will scale up from its current 3,500MW through a diversified energy strategy combining hydroelectric, solar, and clean thermal power sources.

The expansion programme includes three gigawatts from clean coal technologies, alongside significant solar generation growth. A net metering system will allow households and small businesses to sell excess electricity back to the national grid, creating new income opportunities for Zambians whilst supporting energy security.

The President emphasised that this generation expansion forms part of a broader vision to establish a single African power market, enabling cross-border electricity trade across the continent.

This power sector transformation addresses Zambia's recurring energy challenges whilst positioning the country as a regional energy hub. The diversified approach reduces reliance on hydroelectric power alone, offering greater resilience against climate variability.

The announcement signals government commitment to infrastructure investment as a foundation for economic growth and industrialisation across multiple sectors of the Zambian economy.

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