Open Zambia

03/12/2025

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA REAFFIRMS ZERO TOLERANCE FOR CORRUPTION

President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed his administration's zero-tolerance approach to corruption, past, present, and future, as Zambia prepares for the 2026 general elections.

Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Zambia Anti-Corruption Conference at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka yesterday, President Hichilema emphasised that corruption undermines development and erodes public trust in government and national institutions.

The conference, held under the theme "Collaborative Actions for Integrity and Transparency in Elections," brought together government officials, international partners, and civil society to discuss integrity in electoral processes.

President Hichilema said there is a need to strengthen collaboration among law enforcement agencies to ensure citizens can report corruption without being exposed or threatened. He added that stolen assets must be restored to their rightful owners so recovered funds can be channeled into other sectors of the economy.

The Head of State noted that the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court demonstrates government's resolve to ensure faster and more effective prosecution of corruption and financial crimes.

President Hichilema said government will continue strengthening oversight bodies including the Anti-Corruption Commission, Financial Intelligence Centre, Office of the Auditor General, Public Protector, and Judicial Complaints Commission.

He further noted that elections must not lead to conflict, as unrest can reverse economic gains, and highlighted the need to counter misinformation on social media as an emerging threat to society.

03/12/2025

GOVERNMENT RULES OUT VOTER REGISTRATION EXTENSION

The government has dismissed calls to extend the mass voter registration exercise, saying people had sufficient time but chose to wait until the last minute.

Acting Leader of Government Business Ambrose Lufuma told Parliament on Tuesday that the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) must stick to its timelines to prepare for next year's elections.

"The Zambian people have a problem, they like last-minute exercises," Mr Lufuma said, defending the decision not to extend registration beyond the deadline.

He explained that citizens were given adequate notice - one month, then 15 days, then three additional days - but many still delayed.

According to Mr Lufuma, the ECZ recorded 1,453,462 new voter registrations by 26 November, with 769,487 women and 683,976 men signing up.

The acting government leader stressed that extending the exercise would disrupt the commission's schedule for compiling and inspecting voter registers ahead of the 13 August 2026 elections.

"We would love to extend, but we are constrained because of the timelines," he said, adding that the registers must be ready well before polling day.

Nyimba Independent MP Menyani Zulu questioned whether Mr Lufuma was in order to criticise Zambians' registration habits, but First Deputy Speaker Attractor Chisangano ruled in the minister's favour.

"What the minister was trying to emphasise is that usually in Zambia there is a tendency where people do not use the opportunity early enough," Ms Chisangano said.

Opposition MP Stephen Kampyongo had asked why the government would not consider continuous registration at provincial centres, but Mr Lufuma maintained that time had run out.

The ECZ had publicised registration schedules for all 12,156 polling stations across the country.

03/12/2025

GERMAN AMBASSADOR DISMISSES MP VISA DENIAL ALLEGATIONS

German Ambassador to Zambia Soenke Seimon has dismissed allegations that the Embassy denied 18 Zambian MPs visas.

Last week, Bwana Mkubwa MP Warren Mwambazi claimed that he and 17 other MPs were denied visas to travel to Berlin and Turkey. This then prompted the Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti to direct Jack Mwiimbu to deliver a ministerial statement today on the matter.

The German Ambassador gave an interview on Tuesday, denying the allegations and saying that the Embassy had actually issued more visas this year than in 2024. He said, "We saw the story from Parliament in the news, and we were surprised, because that is completely not true. How could we deny them visas?"

The Ambassador also said there was no record of formal applications by MPs. He said “we wish to have more parliamentarians in Germany. We want to have more business delegations, more young people.”

German Ambassador to Zambia Soenke Seimon has dismissed allegations that the Embassy denied 18 Zambian MPs visas. Last week, Bwana Mkubwa MP Warren Mwambazi claimed that he and 17 other MPs were denied visas to travel to Berlin and Turkey. This then prompted the Speaker of the National Assembly Nel

02/12/2025

BREAKING NEWS

The Constitution of Zambia Amendment Bill Number 7 of 2025 has been returned to the floor of the National Assembly.

First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Attractor Chisangano says she has received official communication from the Minister of Justice indicating that the government now wants the House to immediately resume consideration of the Bill.

02/12/2025

ZAMBIA LAUNCHES LONG ACTING HIV PREVENTION DRUG

Zambia has introduced Lenacapavir, a new long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, bringing renewed hope to young people and other vulnerable populations.

The injectable treatment provides six months of protection with a single dose for HIV-negative individuals, and will be offered free of charge to eligible Zambians—making it one of the most accessible HIV prevention tools ever available in the country.

Health Minister Elijah Muchima says the introduction of Lenacapavir marks a significant milestone in Zambia's response to the global AIDS epidemic, opening new and more effective prevention opportunities.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Muchima highlighted Lenacapavir's role in the country's 2025-2030 HIV prevention roadmap, emphasising its potential to help end AIDS by July 31 in Lusaka.

Lusaka Province Administrator and Principle Planner Angela Katontoka echoed this commitment, calling the fight against AIDS "a moral imperative" centered on dignity, justice, and the right of every person to a healthy life.

02/12/2025

ECZ WILL PROCEED WITH CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION

The Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) will proceed with a by-election in Chawama, following official notification of the parliamentary seat vacancy. ECZ Chief Electoral Officer Brown Kasaro confirmed that Speaker of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, had formally informed the commission of the vacancy.

On Friday, Speaker Mutti declared the Chawama seat vacant due to the prolonged absence of Member of Parliament Tasila Lungu and indicated she would notify ECZ. Asked on Monday whether the notification had been received, Kasaro confirmed the Speaker had officially written to the commission.

Addressing online speculation that the by-election could not be held because it is close to general elections, Kasaro clarified that both the Constitution and a Constitutional Court judgment require the commission to hold an election once notified of a vacancy. He explained that the constitutional provision preventing by-elections applies only when a vacancy occurs within 180 days of a general election, which is not the case here.

Kasaro said the date for the Chawama by-election is still under consideration. Meanwhile, ECZ announced 31 December as the date for four ward by-elections across Muchinka, Litawa, Mutondo, and Liangati wards. Nominations are set for 9 December, with campaigns running from 10 to 30 December.

02/12/2025

WHAT THE PAPERS ARE SAYING

02/12/2025

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA RECIEVES CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REPORT AS PROCESS IS ENDORSED BY STUDENTS AND CHURCH LEADERS

The Technical Committee tasked with drafting constitutional amendments has submitted its report to President Hakainde Hichilema.

Committee Vice-chairperson Landilani Banda presented the report at State House on behalf of Committee Chairperson, retired Justice Christopher Mushabati.

The President commended the committee's work, noting that no previous constitutional review commission matches the 2025 committee's achievement of collecting 11,860 submissions in just two months.

"This document is for the people. This constitution is for the people.” He added that the process must ensure the people's will is followed as the Bill is rolled out.

Dr Banda confirmed the committee carried out its mandate independently and without interference.

Students from various higher learning institutions have unanimously endorsed the ongoing constitutional amendment process. They praised the President for engaging stakeholders in dialogue to deliver an enduring constitution. University of Zambia Students Union President Kabaso Mwano said young people have given President Hichilema the mandate to take the Bill to Parliament.

The process has also received strong support from Church members. Independent Churches of Zambia representative bodies have called for the constitutional amendment process to proceed. Anglican Church Representative Father Jambai Amanze also appealed for peace to prevail throughout the process.

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02/12/2025

Morning Prayer Verse

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

- Proverbs 4:23

01/12/2025

COPPER EXPORTS UP TO K20.9 BILLION IN OCTOBER

Zambia's copper sector delivered strong results in October 2025, with export earnings from refined copper surging 31.2% to K20.8 billion, up from K15.0 billion in September.

The monthly increase reflects the country's broader momentum in copper production, which is approaching a historic milestone. Zambia is on track to exceed one million tons of copper production this year. This revival comes as global copper prices strengthen and demand accelerates, driven by the rapid expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, and power grid modernisation worldwide.

Industry analysts attribute much of this resurgence to President Hichilema's pro-business policies, which have successfully attracted fresh investment into Zambia's mining sector. The administration's approach has helped position the country to capitalise on the global energy transition, where copper plays an essential role as a critical mineral for electrification and clean energy technologies.

The October earnings data signals that Zambia's mining renaissance is translating into tangible economic benefits, with refined copper exports becoming an increasingly important revenue stream for the national economy.

Zambia's copper sector delivered strong results in October 2025, with export earnings from refined copper surging 31.2% to K20.8 billion, up from K15.0 billion in September. The monthly increase reflects the country's broader momentum in copper production, which is approaching a historic milestone.

01/12/2025

PRESIDENT HICHILEMA SEND MESSAGE FOR ADVENT

President Hakainde Hichilema has sent seasonal greetings to Christians nationwide as the country prepares to celebrate Christmas.

In a message posted on his page, the President extended special wishes to the Catholic community for a meaningful Advent Season and the beginning of the new Church calendar.

Mr Hichilema prayed that God would fill the hearts of all Zambians with hope and joy during this period of spiritual preparation.

"May God fill your hearts with hope and joy as you prepare to receive the promised Child," the President said in his message.

The Advent Season, which marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas, is a time of prayer and reflection for Christians as they prepare to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

President Hakainde Hichilema has sent seasonal greetings to Christians nationwide as the country prepares to celebrate Christmas. In a message posted on his page, the President extended special wishes to the Catholic community for a meaningful Advent Season and the beginning of the new Chu

01/12/2025

GOVERNMENT SUSPENDS TALKS WITH OASIS FORUM

Government has suspended scheduled dialogue with the Oasis Forum after accusing the civil society body of refusing to engage constructively in discussions on the country’s constitutional reform process.

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha led the Government delegation to talks that were expected to follow up on an earlier meeting held at State House on Friday, November 28, 2025, which was chaired by President Hakainde Hichilema. However, the dialogue was called off after Government officials determined that the Oasis Forum was unwilling to proceed in good faith.

According to Government, the Oasis Forum submitted a letter dated Saturday, November 29, 2025, in which it indicated it would not engage in what authorities described as “genuine dialogue.”

“As a result, Government has been left with no option but to discontinue the engagement for now, as effective dialogue requires mutual commitment and acting in good faith,” the statement said.

Government further argued that the Oasis Forum failed to identify specific clauses in the proposed constitutional amendments that it objected to and did not present alternative proposals for consideration. Authorities emphasized that meaningful dialogue requires constructive input, including clear counter-proposals rather than generalized objections.

President Hichilema reiterated his commitment to inclusive dialogue as a pillar of national unity and development. Government said it had extended a gesture of goodwill to the Oasis Forum, which it claims was not reciprocated.

Nevertheless, Government reaffirmed that dialogue remains open and that it will continue engaging other stakeholders as part of the national consultation process.

“The doors for dialogue remain open to all stakeholders, including those in the Oasis Forum,” the statement said.
Government also assured the public that all legal procedures were followed in setting up the Technical Committee tasked with leading the constitutional reform process. The Committee has since conducted consultations in all ten provinces.

Government maintains that the proposed constitutional amendments are necessary to promote equity, inclusive development and good governance.

The statement was issued by Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa.